Lori Meadows
Stanford University is one of the world's leading research and teaching institutions, attracting applicants from all over the world. With a low acceptance rate, the application process is highly competitive, but Stanford encourages students to apply regardless, looking for those who push boundaries and challenge themselves. International students make up an integral part of the student body, contributing to a dynamic environment. The application process for international students is the same as for other applicants, with a few additional considerations. This includes demonstrating English proficiency and meeting academic credentials, as well as adhering to visa requirements and regulations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of applications received for first-year enrollment in 2023 | 54,000 |
| Number of students accepted in 2023 | 2,099 |
| Acceptance rate | 4% |
| Number of international students | 900 |
| Percentage of international students | 11.5% |
| Application requirements | All available internal and external final and predicted marks from secondary school |
| Application requirements | Country's equivalent of a secondary school diploma |
| Application requirements | ACT or SAT score for undergraduate applicants |
| Application advice | One "spotlight" activity that is not a sport |
| Application advice | 2-3 "support" activities |
| Application advice | At least one internship or job in a relevant field lasting a minimum of one month |
| Application advice | Paid work, other school activities, or summer programs |
| Application advice | Strong standardized test scores |
| Enrollment requirements | Enrolled full-time (minimum of 12 units each quarter) to maintain legal visa status |
| Enrollment requirements | Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) for full-time international students on an F-1 visa |
| Enrollment requirements | OPT allows a total of 12 months of employment (24 months with a STEM degree) |
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What You'll Learn
Application requirements
Stanford University is one of the most prestigious and competitive universities globally, with a low acceptance rate. However, Stanford encourages applicants not to be intimidated by the low acceptance rate and to showcase their unique strengths and abilities in their application. The application process for international students is the same as for other applicants, with a few additional considerations.
Firstly, international students must demonstrate their academic credentials and English proficiency. While Stanford does not prefer a specific curriculum, applicants should complete the necessary coursework to qualify for a bachelor's degree in their country of study. Official final and predicted marks from secondary school should be submitted, and applicants must possess a secondary school diploma or its equivalent by the time of enrollment, not application submission. Stanford's admissions staff specialises in evaluating various educational systems and will consider applications within their specific contexts.
Standardised test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, are optional but highly recommended. For undergraduate applicants enrolling from 2026 onwards, these scores will be required.
Additionally, international students must maintain full-time enrolment, consisting of a minimum of 12 units per quarter, to preserve their legal visa status. Practical training opportunities, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), are available for full-time international students on F-1 visas. CPT is applicable when the internship is a major requirement or offered through a CPT course, while OPT allows for off-campus employment for up to 12 months, with potential extensions for STEM degrees.
International students should also be aware of the specific leave of absence procedures, which involve obtaining signatures from various advisors and the Dean of Students Office.
Finally, extracurricular activities are an important aspect of the application. Stanford recommends applicants have one "spotlight" activity, which they excel at and is unrelated to sports. Additionally, 2-3 "support" activities that demonstrate commitment and duration, such as school clubs, volunteer positions, or community roles, are suggested. Competitive applicants will also have completed relevant internships or jobs.
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Academic preparation
Stanford University is one of the most prestigious and competitive universities globally, with a low acceptance rate of under 4%. The university welcomes applicants from around the world and evaluates each application within the context of the resources available to the student. The academic preparation required for international students to apply to Stanford includes the following:
Academic Credentials
International applicants must meet Stanford's minimum requirements for academic credentials and English proficiency. Applicants must hold a U.S. bachelor's degree or its international equivalent from a recognised college or university. If you are unsure whether your degree meets the requirements, you can use the degree equivalency tool offered by World Education Services (WES).
School Marks
Stanford requires all available internal and external final and predicted marks from your secondary school. A school official should submit these marks, and they can be emailed to the university if there is trouble accessing the application portal.
Standardised Tests
While not mandatory, Stanford strongly recommends submitting SAT or ACT scores. A high standardised test score can emphasise your readiness for college, especially if you haven't had access to high-level courses in your desired major. For undergraduate applicants enrolling in the fall of 2026 and beyond, Stanford will require either an ACT or SAT score.
Internships and Employment
Competitive applicants should have completed at least one internship or job in a field relevant to their intended college major. Short, pay-to-play internships are not impressive to Stanford admissions. Instead, internships should be practical and authorised, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) for full-time international students on an F-1 visa. CPT internships are available for students who have declared a major and are either a requirement for the degree programme or offered through an official CPT course.
Coursework
International applicants should complete the necessary coursework to apply to a bachelor's degree programme in their country of study. Stanford does not prefer any specific curriculum (e.g., A-Levels, IB) and evaluates applicants within their educational context.
Full-Time Enrollment
International undergraduate students at Stanford must maintain full-time enrollment status, which means enrolling in a minimum of 12 units each quarter (autumn, winter, and spring). This requirement is necessary to maintain legal visa status.
Spotlight and Support Activities
In addition to academic preparation, Stanford advises applicants to have one "spotlight" activity outside of sports, in which they excel and stand out. Additionally, applicants should have 2-3 "support" activities that they are committed to and have pursued for at least a year. These could include sports, school clubs, volunteer work, or community roles.
Overall, Stanford seeks applicants who push boundaries, challenge themselves, and strive to defy the odds. International students should showcase their unique strengths and experiences within their academic and extracurricular pursuits.
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Standardised testing
Stanford University is one of the most prestigious and competitive universities in the world, with a low acceptance rate of less than 4%. The application process for international students is the same as for all other applicants, and the university welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Standardised test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, are currently optional for applicants to Stanford University. However, it is important to note that the majority of admitted first-year students (69%) in the fall of 2023 had submitted either an SAT or ACT score. These scores can underline your academic performance and demonstrate your readiness for college-level courses, especially if you haven't had access to advanced-level courses in your intended major. While not mandatory, submitting standardised test scores is highly recommended to strengthen your application.
For undergraduate applicants enrolling in the fall of 2026 and beyond, Stanford University will require either an ACT or SAT score. This requirement underscores the importance of standardised test scores in the application process. International applicants should refer to the university's Standardised Testing pages for guidelines and potential testing waivers if the ACT or SAT is not offered in their country.
Additionally, international students must demonstrate English proficiency to be eligible for admission. If you have earned your qualifying degree outside the United States, you can use the degree equivalency tool offered by World Education Services (WES) to ensure your degree meets the minimum requirements.
Other Considerations:
Aside from standardised testing, Stanford University looks for applicants who demonstrate exceptional talent, a passion for innovation, and a well-rounded profile. They encourage students to pursue a “spotlight” activity that showcases their leadership and talent, as well as 2-3 “support” activities that demonstrate commitment and longevity. Competitive applicants often have internships or jobs relevant to their intended field of study, lasting at least one month.
International students must also be aware of regulatory requirements, such as maintaining full-time enrollment (a minimum of 12 units per quarter) to preserve their legal visa status. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) provide authorised periods of employment for full-time international students on an F-1 visa, enhancing their practical experience.
In conclusion, while standardised testing is not mandatory for the current application cycle, it will become a requirement for future undergraduate applicants. Submitting strong standardised test scores can significantly enhance your application and showcase your academic readiness for Stanford University.
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Visa requirements
As an international student at Stanford, you must be enrolled full-time to maintain legal visa status. This means enrolling in a minimum of 12 units for each quarter (autumn, winter, and spring). Any exceptions to the full-time enrollment rule must be approved by a Bechtel International Student Advisor.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are authorized periods of employment for full-time international students on an F-1 visa with D/S status. D/S means “duration of status,” which means that your student visa is valid as long as you are enrolled full time as a student. CPT is available for students who have declared a major. A condition for CPT is that the internship or employment is a requirement for your degree program (major), or when the internship is offered through an official CPT course from your major department. For a practical internship that is a requirement for the degree program, you may or may not receive academic credit (units) for the CPT. For an internship offered through a CPT course, you will receive credit (units) for successful completion of the CPT course requirements.
OPT is an off-campus employment option for international students on an F-1 visa. You are allowed a total of 12 months of employment (with a STEM degree, it is possible to extend up to 24 months). While you can do as much CPT as your degree program requires, if you participate in 12 months or more of CPT, you will not be eligible for OPT.
If you wish to take a leave of absence, you will have to fill out an official eForm, located inside of your My Academics drop-down menu within Axess. You must first obtain the signature of a Bechtel International Center Advisor, then meet with your Academic Advisor and obtain their signature, and finally obtain a signature from the Dean of Students Office.
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Internships and employment
Stanford University recommends that applicants have at least one internship or job in a field related to their intended college major, lasting a minimum of one month. Short, pay-to-play internships are not impressive to Stanford admissions officers. Paid work, summer programs, and other school activities can also strengthen your application.
Stanford offers a range of internships and employment opportunities for its students. The university has an online database of around 500 fellowships, internships, and other service programs. For example, the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory offers research internships in physics, chemistry, materials and environmental sciences, scientific computing, and engineering. Stanford in New York is another program that offers internship placements.
Students can also use Interstride, a portal that helps students find internships and jobs, as well as connect with other international students, alumni, and globally-minded friends. Interstride also provides guides and resources crafted specifically for international students, as well as information on companies that sponsor work visas.
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Frequently asked questions
To be eligible for admission to Stanford University, applicants must meet the university's minimum requirements for academic credentials and English proficiency. International students must hold, or be working towards holding, a U.S. bachelor's degree or its international equivalent from a college or university of recognized standing. Stanford does not have a preference for a specific curriculum (e.g. A-Level, IB, AP) and will consider your application within the context of the resources available to you.
Stanford University advises applicants to have one "spotlight" activity that is not a sport and in which they excel. This could be a leadership role or something unrelated to school. Additionally, applicants should have 2-3 "support" activities that they are committed to and have pursued for at least a year. These could include sports, school clubs, volunteer positions, or community roles. Competitive applicants will have completed at least one internship or job in a field relevant to their intended college major. Stanford also encourages applicants to submit a strong standardized test score, such as the SAT or ACT, to underline their grades and emphasize their readiness for college.
International students must be enrolled full-time at Stanford University to maintain their legal visa status. This means enrolling in a minimum of 12 units each quarter (autumn, winter, and spring). Additionally, international students should be aware of the regulations and resources specific to their status, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) periods of employment for full-time students on an F-1 visa.
