International Applicants

International students have been an integral part of the university from its inception. Stanford is committed to enrolling a student body that includes students from around the world. The interactions among students with different backgrounds and experiences create a dynamic environment in which to learn and live.

Members of our admission staff specialize in evaluating educational systems from countries around the world and will consider your application within the context of the resources available to you. We recognize the educational procedures within your school and country as well as cultural and regional differences.

Submitting Your Application

The application process is the same for all applicants regardless of citizenship or country of residence. Review and follow our Freshman Application Instructions or our Transfer Application Instructions.

All applicants must submit the Common Application online through The Common Application.

Financial Aid

Regardless of citizenship, applicants are reviewed in the context and country where they attend high school. In addition, Stanford is committed to meeting demonstrated financial need for all admitted students (regardless of citizenship) who have requested financial aid during the application process.

If you are not a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, your request for financial aid will be a factor in our admission evaluation. While financial aid resources are limited for international citizens, Stanford does offer admission to a number of these applicants each year. International citizens who indicate on their applications that they will not be applying for financial aid and subsequently are admitted are not eligible to apply for financial aid at any time during their four years at Stanford. 

Stanford is need-blind for all U.S. citizens and legal noncitizens, regardless of where they attend high school. This means a request for financial aid will not be a factor in our admission evaluation. Visit our financial aid website for more information and the required application forms.

Non-U.S. Educational Systems

Official documents that note your grades, marks, or any predictions are required and must be sent directly from your school as part of your application. There is no need to have your marks converted into an American GPA.

While there are no courses or minimum scores required to secure admission to Stanford, we recommend completing the necessary coursework to apply to a university program for a bachelor's degree in your home country. 

Non-English-Speaking Schools

Fluency in English is a prerequisite for undergraduate admission at Stanford. However, if you attend a school where the primary language of instruction is not English, you will not be at a disadvantage.

Official copies of your original transcripts and teacher evaluations are required. These must also be translated into English and copies of the translated documents provided with your application. Translations may not be completed by the applicant. However, we encourage applicants to utilize other resources available to them—such as English teachers or school administrators—to provide such translations.

Testing for International Students

The SAT or the ACT Plus Writing is required for all undergraduate applicants. If no sittings of these tests are offered in your country, you may request a testing waiver. The request must be submitted by a school official in writing by mail or faxed to (+1) 650-723-6050. Include your official name, birth date, current school and Common Application ID number at the top of the letter. No form is required. Requests will be reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), although not required, is strongly recommended for non-native speakers of English.

You may submit your IELTS scores, but note that Stanford does not recognize the IELTS as a measure of English proficiency.

Refer to Testing for general guidelines.

The Office of Undergraduate Admission does not partner or work with paid agents or credentialing services. It is expected that all students complete their application materials without the use of such services.

Updated on August 31, 2015 3:02 AM