University of Notre Dame vs University of California, Irvine: Complete Comparison 2026
Side-by-side look at University of Notre Dame and University of California, Irvine: QS 2026 ranks 294 vs 293. Acceptance, tuition, language tests, and typical…
→ University of Notre Dame profile → University of California, Irvine profile
Summary comparison
Figures come from the GlobalAdmit dataset — always confirm on each university’s official admissions site.
| Metric | University of Notre Dame | University of California, Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| QS rank 2026 | 294 | 293 |
| Location | Notre Dame, US 🇺🇸 | Irvine, US 🇺🇸 |
| Tier | top300 | top300 |
| Acceptance rate | — | — |
| Tuition (intl / yr) | — | — |
| Testing policy (US HS notes) | Holistic review with high school transcript, rigour, and essays; test-optional policies vary by cycle and programme. | Holistic review with high school transcript, rigour, and essays; test-optional policies vary by cycle and programme. |
| Standardised test (mid / range) | — | — |
| Language (summary) | — | — |
| IB typical | IB Diploma with HL coursework considered for credit and placement where published. | IB Diploma with HL coursework considered for credit and placement where published. |
| A-Level typical | A-levels evaluated alongside English proficiency; subject prerequisites for STEM majors. | A-levels evaluated alongside English proficiency; subject prerequisites for STEM majors. |
| Notable programmes | — | — |
Strengths
University of Notre Dame
- Deep ties to US graduate training, recruiting, and industry hubs.
- Distinct academic brand and a global alumni footprint.
- Distinct academic brand and a global alumni footprint.
University of California, Irvine
- Deep ties to US graduate training, recruiting, and industry hubs.
- Distinct academic brand and a global alumni footprint.
- Distinct academic brand and a global alumni footprint.
Popular majors (overlap)
Where both profiles list the same popular major label (case-insensitive).
No overlapping popular-major labels in our dataset yet — open each profile for subject-level detail.
Which is right for you?
If rankings are your north star
University of California, Irvine sits higher in QS 2026 (293 vs 294). That often correlates with research intensity and global name recognition — but University of Notre Dame can still win on programme fit, city, or cost.
If you are coming from IB / A-Levels / US high school
Compare the admission tabs on each profile: University of Notre Dame vs University of California, Irvine can invert depending on whether you are optimising for IB typical offers, A-level expectations, or US-style testing. Use the evaluator after you narrow your list.