Graduate Admissions

Application Procedures

Before starting the application process, please read the information about the graduate program and its requirements.  Once you are ready to apply, you can access the admissions application through the Office of Graduate Admissions.  A complete application consists of the following documentation:

  • Stanford online application including statement of purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Two copies of transcripts from each institution you attended for at least one year
  • GRE and TOEFL scores reported directly to Stanford (code 4704)
  • Scholarly writing sample between 20-35 pages**
  • Application fee of $125

**Writing samples can be submitted in the "Additional Information" section of the online application or sent as hardcopies directly to the department at:

Department of Political Science
616 Serra Street, Encina Hall West Room 100
Stanford, CA 94305-6044

Graduate Finances

The Department generally is able to offer financial assistance to all students in the Ph.D. program who are making satisfactory progress. This assistance normally covers the full cost of tuition and an additional amount for living expenses during the academic year. The latter amount is usually in the form of a stipend, teaching assistantship, or research assistantship. Although the Department cannot formally guarantee support beyond the first year, it expects to continue to provide five years of support for Ph.D. students. Current information regarding tuition, fees, and living expenses can be found here.

The Department encourages students in all stages of the program to apple for funding from outside sources. To learn more about such opportunities, visit our page listening Additional Sources of Funding.

Graduate Admissions FAQ

Still have questions?  Please visit our list of frequently asked questions You may also find the following links useful if you have general questions about student life and graduate study at Stanford University:

Vice Provost of Graduate Education (VPGE)

Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook (GAP)

Graduate Life Office

Stanford Bulletin

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