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Stanford University, Stanford

California, United States of America | Estd in 1885 | Private University

THE Rank : 2 | QS Rank : 5

Updated onApr 26, 2024 11:19 AM IST
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About Stanford University

Stanford University is a private university located in Stanford, USA. The university is the second leading institution in the world and one of the top universities in the USA. Stanford University was established in 1885 and offers more than 200 graduate courses for students. 

Stanford University has a holistic admission approach for international students and do not require any minimum  GPA requirements at the time of application hence, making the evaluation process subjective and integrated. However, the preference is granted to students with high academic scores from previous educational institutes and entrance exams. 

Stanford University's Latest Updates

Stanford University takes students from all over the world only in the Fall term. The institute does not offer admissions due in the Winter or Spring Quarter term. All the applicants must have a secondary school diploma or its equivalent) by the time they get enrolled on their preferred courses.

  • International students planning to apply for restrictive early action must submit their documents and other requirements by the deadline of November 1.

  • Applicants planning to apply for the regular decision must submit their application by January 5, ensuring that their documents are submitted on a priority basis. 

Stanford University is ranked among the top universities in the world during the year 2024 due to its reputation and prestige. Stanford University’s QS World University Ranking has been 5 in 2024. The US News and World Report ranked Stanford University 3 in the Best Global Universities records for its exceptional courses, curriculum, and faculty.

Stanford University’s popular courses include chemistry, business administration, biology, law, finance, computer science, psychology, economics, engineering, arts and humanities. The university has seven schools or faculties with a Student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1. 

Stanford University also has entrance exam criteria in terms of English Language Proficiency hence, aspiring international students must submit proof of the same by attempting IELTS, or TOEFL Tests.

The Stanford University fees for Indian students is approx. USD 61,731 (Rs. 51,44,834) for International or Indian students. The given data might fluctuate depending upon the intake session and programme as per the applicant’s choice. The on-campus housing is around USD 19,922 which is nearly Rs 16,50,525 and the food expenses are USD 9,440 which is around Rs 7,82,264. Hence, Indian prospective students are recommended to gather the living allowances prior to admission. 

Stanford University's acceptance rate stands at 4% approximately and the application deadline for undergraduate courses is 1st November, and Stanford MBA Round 2 application deadline is Jan 4th, 2024. The applicants need to submit an application fee of USD 90 along with other required documents.

Stanford University's main campus is located on the San Francisco Peninsula which is spread over 8,180 acres. Nearly all undergraduates and more than 65% of graduate students reside in the campus residences of the university, and there are 2,145 rental units for faculty and staff. There are 7,761 undergraduate and 9,565 graduate students studying on campus and making the most out of the campus facilities from academics to extracurriculars. 

Stanford University Notable Alumni

Some of the most notable alumni who have graduated from Stanford University are working in high positions at prestigious and well-known organisations or have become entrepreneurs for global companies. The list for the same has been provided below for the most notable alumni of Stanford University. 

Personalities

Profession 

Reese Witherspoon

Actor

Tiger Woods

American Professional Golfer

Larry Page

CEO of Google

Brian Acton

cofounder of WhatsApp

Jim Allchin

co-president of Microsoft

Read more: Benefits of studying in USA 

Stanford University Highlights

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Year of Establishment1885
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Institute TypeUniversity
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OwnershipPrivate
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Number Of Students8049
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Campus Size8180 acres
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Faculty Count4633
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Acceptance Rate4%
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Fee Range₹17.05 L - ₹51.16 L/yr
Bachelors vs Masters
Gender Ratio
Male: 49%Female: 51%
Male: 49%Female: 51%
Student Demographic
  • Domestic:   6681
  • International:   1368

Stanford University Ranking and Stats

Stanford University is ranked 5th in the QS World University Rankings. It is also ranked 4th in the QS WUR Ranking By Subject, and 2nd in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings of 2024. The Times Higher Education has ranked Stanford University 2nd in the World University Rankings of 2024. Stanford University has also been positioned at 3 for the Best Global Universities by the US News and World Report, 2024. 

The subject-wise rankings given by the US News and World Report are 1st in Chemistry and Mathematics; 2nd in Computer Science; 3rd in Biology and Biochemistry, Economics and Business, Physics, and Psychiatry/Psychology; 5th in Immunology; 7th in Surgery; 8th in Arts and Humanities among others. The University is also ranked 2nd in Engineering Programmes at the Doctorate level.

Ranking Body
THE
Subject
Overall

Parametric Score and Ranking 2024

Overall Score98
University rank2
Parameter Ranking
Citations
99.6
Industry Outcome
100
International Outlook
87
Research
97.8
Teaching
99

Ranking by year

Ranking

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Stanford University Courses

Stanford University offers more than 60 popular courses with degrees in undergraduate, Master's, Doctoral, and Ph.D. programmes. Some of the most sought-after majors offered by this University are Computer Science, Economics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Biological Sciences, Human Biology, Arts and Humanities, etc. 

Stanford University has seven schools or 7 main faculties which are Business, Earth, Education, Engineering, Humanities & Sciences, Law, and, Medicine. The University also offers free online courses across the fields of Health Medicine, Education, Engineering, and others.

Accreditations
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Education Level
Select
Stream
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Mode
Select
LevelUG
MajorHistory
Duration48 Months
Fees17.05 L/yr
LevelUG
MajorGeology
Duration48 Months
Fees51.16 L/yr
LevelUG
MajorElectrical
Duration48 Months
Fees51.16 L/yr
LevelUG
MajorArts
Duration48 Months
Fees51.16 L/yr
LevelUG
MajorArts
Duration48 Months
Fees51.16 L/yr
LevelUG
MajorArts
Duration48 Months
Fees51.16 L/yr

Stanford University Affiliated Colleges

Stanford University Fees

CoursesDurationInternational StudentLocal Student
BS(10 courses)4 years₹51.16 L/yr₹51.16 L/yr
B.A.(5 courses)4 years₹17.05 L - ₹51.16 L/yr₹17.05 L - ₹51.16 L/yr
B.A.(Hons)(1 courses)4 years₹51.16 L/yr₹51.16 L/yr

Stanford University Cost Of Living

Stanford University's tuition fee for international students is slightly higher than home students and varies with the courses. The average annual tuition fee for overseas students is calculated at USD 61,731 for the 2023-24 session. Stanford University tuition fees are calculated based on the units per quarter for all the degree programmes. Stanford University MBA fees is USD 26,620 for the first, and USD 25,650 for the second academic year.

The estimated living expenses for Stanford students are mentioned in the table below.

Stanford University Cost of living for international students

Item

Cost Details

Tuition and fees

61,731

Housing 

22,585 

Cardinal Care Health Insurance

7,128

Books and Supplies Allowance

720

Personal Expenses Allowance

11,240

Travel

2,400

Food

9,440

 

Is Stanford University expensive for international students?

The international student coming to study at Stanford can expect to spend around USD 88,000 per year. New Student Orientation Fee (USD 525) and the Document Fee (USD 250) are the one-time fees that will be included in the budgets of new students. Furthermore, the living expenses of international students cover the cost of their expenses and tuition fees. 

Stanford University Admission and Application

Application deadline November,2024

Stanford University’s acceptance rate for international students is only around 4%, which makes it extremely difficult to get into the university. International applicants must meet the admission requirements of their chosen degree programme before applying for admission. The applicants can apply online through the Common Application service available on the official website of Stanford University.

How to Apply to UG and PG Courses at Stanford University?

Stanford University's application process is mentioned below. The applicants must follow the given steps to apply to the University.

Step-1: Visit the official website of the university at stanford.edu.

Step-2: Click on the Admission tab and a new page will open.

Step-3: Select the degree programme of choice (UG or Graduate admissions).

Step-4: Click on the Apply tab and select International Applicants.

Step-5: After checking all the mentioned requirements, click on the link for the First-Year Applicants as the application process is the same for both.

Step-6: Click on the Common Application link and create an account.

Step-7: Login credentials will be sent via the registered email address of the applicant.

Step-8: Use the credentials to log into the portal and fill out the application.

Step-9: Pay the application fee and submit the form.

Step-10: After submission of the application, the applicants will be sent an acknowledgment email with instructions on how to log into the Stanford portal to check the status of the application.

Stanford University Application Fee

Stanford University's application fee is USD 90 (non-refundable) for international students who want to apply for any of the courses offered at this University. Candidates must submit the application fee online along with the Application Form.

Stanford University Application Deadlines

Intake

Deadline

Restricted Early Action

November 1

Regular Decision

January 5


Documents required for admission to Stanford University

  • Senior Secondary School (class 12th) Certificate.

  • Academic Transcripts (official).

  • ACT / SAT scores, if available or required by the programme (UG).

  • GRE scores if required by the programme (Graduate).

  • Letter of Recommendation (LOR) 

  • Two personal essays (100 and 250 words each).

  • Proof of English proficiency as per the university/programme requirements

Stanford University Scholarship

Stanford University Scholarships are offered only on the basis of financial needs and a limited amount of financial aid is available for international students. Students who wish to get assistance from the university must mention this on the admission application and the eligible individuals will be awarded assistance from institutional funds. 

Students pursuing graduate programs at Stanford University can also obtain financial assistance in the form of fellowships, assistantships, and program-specific grants. Some of Stanford University’s scholarships for Indian students pursuing graduate studies are mentioned below.

  • Stanford Dhirubhai Ambani Scholarship

  • AMA Medical Scholarship

  • Knight Hennessy Scholarship

  • Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program

  • JN Tata Endowment Scholarship

  • Fulbright Scholarship 

  • KC Mahindra Trust Scholarship

Read more: Scholarships in the USA 

Stanford University Eligibility

Stanford University does not require any English proficiency exams for international applicants applying for the Undergraduate Programmes. Applicants may submit the scores for exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, etc. if they wish to but the university has no preferred proficiency exam. Although fluency in English is a prerequisite for admission to Stanford. However, Graduate applicants who do not have English as their first language are required to submit proof of English Proficiency hence, the minimum scores required for various graduate programmes are mentioned in the table below.  

Stanford University- English Language Requirement

Graduate Programmes

Minimum Scores

Doctoral Programmes (all)

100

Master’s Programmes (except School of Engineering)

100

School of Engineering

89


Stanford University Campus Facilities

Hostel

Boys Hostel

Students are assigned to one of eight neighborhoods. Each has a mix of traditional dorms, theme houses, Rowhouses, Greek housing, co-ops, and apartment-style residences to meet a variety of student preferences. And Frosh housing options for the 2022-2023 academic year include:

  • Wilbur Hall East: Arroyo, Cedro, Junipero, Okada
  • Wilbur Hall West: Otero, Rinconada, Soto, Trancos
  • Stern Hall
  • Crothers Hall
  • Branner Hall
  • Lantana Hall and Castaño Hall
  • Florence Moore Hall
  • Lagunita Court
  • Governor’s Corner

The residences have dining meal plans and consider the students' dietary requirements.

Girls Hostel

Stanford University USA offers housing and dining facilities to the students, faculty and other members. All the apartments are provided with all essential amenities.

Study Amenities

Library

Stanford University has many libraries like Cecil H. Green Library, Academy Hall (SRWC), Archive of Recorded Sound, Bowes Art & Architecture Library, Branner Earth Sciences Library & Map Collections, Business Library, Classics Library, Cubberley Education Library, David Rumsey Map Center, and others. In order to address the intellectual curiosity of the wide variety of students the Stanford Libraries have created a dynamic network of materials, locations, and topic specialists. The possibilities for advancing and transforming academia are endless for students with over 12 million items, 50 topic specialists, 20 Stanford University campus libraries, and a wide range of services accessible. The library also offers workshops to students and there are great study spaces around the university to study.

Stanford University facilities at the library include

  • Access & Privileges
  • Borrow, renew, return
  • Connect to e-resources
  • Course reserves (SearchWorks)
  • Interlibrary borrowing
  • Print, copy, scan (The Hub)
  • Accessibility
  • Research Support
  • Digital Collections and Online Exhibitions
  • Articles
  • eJournals
  • EarthWorks
  • Specialists
  • Data services

Moot Court

The Marion Rice Kirkwood Memorial Competition, held each year between the Autumn and Winter semesters, is Stanford Law School's main moot court activity.

Classrooms

The classrooms at Stanford University use flexible audio-visual capability, which typically includes an AV control system, a projector, and a pull-down or automatic screen. In some cases, flat-screen displays are provided for quality. The classrooms have built-in microphones for a clear and sound experience.

Sports

Sports

Stanford University is very invested in the lives of its students and provides men's and women's sports respectively with many choices like Artistic Swimming, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cross Country, Fencing, Field Hockey, Track and Field, Water Polo, Wrestling and more. Students can even join around 800 club sports for networking and socializing.

The ACSR is a recreational facility for students, faculty, and staff measuring 75,000 square feet. The Erickson Family Courts (three full-length basketball courts), seven squash courts, the Fencing Center, and a 3,600-square-foot studio are all part of the 11,000-square-foot fitness room with weight machines and cardio equipment.

Transportation

Transport Facility

Stanford University campus life is easier to access as it aims to provide the best and most accessible transport to its students. Marguerite shuttle is free and open to the public – no ID is required. All buses are wheelchair-accessible and have bike racks. Students can even check out sustainable transport like Zipcars, Hertz Car Rentals, and Airport Shuttles at discounted rates for Stanford affiliates. There are other forms of transportation that the students can check on the official website- .stanford.edu for more information.


Differently Abled

Physical Challenged Student

  • Learning Center
  • Note-taking services
  • Oral tests
  • Note-taking services
  • Reader Services
  • Special housing/ transportation
  • Talking books
Infrastructure

Cafeteria

Stanford cafés have convenient meal options from made-to-order meals to easy grab-n-go options. There are diverse menus prepared using seasonal, locally-sourced, and sustainable ingredients whenever possible. The many options available include vegan, vegetarian, allergen-friendly, kosher, and halal options are available.

The cafes are

  • The Axe & Palm
  • EVGR Pub & Beer Garden
  • Coffee Bar @ the Clark Center
  • The Med Café
  • Forbes Family Cafe
  • Olives at Bldg. 160
  • Alumni Café
  • SLACafé
  • Cardinal Café
  • Law School Café
  • Ray’s Grill
  • Verve Coffee Roasters

There are dining halls for students at different locations around the Stanford University campus like Arrillaga Family Dining Commons, Lakeside Dining, Wilbur Dining, Stern Dining, Branner Dining, Gerhard Casper Dining, Florence Moore Dining, Ricker Dining, Suites Dining Yost, Murray and EAST, EVGR Dining, Row (Self-Op) Dining, and, Co-Op Dining.


I.T Infrastructure

IT Infrastructure is responsible for the Stanford network (SUNet), as well as Stanford’s voice application services. The IT services provide are consistent and seamless to its thousands of users who study and work at the Stanford University campus’s main section. There are over one hundred sites across the Bay Area, greater California, and scattered locations throughout the United States and foreign countries.

Stanford University International Office Details

Stanford University is one of the most well-renowned and prestigious universities across the globe.  It is a great choice for international students interested in gaining education from experienced professors at an emerging yet well-established University. It has more than 16,000 students, among which there are approx. 3,883 of international students. 

Address: Stanford University, 450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305–2004

Phone No. 650-723-2300

Email Address: new_intl_students@stanford.edu 

Is it hard to get into Stanford University as an international student?

Yes, as the Stanford University's acceptance rate is as low as 4% due to university’s admission process being highly selective. It is extremely difficult to get admission at Stanford University however, with great efforts and excellent academic records like scoring high in entrance exams such as GRE or GMAT can get international students into the university. 

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FAQ's

Stanford University is an expensive institution, especially for students coming from overseas. To become eligible for Stanford scholarships, students must demonstrate their academic ability or financial status (applying for financial aid). The university first reviews the financial situation of the applicant’s family, and upon satisfaction will provide the applicant with scholarships, grants, and other financial resources accordingly.

Stanford University offers a variety of scholarships for international students on the basis of academic performance and financial need. Eligible students can get detailed information on Stanford's Bechtel International Center. Some of Stanford University’s popular scholarships include the Knight Hennessy Scholarship, and Fullbright Scholarship among others.

Stanford University enjoys the global reputation of being one of the top universities in the world. Along with that, Stanford University’s alumni are world-known personalities and have contributed to the global community in various ways. Some of the notable alumni include Larry Page, Sundar Pichai, Mukesh Ambani, and Reed Hastings among others.

Stanford University is one of the top-most universities of all time, which obviously makes its admission process extremely difficult. However, with great academic achievements and a positive outlook, students can get into the university. Applicants applying after 12th must check all the eligibility criteria for their selected degree programme and can follow the further instructions as per the university’s guidelines.

The acceptance rate of Stanford is approximately 4%. The university has very long and selective admission criteria. International students applying for admission at Stanford must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement in order to get admitted to the university.

Both Harvard and Stanford are among the leading institutions of the world and are generally placed in the top 5 in most of the rankings. As per the QS, Harvard is ranked 4th while Stanford is ranked 5th; whereas THE has ranked Stanford 2nd and Harvard 4th in its 2024 rankings. Overall, both are renowned for their unparalleled academic excellence.