Applying To Stanford University: An International Student's Guide

Stanford University is one of the most prestigious and competitive universities in the world, attracting applicants from all around the world. The undergraduate program is home to about 900 international students, or about 11.5% of the undergraduate student body. Stanford welcomes applicants from all countries and evaluates applications within the context of the resources available to the student. The application process for international students is the same as for other applicants, with the exception of financial aid. International applicants must submit their SAT/ACT results to be evaluated for admission, and those applying for graduate programs are required to submit their GRE/GMAT scores.

Application requirements and deadlines

Stanford University is located in Palo Alto, California, and is one of the world's leading research and teaching institutions. The application process for international students is the same as for all other applicants. However, it is important to note that Stanford is a need-aware school for international applicants.

Application Requirements:

International applicants to Stanford University must submit their SAT/ACT results to be evaluated for admission. Submitting the SAT or ACT is currently optional through the 2024-2025 application cycle, but they may reinstate a testing requirement after that. If you do not submit scores, your application will not be at a disadvantage. However, 69% of admitted and enrolled first-year students in the fall of 2023 had submitted either an SAT or ACT score.

International applicants interested in attending Stanford University's graduate programs are required to submit their GRE/GMAT scores. The minimum required GRE scores for Stanford are 162 in each section, and 650+ in GMAT. If you are from a non-English-speaking country, you will need to demonstrate English proficiency through tests like the PTE, IELTS, or TOEFL. The minimum IELTS score for Stanford is 7.0 overall.

Stanford does not have a preference for a specific curriculum (A-Level, IB, AP, National, etc.). You should complete the necessary coursework to apply for a bachelor's degree in the country you are currently studying in. You will need to provide all available internal and external final and predicted marks from your secondary school. If you have enrolled full-time or as a degree-seeking student after high school and received credit, you will need to apply as a transfer student.

Stanford advises applicants to have one "spotlight" activity that is not a sport and in which they excel. This could be a leadership role in a school organization or something unrelated to school. Additionally, you should have 2-3 "support" activities that you are committed to and have been pursuing for at least a year. These could include sports, school clubs, volunteer positions, or community roles. Competitive applicants should also have completed at least one internship or job in their desired field of study lasting a minimum of one month.

Deadlines:

Stanford University only offers enrollment for the fall term, and all admitted students must enroll during this period. The specific deadlines for application requirements can be found on the Stanford University website. The application fee ranges from USD 90 to USD 125, depending on the program.

Standardized test scores

Stanford University is one of the most prestigious and competitive universities in the world, with an acceptance rate of less than 4%. The application process for international students is the same as for all other applicants, and Stanford welcomes applicants from around the world, recognising the educational and cultural differences in each country.

Standardised Test Scores

Standardised test scores are an important part of your application to Stanford University. While they are not mandatory, they are highly recommended. For undergraduate applicants, submitting SAT or ACT scores is currently optional through the 2024-2025 application cycle. However, it is worth noting that 69% of admitted first-year students in the fall of 2023 had submitted either an SAT or ACT score. A strong standardised test score can emphasise your readiness for college and complement your grades, especially if you haven't had access to advanced-level courses in your chosen major.

If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores, you can self-report them, and your application will not be at a disadvantage if you feel your scores positively reflect your academic preparedness. Stanford will review applications with or without standardised test scores and leaves the decision to the applicant.

For graduate applicants, international students are required to submit their GRE/GMAT scores. The minimum required GRE score for Stanford is 162 in each section, and for the GMAT, the minimum is 650.

Additionally, if you are from a non-English speaking country, you will need to demonstrate English proficiency through tests like the PTE, IELTS, or TOEFL. The minimum IELTS score for Stanford is 7.0 overall.

Other Application Components

Aside from standardised test scores, Stanford University looks for well-rounded applicants with strong grades, extracurricular activities, and a passion for their chosen field. They seek students who push boundaries, challenge themselves, and strive to defy the odds. It is recommended to have one "spotlight" activity outside of sports and 2-3 "support" activities, including school clubs, volunteer work, or community involvement. Additionally, having at least one internship or job in a relevant field lasting a minimum of one month is advantageous.

English language proficiency

Stanford University is one of the world's leading research and teaching institutions, attracting applicants from all around the world. The undergraduate program is home to about 900 international students at any given time, or about 11.5% of the undergraduate student body.

Stanford welcomes applicants from all around the world, and its admissions staff specializes in evaluating applicants within the context of the educational system, cultural, and regional differences of their country. The application process for international students is the same as for all other applicants, except for the additional requirement of demonstrating English language proficiency.

Stanford University requires all applicants whose native language is not English and/or whose secondary school instruction was not in English to demonstrate English proficiency. Fluency in English is a prerequisite for admission to Stanford. The university accepts various English language proficiency tests, including the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and Pearson Test of English (PTE). These exams help assess an applicant's English proficiency, and while they are not mandatory, they can strengthen your application.

If you are an international undergraduate applicant applying for enrollment in Fall 2026 or beyond, you will be required to submit either an ACT or SAT score. However, Stanford does not require any specific English proficiency exams, and you may choose to demonstrate your fluency through other aspects of your application.

If you are an international graduate applicant, you may be required to take the English Proficiency Exam, which includes writing, speaking, and listening components. This exam is administered by the Graduate Admissions department and is designed for graduate students specifically. Additionally, if your previous college or university education was not conducted in English, you must take one of the accepted English proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE) unless you subsequently completed a graduate program taught exclusively in English.

Stanford University offers language resources and support for international students, such as the Hume Center, which provides one-on-one tutoring sessions, specific topic workshops, and Thursday English Afternoons (T.E.A.) for all students to practice their English conversation skills. The Bechtel International Center is another hub for international students, offering informal language classes and support networks.

Financial aid and scholarships

Stanford University is committed to meeting the demonstrated financial needs of all admitted students, regardless of citizenship. The university is need-blind for all U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented students. This means that a request for financial aid will not impact the admission evaluation for these applicants.

For international applicants, the process is slightly different. If you are an international student and do not request financial aid at the time of application, you will not be eligible to apply for financial aid during your undergraduate years at Stanford. However, if your citizenship status changes during your time at Stanford, and you become eligible for federal student aid, you may be considered for need-based scholarship funds.

Stanford offers a need-based financial aid program to make it financially possible for admitted students to attend. About two-thirds of students receive some form of aid, with 58% receiving scholarships from Stanford, including athletic scholarships. Nearly half of students receive need-based scholarships from Stanford and pay an average of $14,000 towards their bills after all grant aid is applied.

To receive university scholarship funds, international students must obtain either a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Stanford's Bechtel International Center provides information on obtaining an SSN or ITIN.

Acceptance rate and competitiveness

Stanford University is one of the most prestigious and competitive universities in the world. It is a small institution, with only about 7,841 to 8,000 undergraduates, and it is extremely popular, receiving nearly 54,000 applications for first-year enrolment in 2023. Stanford's acceptance rate is notoriously low, at around 4% for the class of 2027, up from 3.68% for the class of 2026. This makes it one of the toughest universities to get into, with an acceptance rate lower than 90% of USA institutions.

The university is located in Palo Alto, California, and is home to about 900 international students at any given time, or about 11.5% of the undergraduate student body. Stanford welcomes applicants from all around the world and evaluates applications within the context of the resources available to students in their country. The application process is the same for all applicants, regardless of citizenship or country of residence.

Stanford's admissions process is highly selective, and the university looks for students who push boundaries, challenge themselves, and strive to defy the odds. In addition to strong academic performance, the university values leadership skills and technical aptitude. While there is no minimum GPA requirement, recently admitted MBA students had an average GPA of 3.7.

To stand out as an international applicant, it is recommended to have one "`spotlight`" activity that demonstrates excellence beyond the typical high school level. This could be a leadership role or something unrelated to school. Additionally, having 2-3 "support" activities that show commitment, such as sports, school clubs, volunteer work, or community involvement, is beneficial. Competitive applicants typically have at least one internship or job in their field of interest, lasting a minimum of one month.

While Stanford does not require proof of English language proficiency for international applicants, strong standardised test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, can emphasise a student's readiness for college. However, these tests are currently optional and may not be a requirement for the 2024-2025 application cycle.

Frequently asked questions