Notre Dame MBA Deferred Admission Program

Secure Your Future, Start Today.

Our MBA Deferred Admission Program allows exceptional undergraduate and early-career candidates the chance to secure their spot in the Notre Dame MBA while gaining the professional experience employers expect. Apply during your senior year of your undergraduate studies (or within two years post-graduation), work for 2–5 years, and join a purpose-driven, high-impact MBA experience when you’re ready.

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What Is Deferred Admission?

Deferred admission allows college seniors or recent graduates with limited experience to apply early—before meeting the typical work requirements of a traditional MBA program.

Notre Dame’s MBA Deferred Admission Program offers high-potential candidates the chance to apply during their senior year or up to two years post-graduation, then gain 2–5 years of work experience before enrolling.

By applying now, you can:

Secure early admission to a future Notre Dame MBA cohort and gain peace of mind as you launch your career
Position yourself for post-MBA success by building relevant work experience that top employers value
Engage with Mendoza through dedicated support, mentorship, and leadership development resources during your deferral
Complete your GMAT or GRE now while your academic skills are still fresh and test-taking habits are second nature

Who Can Apply

This program is designed for current college seniors and recent graduates who are motivated and ready to plan ahead for their future.

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

Hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree (or be on track to graduate in the current academic year)
Are U.S. citizens or international students educated in the U.S.
Can demonstrate full-time employment and continuous work experience during the deferral period

How It Works

An illustration of how deferred admission works. Arrows pointing to the right starting with Apply now, get admitted, work and grow, and finally start your MBA.

Application Timeline

The MBA Deferred Admission Program allows you to gain professional experience before beginning your MBA. The deferral period ranges from 1 to 5 years, depending on your work experience at admission.

Round	Application Deadline	Decision Release	Confirmation Deadline (typically 30 days)
Early Action	Sept. 10, 2026	Oct. 16, 2026	Nov. 16, 2026
Round 1	Oct. 20, 2026	Dec. 11, 2026	Jan. 11, 2027
Round 2	Jan. 7, 2027	Mar. 5, 2027	Apr. 5, 2027
Round 3	Mar. 17, 2027	Apr. 30, 2027	May 30, 2027

Additional Details

Application Requirements

GMAT or GRE scores (waivers considered for qualified Notre Dame undergraduates, applicants with strong internships or post-graduation employment, and those graduating with Latin honors. If you have questions about your unique profile, please email mba.business@nd.edu.)
Competitive GPA (3.4+ recommended)
Resume with internship or early career experience
Written Statement: How does an MBA fit into your career journey?
Demonstrated leadership experience and commitment to Notre Dame’s mission
Proof of employment (or offer letter); applications may be submitted without this material, but will be considered incomplete until it is received.
1 Letter of Recommendation

Scholarship Information

Students admitted through the Notre Dame MBA Deferred Admission Program will receive an early scholarship award at the time of admission. Your scholarship will be reassessed at matriculation, with a guarantee that your final award will be equal to or greater than your initial offer.

Application Fees & Deposits

Applicants to into the Notre Dame MBA Deferred Admission Program should be aware of the following costs and commitments required to secure their place in a future cohort:

Application Fee: $50 (waived for Notre Dame undergrads and alumni)
First-Year Deposit: $500 due at the time of admission to secure your place in the program.
Ongoing Commitment: An additional $500 deposit is due annually to maintain your place in the program.
Deposit at Matriculation: $2,000 deposit due the fall before you join the program.

What to Expect During Deferral

We’re committed to supporting your growth—before and after you arrive on campus. During your deferral period, you’ll stay connected and engaged with the Notre Dame MBA community through:

A dedicated admissions contact
Access to a professional development portal (leadership skill-building, career tools)
Annual fall check-ins with admissions and career staff
Invitations to campus events and exclusive visit opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions

QIs the program only for Notre Dame students?

No. While ND undergrads are encouraged to apply, the program is open to all eligible students with U.S. bachelor’s degrees.

QHow long can I defer?

1–5 years. Notre Dame MBA students typically enter the program with 3-5 years of work experience, having gained valuable industry knowledge, experience employers desire, and a well-defined vision for their post MBA careers. You’ll work with admissions to determine the right year to join our community.