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Stanford University Acceptance Rate for Indian Students

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Stanford University Acceptance Rate
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Established in 1885, Stanford University is one of the oldest universities in USA, which is globally renowned for its excellence in teaching and learning. It is one of the best study abroad universities for international students as Stanford University ranking has been consistent among the top 5 global universities for more than a decade now.

It is interesting to note that despite of being one of toughest universities to get into, Stanford University does not mandate proof of English language proficiency for their international applicants.

Students across the globe apply for Stanford University admissions. However, only a fraction of candidates secure an enrollment due to the extremely competitive nature of the university.

Stanford University Acceptance Rate 2024

Stanford University welcomes students from all around the globe, who come from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities. For the class of 2027, Stanford received over 56,000 applications. However, only about 2,000 candidates got enrolled in the institute for their higher education. Thus, it can be concluded that with the Stanford University acceptance rate of merely 3.6%, the institute is extremely competitive to get into.

Particulars

Headcount

Application Received

56,378

Admitted Students

2,075

Acceptance Rate

3.6%

Stanford University Acceptance Rate for International Students

As of Fall 2022, Stanford University international students count stands at 4,669, which contributes about 24% to the total student population. A total of 64 nationalities are represented by the class of 2026 Stanford students and count of Indian students stands at 564. Most of the Stanford University international students are from China, India, Canada, Korea, Brazil and more.

Country

Headcount

China

1,236

India

564

Canada

367

Korea

203

Brazil

147

Listed below is the racial/ethnic breakdown of Stanford University students:

Race/Ethnicity

Percentage

Asian

26%

White

21%

Hispanic/Latin

17%

International

14%

Black/African American

9%

Stanford University Acceptance Rate Trends

In recent years, the acceptance rate of Stanford University has plummeted in comparison to the previous years. For the class of 2026 and 2025, Stanford University acceptance rate for international students stood at 3.6% and 3.9% respectively. Whereas, for the class of 2024, it was recorded to be at 5.1%.

Also, the number of students applying to Stanford has significantly increased in the past few years. For the class of 2026, Stanford received a total of 56,378 applications, out of which 2,075 students managed to secure an admission in the university. When we talk about the class of 2024, 45,227 candidates applied to the university and 2,349 out of them were granted an admission.

Class of

Number of Applications Received

Number of Students Accepted

Stanford University Acceptance Rate

2026

56,378

2,075

3.6%

2025

55,471

2,190

3.9%

2024

45,227

2,349

5.1%

2023

47,498

2,062

4.3%

2022

47,451

2,071

4.3%

Stanford University Early Action Vs Regular Decision Acceptance Rate

Every year, Stanford University admits international students through Early Action as well as Regular Decision. Usually, the institute’s early action acceptance rate is higher in comparison to regular decision acceptance rate. Early action allows applicants to apply to an institute earlier than regular decision.

Although Stanford does not reveal the bifurcation of candidates applying for Early Action and Regular Decision and the acceptance rates, it is said that it is easier to get in the university through Early Action.

Stanford University Admission Requirements for International Students

In order to secure an admission, all overseas applicants must fulfill certain Stanford University admission requirements for international students, which are listed below:

*1 USD = INR 83.10

Stanford University Average GPA, SAT/ACT Scores

In order to secure an enrollment in Stanford University, students must appear for one of the standardized tests (SAT/ACT) or other entrance exams like GMAT/GRE for postgraduate courses and secure the minimum scores as listed below:

Entrance Exams

Minimum Score Requirements

SAT

1500 - 1570

ACT

33 - 35

Fulfilling the required Grade Point Average criteria is one of the major entry requirement at Stanford and international students must maintain a GPA of 3.9 – 4.0 or higher in order to boost their chances of getting admitted in the university.

Tips to get selected in Stanford University

Stanford University admissions are very selective in nature and students must be an all-rounder in order to get admitted for pursuing their higher studies. Candidates who are excellent in academics as well as activities outside class are more likely to secure an admission. Alongside, having an entrepreneurship or start-up driven goal can boost the chances of the candidate’s selection. Applicants must prepare well for the interview and be confident. A motivation letter/essay also plays a huge role in determining the admission decision. Hence, the candidate must draft an essay that sets them apart from the crowd and is in line with Stanford’s vision.

Stanford University Acceptance Rate Vs Harvard University Acceptance Rate

Both Stanford University and Harvard University are a part of the top 5 global universities and some of the most challenging universities to get into. Harvard University acceptance rate stands at 3.4% and is the only university to have an acceptance rate lower than Stanford’s.

Harvard University admissions require students to be an all-rounder as they accept students on the basis of their overall character and personality and take a holistic approach. Candidates must be academically at the top of their class and participate in co-curricular activities as well.

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Stanford University 
FAQs

Q:   What is Stanford University known for?

A: 

Stanford University is considered to be one of the best universities in the world as it has consistently retained its rank in the top 5 universities in the world. The quality of teaching and lifestyle at Stanford University is top-notch and makes it stand out as the leading research-intensive university. Standford University is an award winning university with more than 68 faculty, staff, and alumni gaining the Nobel Prize since 1952 and the institution has the most Turing award winners. Stanford has claimed the rank #6 in QS World University Rankings 2025 and is one of the most successful universities when it comes to entrepreneurships.

Q:   Is it hard to get into Stanford University?

A: 

Stanford University acceptance rate is 4%. An acceptance rate of just 4% makes it one of the most selective universities in the world. Stanford University is a synonym for excellence in education. Tens of thousands of students from across the United States and around the world apply at Stanford University each year. It is one of the hardest universities to get into for international students. Stanford University has one of the most competitive admission processes in the world.

Q:   How to get admission to Stanford University from India?

A: 

Below we have given Stanford University admission requirements for undergraduate courses

  • USD 90 nonrefundable application fee
  • ACT or SAT test scores (as applicable)
  • School Report form and counselor letter of recommendation
  • Official transcript (s) or academic results
  • Letters of recommendation from two teachers
  • Midyear transcript (by February 15)
  • Proof of English proficiency

Stanford University admissions are not limited to academic scores, the university looks at the overall profile of the candidate. In a clear sense, the primary factor for admission is academic excellence. However, the university also wants to learn about your nonacademic interests and extracurricular activities that help them in understanding your contribution to its community.

Graduate Admissions 

  • International students willing to take admission to Stanford University graduate courses must have a U.S. bachelor's degree or its international equivalent from a college or university of recognised standing. In other words, Indian students must have a bachelor's degree in Engineering or Medicine; or four-year bachelor's degree

Read: Requirements to Study in USA for International Students 

Q:   What is Stanford application process?

A: 

In order to complete Stanford University admissions process, the applicants are required to follow an application process. Given below are the steps to apply to Stanford University:

Undergraduate Admissions

The components required to complete Stanford University application for undergraduate courses are:

  • Common application
  • Application fee of USD 90
  • School report form and counselor letter of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Letter of recommendation from two teachers
  • Any other document (as applicable)

Graduate Admissions

For the submission of Stanford University graduate application, the applicants are required to follow the steps given below:

  • First of all, check the entry requirements
  • Then, click on the relevant application button present on the Graduate admissions page of Stanford University
  • Next, create a new application account and enter all the asked details like name, email id, birth date, etc.
  • Then, follow the instructions to establish the account password
  • Lastly, login and fill out the application and submit it
  • The application fee to apply for Stanford University graduate courses is USD 125

Documents required for Stanford University graduate admissions

 

Q:   How can I get into Stanford after 12th?

A: 

Stanford's admission committee assesses its foreign applicants’ academic qualifications as per the volume of nations’ educational systems. It includes the type of school they attended and the level of education they attained. Hence, there are some things mandatory for international applicants.

Given below is the list of the general Stanford University entry requirements for international students:

Undergraduate RequirementsGraduate Requirements
- Official high school transcripts (English translation);

- Mid-year and final mark sheets;

- Early Decision Agreement (if applying for Early Decision);

- Essay; and

- Other course-specific requirements.

- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or medicine or four-year bachelor's degree in relevant discipline of study (For Indian students the two-year master’s degree following the three-year bachelor’s degree is required);

Letters of recommendation (LOR);

Statement of purpose (SOP);

Resume/CV;

GMAT/GRE score; and

- Other course-specific requirements.

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Anushree Sinha

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Anushree is a Graduate in Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and takes keen interest in content creation. She has affinity for writing and travelling around the world takes the top spot on her bucket list. Bringing out the creativ...Read Full Bio

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