Country view-icon 186 Views

How To Get Into Stanford University

  • April 22, 2025
  • 6 minutes
Admitix Editorial Team

Dreaming of Stanford University? You’re in excellent company.

How To Get Into Stanford University

Why Choose Stanford University?

Here’s why students across the world dream of studying at Stanford:

FeatureDetails
Global Ranking5th worldwide (QS 2025)
Student PopulationOver 17,000 (UG + PG)
CampusCalifornia, USA – near San Francisco and Silicon Valley
Ivy League EquivalentNot Ivy League but even more selective in some areas
Graduate EmployabilityAmong the highest worldwide – especially in tech, business, & academia
Notable AlumniElon Musk (dropout), Larry Page, Sundar Pichai, Reese Witherspoon, Peter Thiel

Entry Requirements for International Students

Stanford admits students from all over the world and uses a holistic review process. Academic excellence, essays, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation are key components.

Undergraduate Programs at Stanford University

RequirementDetails
Academic Qualification90–95%+ in Class XII or equivalent
English ProficiencyTOEFL iBT 100+ / IELTS 7.0+ (recommended)
Standardized TestsSAT/ACT: Test-optional policy in place (check current year updates)
Essays & RecommendationsCommon App + Stanford-specific essays + 2 teacher LORs
Extracurricular ProfileLeadership, innovation, awards, community involvement are highly valued

Postgraduate Programs at Stanford University

RequirementDetails
Academic QualificationBachelor’s degree with First Class (75–85%+)
English ProficiencyTOEFL iBT 100+ / IELTS 7.5+
GRE/GMATRequired for some programs (e.g., MS, MBA, PhD – varies by department)
Work ExperienceNeeded for certain programs (e.g., MBA at Stanford GSB)
Statement of PurposeRequired for almost all PG applications

Application Process to Stanford University

StepDetails
Research ProgramsExplore programs across seven Stanford schools
Prepare DocumentsTranscripts, essays, test scores, SOPs, LORs, CV, passport copy
Apply OnlineUG via Common App / PG via departmental portals
Application Fee$90 (UG) / varies for PG programs
InterviewNot required for all – may be optional or program-specific
DecisionUG in April / PG timelines vary
Visa ProcessStart after receiving I-20 and confirming admission

Required Documents Checklist

DocumentUndergraduatePostgraduate
Academic TranscriptsYesYes
Personal Statement/EssaysYesYes (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation22–3
English Test ScoresYesYes
Passport CopyYesYes
Resume/CVOptionalOften Required
PortfolioFor design/artsRequired for specific creative fields

Key Deadlines at Stanford University

IntakeApplication OpensDeadline
Fall Intake (UG)August (previous year)Nov 1 (Restrictive EA) / Jan 5 (RD)
Fall Intake (PG)Varies by programTypically Dec–Jan

Important Dates for 2025 Entry

EventDate
UG Restrictive Early ActionNovember 1, 2024
UG Regular Decision DeadlineJanuary 5, 2025
PG Application DeadlinesDec 2024 – Jan 2025 (varies)
Decision NotificationsApril 2025 (UG)
Course StartSeptember 2025

Popular Courses at Stanford

ProgramDurationAnnual Tuition Fee (USD)
Bachelor of Science / Arts4 years$64,000
MS in Computer Science2 years$58,000
MBA (Stanford Graduate School of Business)2 years$82,000
PhD Programs4–6 yearsFully funded in most cases
MS in Engineering2 years$57,000
MA in International Policy2 years$50,000

Scholarships for International Students

Scholarship NameAmount (USD)Eligibility Criteria
Knight-Hennessy Scholars ProgramFull fundingAll grad programs; leadership, vision, academic merit
Stanford Need-Based Aid (UG)Up to 100%Demonstrated financial need
External ScholarshipsVariesInlaks, Fulbright, Rhodes, Tata Trusts, etc.

Student Life & Support at Stanford

FeatureDetails
AccommodationOn-campus housing guaranteed for UG and most PG students
Part-Time WorkUp to 20 hours/week on-campus during academic term
Student Organizations600+ clubs – entrepreneurship, arts, robotics, social impact, more
Career DevelopmentIndustry connects in Silicon Valley, tech incubators, resume & interview help
Health & CounselingComprehensive health, counseling, and wellness programs
International SupportBechtel International Center – visa, cultural transition, and more

Ready to Study at Stanford?

With the right application strategy, guidance from top counselors like Admitix, and strong academics, your dream of studying at Stanford University is absolutely achievable.

Start your Stanford journey now!

FAQs – Stanford University

How hard is it to get into Stanford?
Extremely. Stanford has one of the lowest UG acceptance rates in the world – under 4%.

Does Stanford accept Indian board exam scores?
Yes, but they expect high grades (90%+). IB, A-Levels, and other curriculums are also accepted.

Can I study MBA at Stanford as a fresher?
Stanford GSB generally prefers candidates with 2–5 years of work experience.

Do I need to take GRE for Stanford PG programs?
Depends on the program. Some have waived it, others still require it – check department websites.

Is financial aid available for international students?
Yes – need-based aid (UG) and fellowships (PG) are available. Knight-Hennessy is a top option.