Stanford University Admissions
Stanford University offers enrollment in the fall term only, they do not offer Winter or Spring Quarter enrollment to international students. Stanford acceptance rate is only 5%, showing a very competitive selection process. The university prefers applicants who demonstrate strong academic achievement through high GPA, test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Programs:
- Aim for a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- For international applicants, a GPA between 3.7 and 3.9 (93-99%) is recommended to strengthen your application.
Undergraduate Programs:
- While there is no official minimum GPA requirement, a GPA of around 4.18 is suggested for Indian students to be competitive.
- Additionally, high standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are important in the admissions process.
Application Fee | UG: 90 USD MBA: 275 USD |
Acceptance Rate | 5% |
ELP Tests Accepted | TOEFL for graduate programs |
Standardized Test Scores (PG) | |
International Application Deadlines | UG:
PG: Varies by program |
Stanford University Admission Requirements for Graduate Programs
Stanford University has about 150 graduate programs in all seven of Stanford’s schools: Business; Doerr School of Sustainability; Education; Engineering; Humanities and Sciences; Law; and Medicine. International students seeking graduate degrees at Stanford University will have to fulfill the following general admission requirements set by the university.
- 4 year bachelor’s degree or 3 year’s bachelors+ 2 years master’s degree
- GPA required: 3.5 GPA (90%)
- Interview (for some programs)
- TOEFL iBT Score of 100+
- Standardized Testing:
- GRE- 161 (Quant) & 162 (Verbal)
- GMAT- 650+
Documents Checklist
- 2 Essay questions (500 words)
- Statement of Purpose
- 2-3 Letter of Recommendation
- Resume
Stanford University Graduate Program Requirements
The following table will give details about the specific admission requirements for international students seeking admission at Stanford University:| Programs | Academic Qualifications | GPA Requirement | Document Checklist |
| MBA | Bachelor’s degree with | 3.77 GPA or 95% (Avg) | 2 LORs | Personal Statement (200 words)| 2 Essays | Short Questions |
| MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering | 4 year Bachelor’s degree in any field | No Minimum GPA Required | SOP (1-3 pages or 1000 words) | 3 LORs | Resume/CV |
| MS in Computer Science | Bachelor’s degree with Strong quantitative and analytical skills | 3.5/4.0 | SOP | 3 LORs | Resume | Supplemental Application Form |
| MS in Mechanical Engineering | Bachelor’s degree with Strong quantitative and analytical skills | 3.0/4.0 | SOP | 3 LORs | Resume/CV | Supplementary Information form | |
| MS in Electrical Engineering | Four-year bachelor’s degree with a very strong background in math, physics, computer science, or engineering. | 3.0/4.0 | Transcripts | SOP (1-3 pages) | 3 LORs | Resume |
| MS in Aeronautics and Astronautics | Bachelor’s degree with Strong quantitative and analytical skills | 2.75/4.0 | 3 LORs | SOP |
Stanford University Admission requirements for Undergraduate Programs
Stanford University offers 66 major fields of undergraduate study to international as well as domestic students. Approximately 7,800 undergraduate students attend Stanford. International students seeking undergraduate degrees at Stanford University will have to fulfill the following general admission requirements set by the university.
Stanford University Eligibility | Documents Checklist |
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Stanford University Application Deadlines
Undergraduate Admission Deadlines
All undergraduate programs have the same deadline for all of its programs. International students have to fill and submit their application before the following application deadline:| Event | Early Action | Regular Decision |
| Stanford Deadlines | November 1, 2024 | January 5, 2025 |
| Notification for Missing Documents | Mid-November | Mid-February |
| Decision Dates | Mid-December | Early April |
| Admission Confirmation Deadlines | May 1, 2025 | May 1, 2025 |
Stanford University Selection Criteria
Stanford University is a highly competitive school with a 5% acceptance rate. Stanford University uses a holistic admissions process, meaning they evaluate applicants based on a variety of factors beyond just academic performance. There factors include:
- Academic Achievement
- Volunteering/extracurricular involvement
- Unique achievement
- Genuine interest to study at Stanford
- Commitment to school
- Geographic residence & ethnic status
- Full-time work experience
- Essays
- LORs from faculty or counselor
- Character/personal qualities
- Interview
Admissions at Stanford University are highly competitive, as the Stanford acceptance rate has consistently been recorded below 5%. The university not only considers Stanford University requirements for international students, such as high GPA but also looks for candidates who demonstrate other qualities such as leadership and analytical skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get admission to Stanford University from India?
Stanford University’s eligibility for Indian students is similar to domestic applicants. However, international students are also required to provide English test scores and immigration documents for admission.
The overall admission requirements for international students applying in UG or PG level at Stanford are as follows:
| Requirements | Undergraduate Admissions | Graduate Admissions |
| Application Fees | 90 USD | 125 USD |
| Academic Requirements | No minimum requirements | 3.5 GPA or above |
| English Language Test Scores | TOEFL IBT score of 100+ | TOEFL IBT score of 100 |
| GMAT Scores | SAT: 1440-1570 | ACT: 34-35 | GRE: 161 (Quant) and 162 (Verbal) | GMAT: 650+ |
| Documents Checklist | QnA (50 words each) | 3 Essays (100-250 words) | 2 LORs | Resume | Essay questions | SOP | 2-3 LOR | Resume |
How to get admission in Stanford University after 12th?
If you’ve just finished 12th grade, you’re applying for undergraduate programs. Stanford expects exceptional academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and a strong personal statement. The acceptance rate is extremely low, so be prepared for a challenging application process. Take the following steps to get into Stanford University after 12th:
- Maintain a high GPA throughout high school.
- Take challenging courses, such as AP or IB classes.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in your chosen field of study.
- Prepare for and take the SAT or ACT
- Demonstrate leadership, passion, and commitment through involvement in clubs, sports, or community service.
- Choose activities that align with your interests and values.
What time do Stanford decisions come out?
Stanford University announces decisions for Master’s degree in Early March and for PhD in Early April. Decisions for undergraduate admissions are issued on the following dates:
| Decision Type | Decision Dates |
| Early Action | Mid-December |
| Regular Decision | Early April |
What is the criteria to get into Stanford?
Stanford University is a highly competitive school with a 5% acceptance rate. Stanford University uses a holistic admissions process, meaning they evaluate applicants based on a variety of factors beyond just academic performance. International students seeking graduate students graduate admission must have a GPA of 3.5. For undergraduate admissions the average GPA of admitted students is 3.96. To be competitive, applicants should aim for a GPA as close to 4.0 as possible.
Is it difficult to get admission in Stanford University?
Stanford University is one of the most selective universities in the world, with an acceptance rate of around 5% for the class of 2024.
How many Indians go to Stanford every year?
Every year, almost 500 Indian students are enrolled across all seven schools at Stanford University, covering a wide range of fields of study.
