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Stanford University is one of the top-tier universities in USA for international students when it comes to applying for undergraduate as well as postgraduate programmes. However, a common question that remains among prospective applicants is “How to get admission to Stanford University?” The basic Stanford University requirements include exceptional academic background, relevant work experience, extra-curricular activities, and leadership qualities.
Stanford University is known for its holistic approach to admission and reviews applications on a subjective basis. The acceptance rate for Standford University is considered to be as low as 4% for students. Being an Ivy League college it is ranked at 6 for QS World University Rankings 2025. Therefore, it is advised that applicants study the Stanford University acceptance rate pattern and follow the essential guidelines that will increase their chances of being selected. Read the article to learn about Stanford admission requirements, the application process, the acceptance rate, and much more.
Year of Establishment | 1885 |
Total Students | More than 16,000 |
Top Entrance Exams |
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Acceptance Rate | Approx. 4% |
Popular Courses | Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Economics, MBA, Political Science, etc. |
Average Tuition Fees | USD 18,000 to USD 65,000 annually |
Average Income | USD 85,000 to USD 125,000 per year |
The admission criteria for Stanford University are based on a holistic approach meaning all the applications are reviewed on subjective and comprehensive grounds. The Stanford admission requirements are integral and consist of a lot of parameters. Therefore, we have enlisted some of the ways that clarify “How to get into Stanford University for master's or bachelor’s degree?” below:
High academic scores: An International student can ensure their acceptance into any Ivy League college in the USA if they have a great academic background. The Stanford University requirements for GPA although not definite should typically be above 3.5 on average.
Submission of standardised tests: This will include submitting test results for various entrance examinations in the form of SAT, ACT, GRE, or even GMAT. One will also have to submit English language proficiency proof in the form of IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
Leadership qualities: One skill that most of the top-tier colleges in the world look for is having leadership abilities. It is this particular quality that makes you different from other competitors and might give you an edge over the others.
Extra-curricular activities: Another aspect that will make your application more favourable as compared to others is the amount of extra-curricular activities you have been a part of throughout your educational journey. It showcases whether you meet Stanford University’s requirements regarding societal contribution or not.
Draft Essays or Valuable SOPs: It is important to understand that one of the major Stanford University requirements for international students as well as domestic is the uniqueness and experiences that they bring to the table. This esteemed college believes in diversity and hence, always strives to grant admission to students who have compelling stories, dreams, and aspirations.
Mission and Values: One should be aware of the values and culture that a university stands by before starting the application process. If the Stanford University application is concerned international students should be aware of why they prefer a holistic admission approach and how it will benefit them.
Preparation for Interview: The most important round that a person applying to Stanford University comes across is related to the interview. Hence, it is essential to ace the admission interview by being well-prepared about your academic and personal background, intention to study, and skills.
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Also Read: Best Stanford University Courses 2024
To make it easier for Indian students planning to pursue a degree at Stanford University, we have created a checklist for the documents required for admission and visa purposes below. Having access to these documents will not only ease the application process but also increase the Stanford University acceptance rate.
Essays
Resume
Valid Passport
Photographs
Proof of Funds
IELTS, TOEFL, etc Score Sheet
GRE/GMAT Score Sheet
Internship Certificates
Salary Slips (if required)
Portfolio (if required)
Other Certificates
Therefore, it is necessary to understand all these requirements that directly impact the acceptance rate of Stanford University. Your eligibility for admission into this university will depend on your grades, personality, overall experience, and leadership skills which will make you an exception from the rest of the crowds. Hence, one must read the various trends and patterns of Stanford University's acceptance rate for international students.
Stanford is a private institution that is at the position of 6 according to QS World University Rankings 2025 and has an alarmingly competitive acceptance rate of 4% for students. The Stanford University acceptance rate, however, depends on factors such as the level of studies, its global reputation, the number of applications, and much more.
International students who are curious about “How to get admission to Stanford University?”, must know that the university has a holistic acceptance approach and every applicant is reviewed on an individual basis rather than setting basic eligibility criteria and limiting the opportunity to a particular group. However, it is also important to note that Stanford University's acceptance is quite cut-throat and highly competitive. As per the official records, the number of applications submitted to Stanford University for the academic year 2027 is more than 57,000 but only as few as 2,000 applications will be accepted by the institution.
Also Read: Stanford University Acceptance Rate for International Students
International students planning to apply for programmes at Stanford University must be thorough with the application process. Therefore, we have created a brief step-by-step procedure for the entire application process that will ensure the possibility of Stanford University's acceptance rate for masters or other undergraduate courses.
Visit the official website of Stanford University.
Select the course/degree/specialisation.
Adhere to entry requirements and ensure that you fit into the framework.
Check eligibility criteria such as academic transcripts, minimum GPA scores, English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL, and many more.
Provide personal information in the form of name, country of residence, age, gender, sponsorship details, etc.
Upload test scores and official transcripts for entrances like the GRE or GMAT.
Apply after filling in all necessary documents and submit the application form via the admission portal of the university.
Pay the relevant application fees if applicable along with the application form and wait for confirmation.
There may be a requirement to give an interview at Stanford University after you have surpassed the selection criteria for the same.
Yes, one can be admitted into Stanford University from India given that they fulfill the basic eligibility requirements. Some of that includes a high GPA, exceptional academic transcripts, proven experience as a leader, standardised test scores such as GRE or GMAT, and much more.
Yes, as Stanford University is known to be one of the best Ivy League colleges in the USA they have a highly competitive admission process. The acceptance rate for Stanford University is as low as 4% however, has a holistic approach to enrollment.
Stanford and Harvard are both considered to be academically demanding, but Stanford is generally considered easier to get into than Harvard by a small margin. It can be observed by the acceptance rates of both institutions. Harvard's acceptance rate is approximately 3.4% whereas it is 4% for Stanford.
As Stanford University offers a holistic approach towards admission for students there is no minimum GPA requirement. However, it is advised that one has exceptional academic background and also gain experience in various extra-curricular activities taht will inbuilt leadership experience into them.
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