Stanford University: Indian Students' Presence

how many indian students in stanford university

Stanford University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, with a formidable reputation and a high job placement rate for its graduates. The university is known for its encouragement of leadership, professional development, innovation, and creativity, which are all qualities that make for excellent entrepreneurs. As such, it is a popular choice for students from around the world, including India. In this paragraph, we will explore the number of Indian students at Stanford University and the admissions process for Indian applicants.

Characteristics Values
Number of Indian undergraduate students on campus in 2019 60
Application fee USD 90 (INR 7500)
Cost of living $20k+ annually for food and housing
Average cost of UG course INR 51.77 L - 54.62 L (per year)
Average salary for graduates INR 80L (USD 95,728)
Ranking #3 in the world according to QS Rankings

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Stanford University's admission requirements for Indian students

Stanford University is one of the most selective universities in the world, with an acceptance rate of around 4.4% for the class of 2024. The university admits international students through Early Action and Regular Decision, with an intake of around 500 Indian students each year.

Application Requirements

Stanford University has a holistic admissions approach, considering multiple factors in an applicant's profile. The university does not require any specific courses to be completed or minimum scores to be achieved. However, it is recommended that applicants complete the necessary coursework to apply for a bachelor's degree in their country of study.

For undergraduate admissions, Stanford requires a secondary school diploma or its equivalent, and all available final and predicted marks from secondary school. The university considers class rank as "very important" and recommends maintaining an average GPA of 3.96. Additionally, two letters of recommendation from teachers and a midyear transcript are required.

For graduate admissions, a U.S. bachelor's degree or its international equivalent is required, along with transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. A Statement of Purpose, three letters of recommendation, and GRE/GMAT/MCAT/LSAT exam scores, if applicable, are also necessary.

Application Process

Stanford University has a quarter system with four annual intakes: Fall, Winter, Spring, and an optional Summer quarter. The application deadlines vary for bachelor's, master's, MBA, and doctoral programs, and the university does not accept late applications. The application fee is USD 90 for undergraduate programs and USD 125 for graduate programs, with fee waivers available on a conditional basis.

International students can apply via the Common App for undergraduate programs and the University Official Portal for postgraduate programs. Stanford reviews applications with or without standardised test scores, and self-reported scores can be submitted through the Common Application. Official scores will be required if admission is offered.

The admissions process at Stanford is highly competitive, and successful applicants typically demonstrate exceptional academic credentials, unique extracurricular experiences, and compelling personal essays. The university seeks individuals who align with its core values of innovation, impact, and intellectual curiosity.

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Scholarships for Indian students at Stanford

Stanford University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options to Indian students. These scholarships can help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs. Here are some of the options available for Indian students aspiring to study at Stanford:

Undergraduate Scholarships:

  • TATA Scholarship Program: This scholarship is offered by the TATA Education and Development Trust to Indian students accepted into Stanford University's undergraduate program. It provides financial assistance of INR 60,000 to INR 4,00,000 to each scholar. Applicants must be Indian citizens with a good academic record, leadership abilities, and a commitment to community service.
  • Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship: The foundation provides full funding for Indian students pursuing their undergraduate studies in the USA. It supports students across various fields and aspires to foster financial assistance and leadership potential. Applicants must be Indian citizens residing in India with excellent academic records and an offer letter from Stanford University.
  • Higher Education Scholarship Test (HEST) for Indian Students: This scholarship offers funding of up to 3 lakhs per student for pursuing studies at Stanford University. The deadline for applications for the 2025-26 academic year was May 10, 2025.

Graduate Scholarships:

  • Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program: Stanford University's prestigious scholarship provides full funding for graduate-level studies in any field. It covers tuition fees, dorm rooms, and a stipend for living expenses. The scholarship is open to all international students pursuing a full-time graduate degree at the university.
  • Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship: This scholarship is specifically designed for Indian students admitted to the Stanford MBA program. It covers full tuition fees and provides a stipend for living and educational expenses. Applicants must be Indian citizens with an offer letter for the Stanford MBA program.
  • Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation: The foundation offers interest-free loan scholarships to Indian students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees abroad. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other course-related expenses. Applicants must be Indian citizens with outstanding academic records and an offer letter from Stanford University for the graduate program.

In addition to these scholarships, Indian students can also explore other externally funded scholarships, such as the Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship, which is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students aspiring to study in the USA. Stanford University also provides need-based financial aid to ensure that all admitted students, regardless of nationality, can afford to attend.

It is important to note that the number of Indian students admitted to Stanford University each year may vary. According to one source, there were approximately 60 Indian undergraduates on campus in 2019.

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Cost of living for Indian students at Stanford

Stanford University is situated in the Bay Area, one of the most expensive real estate markets globally. The high cost of living in the area and the unaffordable and distant nature of off-campus housing means that most students live in on-campus housing, which is generously subsidised by the university. However, Stanford has been criticised for ignoring the rising cost of living, which impacts students' expenses.

The university provides a standard budget outlining expenses, with housing and food costing upwards of $20,000 annually for undergraduates. Stanford also requires students to have health insurance, which can add to overall expenses. Everyday expenses, such as groceries, transportation, and personal expenses, are also slightly pricier than the national average. Groceries on campus are limited and more expensive than off-campus options, and many students cannot afford the time or cost of travelling off-campus to shop.

Meal plans are one of the more affordable options for graduate students, ranging from roughly $13.20 to $15.20 per meal, and most undergraduates are required to buy them. However, a 2017 survey found that a third of undergraduates would not choose to purchase a meal plan if given the choice.

The good news for Indian students is that Stanford offers generous financial aid packages to many students, and there are scholarship and grant opportunities to help offset the high cost of living. The application fee for Indian students is $90 (INR 7500), and there is no mandated English proficiency requirement. However, if your primary language is not English, you should take the TOEFL/IELTS.

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English language proficiency requirements for Indian students

Stanford University is a dream school for many, with its strong academic programs and high job placement rates for graduates. The university is known for its rigorous admissions process, and for Indian students, there are a number of requirements to meet. While there is no specific data on the number of Indian students at Stanford, it is known that there were around 60 Indian undergraduates on campus in 2019.

English language proficiency is a key requirement for Indian students applying to Stanford University. While Stanford does not mandate any specific English proficiency exams, they do require evidence of fluency in English for admission. Students whose primary language is not English are encouraged to submit English proficiency exam results, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or the Duolingo English Test. These exams help the admissions team assess the applicant's English proficiency, but they are not the only factor considered. Stanford takes a holistic approach and evaluates the entire application, including other aspects that may demonstrate English fluency.

For Indian students applying to Stanford, it is essential to have a strong academic background. The university recommends a solid foundation in core subjects such as mathematics, history/social studies, science, and world languages. While there is no set of required courses, Stanford encourages applicants to take challenging and advanced-level classes. In addition to academic transcripts, Indian students must submit letters of recommendation from teachers and counsellors, highlighting their academic achievements and potential.

The application process for Indian students involves submitting the Common Application, along with paying a non-refundable application fee of USD 90. Stanford also accepts ACT or SAT scores, although these are not mandatory for first-year applicants enrolling in Fall 2025. However, starting in Fall 2026, ACT or SAT scores will be required for all undergraduate applicants. Additionally, Indian applicants must provide official transcripts and academic results from all high schools attended, ensuring that all documents are translated into English by a school official.

To increase their chances of admission, Indian students can take advantage of the various resources offered by Stanford, such as the Career Development Center (CDC). The CDC provides counselling, workshops, and networking opportunities to assist students in their career planning and making informed decisions about their future. Stanford also offers generous financial aid packages and scholarships to support international students with the high cost of living in the USA.

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Acceptance rate of Indian students at Stanford

Stanford University is one of the toughest universities to get into, with an acceptance rate of around 4% overall, making it one of the most selective universities in the world. The acceptance rate for the Class of 2027 was 3.91%, up from 3.68% for the Class of 2026. For graduate courses, the acceptance rate is between 3% and 7%, depending on the programme. For example, the Graduate School of Business has an acceptance rate of 6-7%.

Stanford University does not mandate proof of English language proficiency for undergraduate international applicants, but international students whose primary language is not English are advised to take the TOEFL/IELTS test. The acceptance rate for international students is around 4%, and for Indian students specifically, it is within the same range, at around 4% as per the latest statistics. The range for Indian students varies from 4% to 17% depending on the programme. For example, some programmes like Computer Science and Engineering might have lower acceptance rates for international students.

Stanford University's admissions are not limited to academic scores; the university looks at the overall profile of the candidate. Academic excellence is the primary factor for admission, but Stanford also considers non-academic interests and extracurricular activities that demonstrate a candidate's potential contribution to the university community. A good GPA is one of the major selection factors for Indian students.

Stanford University received over 56,000 applications worldwide for the academic year 2027, but only around 2,000 were accepted, suggesting a high competition rate for applicants. Out of a total of 17,000+ students enrolled at Stanford University, around 500 are Indian. In 2019, there were 60 Indian undergraduates on campus.

Frequently asked questions

Stanford University does not publish the number of Indian students enrolled. However, one source indicated that there were 60 Indian undergraduates on campus in 2019.

The average cost of a UG course at Stanford University ranges from INR 51.77 L–54.62 L (per year) and for a PG course, it ranges from INR 10.25 L–1.16 Cr (per year). In addition, housing and food costs are estimated to be upwards of $20k annually for undergraduates.

Indian students must pay a non-refundable application fee of $90 and submit the Common Application, ACT or SAT scores (optional), the School Report form, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation from teachers, a midyear transcript, and proof of English proficiency (optional).

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