Introduction to Stanford University
Stanford University, ranked third globally, is a prestigious U.S. institution offering a wide range of majors, including medicine, engineering, humanities, and law. To apply for its medical program, candidates must take the MCAT and submit an AMCAS application. Tuition fees range from $17,000 to $24,000, with the MBA, law, and medicine being the most expensive. Stanford also offers online courses.
Students can find more information about admission requirements, scholarships, and photos of Stanford University on the Stanford University website. If you are looking for what majors Stanford University offers and how to study there, this university is an ideal choice for you.
In the following article written by the Malekpour Institute, you will read more about the methods of gaining admission to Stanford University in the United States and the requirements for obtaining a scholarship.
In the comments section, you can ask your questions and receive answers promptly.
Admission Conditions for Stanford University
In response to the question of where Stanford University is located, it should be noted that this esteemed university is situated in Silicon Valley, California, United States. Every year, many students from across the United States and other countries apply to Stanford University, creating a multicultural environment filled with diverse experiences.
The university has approximately 7,000 undergraduate students and 9,000 graduate students. Given the reputation and high standard of this university, the admission conditions are highly competitive, and candidates with stronger academic resumes have a higher chance of studying in the USA and applying to Stanford University.
Undergraduate Studies at Stanford University
Each year, about 1,700 new students and 30 transfer students are accepted at Stanford University. Every application for admission is evaluated based on criteria such as intellectual intelligence, academic excellence, and personal backgrounds. The university has also provided scholarships opportunities for students. For those from families with incomes below $150,000 per year, this scholarship covers tuition fees. Additionally, room and board are free for individuals from families with incomes below $65,000.
Required Documents for Admission to Stanford University Undergraduate Program
- Application Form
- $90 Non-Refundable Application Fee
- SAT or ACT Test
- School Report and a Letter of Recommendation from a School Counselor
- Official Translation of Documents
- Recommendations from Two Teachers
Recommendation letters from two teachers
Graduate Studies at Stanford University
Stanford University has more than 65 departments and programs in its graduate section. The cost of tuition in this sector varies depending on the level, department, and program, and the university has a variety of scholarships available for graduate students. Approximately 80% of graduate students at Stanford receive financial aid. Admission requirements differ for each of these programs.
Fields of Study at Stanford University
Stanford University offers programs at undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral levels across specialized schools. Undergraduates can explore various courses, while master’s and doctoral programs focus on specialized fields. Stanford offers a wide range of disciplines, including Aerospace, Documentary, Energy Resource Engineering, Law, Medicine, and Business, attracting students globally.
Graduate School of Business
| Finance | Marketing |
| Accounting | Operations, Information & Technology |
| General and Interdisciplinary GSB | Political Economy |
| Action Learning Programs | Economic Analysis and Policy |
| Human Resource Management & Strategic Management | Organizational Behavior |
School of Earth, Energy, and Environmental Sciences
| Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences | Energy Resources Engineering |
| Earth System Science | Sustainability Science and Practice |
| Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences (Alternate Code) | Environment and Resources |
| Geological Sciences | Woods Institute for the Environment |
| Earth Systems | Geophysics |
School of Education
- Education (EDUC)
School of Engineering
| Aeronautics and Astronautics | Scientific Computing and Computational Mathematics |
| Computer Science | Computational and Mathematical Engineering |
| Bioengineering | Management Science and Engineering |
| d.school (Institute of Design) | Mechanical Engineering |
| Chemical Engineering | Civil and Environmental Engineering |
| Electrical Engineering | Materials Science and Engineering |
School of Humanities
| African Studies | Theatre and Performance Studies | Sociology |
| American Studies | Statistics | Chemistry |
| Anthropology | Philosophy | Biology |
| Applied Physics | Music | Biophysics |
| Science, Technology, and Society | Physics | Mathematics |
| Archaeology | Public Policy | Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies |
| Art History | English | Human Rights |
| Classics | Drama | Communications |
| Art Studio | Dance | Linguistics |
| Catalan Language Courses | Economics | Humanities Science |
| International Relations | Psychology | Mathematical and Computational Sciences |
| History | Film Production | International Politics |
| Global Studies | Film and Media Studies | History and Philosophy of Science |
School of Medicine
| Anesthesia | Dermatology |
| Biochemistry | Developmental Biology |
| Biomedical Data Science | Emergency Medicine |
| Biomedical Informatics | Epidemiology |
| Cancer Biology | Comparative Medicine |
| Cardiothoracic Surgery | Genetics |
| Chemical and Systems Biology | Family and Community Medicine |
| Community Health and Prevention Research | Health Research and Policy |
School of Law
- Law
Psychology at Stanford University
Stanford University’s Psychology program is world-renowned, featuring advanced labs like the Cognitive and Neural Imaging Center (CNI). The undergraduate program covers human behavior theories and empirical studies, including aging, child development, cognition, emotions, social behavior, and more. It equips students for careers in technology, business, counseling, education, public policy, law, medicine, and graduate psychology studies.
Architecture at Stanford University
Stanford University’s Architecture program fosters innovative and responsible environmental designers. The program combines comprehensive education with the culture of innovation at Stanford and the Bay Area. Students are prepared for advanced studies in architecture, construction management, civil engineering, law, and business. The curriculum emphasizes creative problem-solving, leadership, and a strong foundation in math and science for diverse career paths in architecture, design, and engineering.
Schools at Stanford University
Stanford University can be considered unique due to the proximity of its seven schools within a very large environment, facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration. These seven schools at Stanford University include the Graduate School of Business, School of Earth, Energy, and Environmental Sciences, Graduate School of Education, School of Engineering, School of Humanities, School of Law, and School of Medicine, each offering a variety of programs as previously noted. Let us learn more about the schools at Stanford University.
Stanford School of Medicine
Stanford School of Medicine is a leader in biomedical revolution. The university has a long history of pioneering research, innovative educational protocols, and effective clinical treatments. As an international student, to gain admission to this school, you must have completed at least one year of studies at a recognized college or university in the U.S., Canada, or the U.K. International students must show that they have sufficient funds for living expenses in the U.S. for one year when applying for a visa. The country of origin does not play a role in the admission process for this school. The application for admission to the medical programs at Stanford is carried out through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).
The admission steps are as follows:
- The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
- A minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 recommendation letters
- The AMCAS application is sent to the school, and if accepted, an invitation will be sent to the individual to complete their application.
- Payment of the registration fee
- Submission of a motivation letter explaining specialized interests and personal background.
- Updating the application
- Interview
Stanford School of Engineering
Stanford’s School of Engineering leads innovation in fields like information technology, communications, medicine, and energy. The school tackles major global challenges and has created transformative technologies. Undergraduate admissions are through the university, while graduate admissions are department-specific. Financial aid is available for students. Popular fields of study include Aerospace, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Civil Engineering.
Stanford Metaphysics School
Stanford University has various schools, each defining and offering numerous academic programs according to the current needs of the world. These schools include “Business,” “Environmental Sciences, Energy and Geology,” “Education,” “Engineering,” “Humanities and Anthropology,” “Law,” and “Medicine.” Contrary to popular belief, this university does not have a school dedicated to teaching metaphysics. However, due to Stanford’s pioneering efforts in advancing and discovering various sciences, there are also considerable research activities conducted in this area to examine existing theories and hypotheses.
Stanford Humanities School
Stanford’s Humanities School is the largest on campus, awarding 75% of undergraduate degrees and nearly 40% of doctoral degrees. It offers students a deep understanding of human experiences through arts, humanities, and social sciences. The program prepares students to address ethical, social, and cultural issues and become leaders in a technological world. The school consists of three main categories: humanities and arts, natural sciences, and social sciences.
Ph.D. Admission Conditions at Stanford University
All Ph.D. programs at this university are designed to develop prominent academic researchers who possess a deep understanding of scientific, practical, and political issues. All programs are full-time and last for 5 years. During this five-year period, students will receive financial support. Stanford’s doctoral programs are small, typically admitting between 25 to 35 new students each year.
The small number of doctoral students creates many advantages, including better opportunities for collaboration among students and allowing supervisors to provide special and individualized attention to each student. The general requirements for admission to the doctoral program at Stanford University are as follows:
- Application Form
- Payment of $125 as registration fee
- Motivation Letter (SOP)
- Resume
- Three letters of recommendation
- Translated academic transcripts
- GRE score
- TOEFL score (Stanford University does not accept IELTS score)
Scholarship Conditions at Stanford University
Stanford University offers various scholarships, particularly for students from lower-income families, with around 80% of students receiving financial aid. U.S. students and permanent residents can also apply for federal loans. Doctoral students receive grants for their five years of study. International students must apply for financial aid during admission to be eligible for scholarships.
Full Fund Scholarship at Stanford University
The full-funded scholarship at Stanford University is available for master’s and doctoral studies. These scholarships cover full tuition, travel expenses, living expenses, and educational costs. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program ranks among the best scholarship programs in the world. Knight-Hennessy Scholars aim to attract the most promising future leaders from all disciplines and geographical areas to Stanford University. At Stanford, you will participate in interdisciplinary education, leadership development, and gain a global perspective. Stanford University offers 100 fully funded scholarships for international students for master’s, PhD, MS, MBA, MFA, MD, JD degrees.
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Financial Aid Scholarships
Stanford University provides need-based scholarships and financial aid to all undergraduate students who apply. The deadline for applications is January 2, and the applicant will receive $58,494.
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Northrop Grumman Scholarship
The Northrop Grumman Foundation scholarship is available for female applicants studying in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and System Engineering. Applicants must have high GPAs and attend selected institutions listed on the SWE website. The deadline for this scholarship application is May 1, and applicants will receive $25,000.
Tuition and Fees at Stanford University
Tuition at Stanford University is defined according to various programs. Therefore, depending on what level and field you intend to pursue at this university, your tuition will differ. Some costs can be seen in the table below:
| Program | Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 17,619 |
| Master’s Degree (11-18 units) | 17,493 |
| Master’s Degree (8, 9, 10 units) | 11,370 |
| Each Master’s Unit with More Than 18 Units | 1,166 |
| Master’s in Engineering (11-18 units) | 18,635 |
| Master’s in Engineering (8, 9, 10 units) | 12,110 |
| Each Engineering Master’s Unit with More Than 18 Units | 1,280 |
| First Year MBA | 24,354 |
| Second Year MBA | 23,530 |
| Medical School | 20,078 |
| Law School | 20,725 |
Stanford University’s Ranking
Stanford University is among the best universities in America and the world. This university has had 19 Nobel Prize winners in its community, and many of its graduates are among the top in the world in arts, social sciences, business, politics, humanities, media, sports, and technology.
In total, Stanford-affiliated companies or those established by its alumni generate over $2.7 trillion in annual income, which ranks as the tenth-largest economy in the world. Companies like Google, Instagram, Sun Microsystems, Netflix, Nike, and others fall into this category. This university has consistently ranked in the top four globally for the past ten years. The figures below illustrate the university’s ranking across various fields:
| Ranking Source | Stanford Ranking in 2025 | Source |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. News & World Report (National – USA) | 4 | usnews.com |
| QS World University Rankings | 6 | qschina.cn |
| Times Higher Education (THE) World Rankings | 6 | timeshighereducation.com |
| Forbes America’s Top Colleges | 2 | forbes.com |
| Niche Best Colleges in America | 3 | niche.com |
| Wall Street Journal/College Pulse | 3 | wsj.com |
| THE World Reputation Rankings | 4 (tied) | timeshighereducation.com |
At the rank of 59 worldwide, University of New Haven, USA could be an excellent choice for studying in the USA.
Stanford University Dormitories
Given that Stanford University is one of the top three universities in the world, it certainly provides a lot of amenities for its students. Considering the diverse conditions of individuals studying at this university, it has created a variety of dormitories including those for married students, accommodations specifically for students with physical disabilities, and dormitories for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Students can choose one of these dormitories based on their conditions and situations. Residence in dormitories is mandatory for all first-year students, and due to the available amenities and lower living costs in dormitories compared to off-campus options, approximately 93% of students continue to live in dormitories during subsequent years of study. Living costs for students residing in dormitories are approximately 10 to 30% cheaper than for those who live off-campus.
Sports and Recreational Facilities at Stanford University
Stanford University offers extensive sports and recreational facilities for students, staff, and faculty, including golf courses, tennis courts, an aquatics center, and a large climbing wall. With nearly 20 wellness facilities on campus, Stanford promotes physical fitness through programs in swimming, weightlifting, racket sports, dance, and more. Spouses and dependents up to 26 years old can access these facilities. Outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and adventure trips further support a healthy and active lifestyle.
Notable Graduates of Stanford University
Larry Page
Larry Page, co-founder of Google, obtained both his master’s and PhD degrees in computer science from Stanford.
Sigourney Weaver
Sigourney Weaver, a famous Hollywood actress, obtained her Bachelor’s degree in English studies from Stanford in 1972.
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods, a golfing legend, was invited to Stanford on a sports scholarship but did not obtain a degree from Stanford.
Sergey Brin
Sergey Brin, one of the co-founders of Google, obtained his master’s degree in computer science from Stanford in the mid-1990s.
Introducing the City of Stanford for Student Living
Applicants studying at Stanford University have access to some of the best city and outdoor environments. Regarding the introduction of Stanford City for student living, it can be said that with easy access to San Francisco and a wealth of outdoor attractions, Stanford students enjoy a world of cultural options that enrich their graduation experience.
The diversity of things to see and do in the Bay Area fosters an innovative, entrepreneurial, and creative environment that encourages students to think big and pursue original ideas. Although the university is practically a community of its own and even has its own zip code, it is situated just a short distance from Palo Alto. Downtown Palo Alto is conveniently close to the campus, offering many attractions as well as numerous shops and restaurants.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Studying at Stanford University
- How do I get admitted to Stanford University?
The admission requirements differ across various levels and fields of study, as discussed in the article.
- Where is Stanford University located?
It is located near San Francisco in California, USA.
- What rank does Stanford University hold in the world?
According to QS rankings, it is ranked second.
- Is passing an entrance exam necessary for admission to Stanford University’s medical program?
Yes, applicants must successfully pass the MCAT exam.
- Does Stanford University accept IELTS scores?
No, TOEFL scores must be provided for admission to this university.
Conclusion:
Stanford University is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities, with notable alumni like Maryam Mirzakhani, the first woman to win the Fields Medal. The university offers a variety of schools, including Medicine and Law, and provides scholarships to make education more affordable. Admission is highly competitive, considering academic excellence, personality, and intelligence. For more information about Stanford University or to get a free consultation, contact Malekpour Institute.
