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We hope the information provided here will answer your questions related to applying to Stanford as an international student. If, after reviewing these questions and answers, you still have concerns, please contact our office directly.
TESTING
APPLYING TO STANFORD
FINANCIAL AID
MISCELLANEOUS
TESTING
Is the TOEFL required? What is the minimum TOEFL score required?
The TOEFL is not required as part of the application process, however, those scores can be helpful for us to better understand a student’s English language ability, especially for non-native speakers. We do not have minimum score requirements, but many of our strong applicants score above 110 on the iBT (Internet-based test) or 637 on the PBT (Paper-based test).
Stanford does not offer an ESL or language training program for new undergraduate students. Thus, all students are expected to be fluent in written and spoken English prior to arriving on campus.
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Do I have to take the SAT? Can I use my results from the O-level, A-level or IB examinations in place of the SAT?
All undergraduate applicants are required to submit their official scores from either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT. A student’s performance on O-level, A-level or IB examinations are considered in the admission process and should be submitted by the appropriate school officials but they do not replace the SAT requirement.
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Can I apply to Stanford if the SAT/ACT is not available in my country?
We waive the SAT/ACT requirement for students living in countries where the SAT and ACT are not currently offered (e.g., the People’s Republic of China, Iran).
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Do you want my A-level and O-level scores?
Yes, students following the British educational system should submit O-, AS-, A- and/or A2 level results (or predicted results) as part of the Secondary School Report (Form 3).
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APPLYING TO STANFORD
Is there a separate application and fee for international students?
No. All undergraduates use the same application and pay the same application fee of $75.
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Should I apply as a freshman or transfer applicant?
International students who are enrolled in post-secondary institutions (college or university) as full-time, degree-seeking students must apply to Stanford as transfer applicants. If a student is enrolled in an institution of higher education on a full time basis and does not intend to seek transfer credit, he/she may be eligible to apply as a first-year student. Applicants in this category will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
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My school does not have a counselor, who should complete the Secondary School Report?
The Secondary School Report should be completed by any school official who has access to your records; for example, a headmaster, principal, tutor or teacher.
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My school does not calculate a GPA or a rank in class, what information should my school provide?
Your school officials can leave this section of the Secondary School Report blank if it does not apply.
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What is my transcript?
A transcript is an official record provided by your secondary school that shows your academic performance over the past two to three years and provides information about your current status. The transcript may include grades in various subjects and/or results from internal or external examinations (e.g., GCSE, national examinations in your country, etc.). For students in courses of study where performance is measured at the end of the year (e.g., A- or A2 levels or IB), we would like to receive predicted results from your school officials.
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Can the recommendation letters be written in my native language?
Students must submit originals of all credentials (transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) even if the originals are not in English. Where the documents are not in English, students should also submit translations of those documents.
Documents can be translated by those who have the necessary level of fluency in the English language (such as the student, teacher, school counselor, or a translation service company), but the student should indicate who has translated the documents. Stanford does not have a list of translation companies, nor do we endorse a particular translation company.
If a document is not translated, we may make reasonable efforts to obtain translations in cases where the credentials will inform the reading process. We cannot guarantee, however, that we will be able to translate a document.
Finally, we reserve the right to verify translations of credentials.
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May I apply to Stanford for a second Bachelor’s degree?
Unfortunately, Stanford does not allow students to pursue a second Bachelor’s degree if they have already earned a Bachelor’s degree from another institution. You may be interested in exploring graduate programs at Stanford.
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Do you offer interviews?
Interviews are not a part of the undergraduate admission process at Stanford.
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Should I send photocopies of my certificates/awards?
Please do not send us photocopies of your certificates and awards. You should use the space provided on the Student Information Form to tell us about your achievements.
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Will I be notified if my application has arrived? Will I be notified if something is missing from my application?
We will not notify you of your application’s arrival, but we will notify you of any missing documents. Because of the amount of mail we receive on or about the application deadlines, please allow two weeks for the processing of your documents before contacting us about your application.
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How will I receive my admission decision?
We will mail your decision and also will email your decision if your mailing address is outside the U.S. or Canada (and provided you include a valid email address on your application for admission). (Please note that international students in the U.S. will not receive an email decision and U.S. citizens/U.S. Permanent Residents abroad will receive an email decision.)
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Coming from an international school, my academic experience and transcript is quite different from those of a U.S. applicant; will Stanford understand my educational background?
Yes, you can be assured that we have experienced and highly qualified professional staff members well versed in a variety of non-U.S. educational systems reviewing our international student applications.
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I am a U.S citizen living/attending school outside the United States; do I apply as an international student?
No, you apply as a U.S. citizen.
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I am a Permanent Resident of the U.S., although I am a citizen of another country; do I apply as an international student?
No, a U.S. Permanent Resident holding an alien registration card and number should apply same as a U.S. citizen and can apply for need-based financial aid at Stanford as well.
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FINANCIAL AID
Are international students eligible for financial aid? Does Stanford offer scholarships to international students?
Stanford has a limited amount of financial aid for international students (students who are neither U.S. Citizens nor U.S. Permanent Residents), and the need for aid will be a major factor in your admission decision. You must indicate on the Basic Information Form of the Application for Admission whether or not you intend to apply for financial aid and also must indicate how much money you have available per year for your educational and living expenses.
International students applying for financial aid must submit the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) and the Certification of Finances (COF). The approximate cost for one academic year at Stanford is currently $44,700, including tuition, room and board, books and supplies, personal expenses, and mandatory health insurance, but excluding travel.
Stanford will meet 100% of all admitted students’ demonstrated financial need – in the case of international students, Stanford will meet 100% of your demonstrated financial need if you have indicated on your application you wish to be considered for financial aid and our financial analysis indicates that you in fact qualify for need-based aid.
International students who do not request consideration for financial aid at the time they apply for admission will not be eligible to apply for aid at Stanford throughout their undergraduate years. Stanford cannot be held responsible for fluctuations in exchange rates or the stability of any country’s economy or continued government or corporate support.
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May I apply Single-Choice Early Action to Stanford if I wish to be considered for financial aid?
Yes, international students may apply under Single-Choice Early Action, regardless of their financial status.
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What forms must I complete in order to apply for financial aid?
International students applying for financial aid must submit the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) and the Certification of Finances (COF). Go to the Stanford Financial Aid Office website to learn more about these forms.
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MISCELLANEOUS
Can I defer my admission?
After submitting your enrollment deposit to confirm your acceptance of our offer of admission, you may send a request in writing to the Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, with a complete explanation of why you want to defer your enrollment. The preferred deadline for such requests is June 15.
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Can you provide contact information for Stanford alumni in my country if I have further questions?
Due to the large number of prospective students in our applicant pool, we are unable to offer a contact program with Stanford alumni. Stanford students and alumni do contact admitted and enrolling students to serve as resources and respond to questions. If you have any additional questions that are not addressed on our website, please contact us. We appreciate your patience in responding to your inquiries since we are receiving a considerable volume of emails at this time.
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How many students are from my country?
Approximately 5% of Stanford's undergraduate student population are international students. For a more specific breakdown of students on our campus, please visit the Bechtel International Center's website and follow the link for "Statistics."
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What is the international community at Stanford like?
Stanford's international community is difficult to capture in words. Without a doubt, they add a vibrancy to our campus community that enriches our dorms and classrooms. International students hail from around the world, speak a variety of languages and offer unique cultural perspectives.
To see a sampling of some of the international student groups on campus, please visit the Bechtel International Center's website. Just as there is no typical Stanford student, there is no typical Stanford experience.
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Additional Frequently Asked Questions
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