How to get into Stanford University from India? Securing admission to Stanford demands a combination of outstanding academics, unique personal qualities, and a carefully crafted application strategy. Although studying at a top U.S. university like Stanford can be competitive, a focused approach can significantly improve your chances.
Stanford University is among the most eminent names in the list of top global educational institutions. Established in 1885, the university has one of the lowest acceptance rates, exceptionally high academic standards, excellent programs, world-class faculty, and a legacy of innovation and social impact. In this blog, let’s discuss getting into Stanford University from India in 2025.
Stanford University is on the same list as Harvard University and MIT in terms of prestige. It consistently ranks in the top global three and is known for its highly selective admission process. The worldwide QS ranking for Stanford University is 6 in 2025. So getting into Stanford University is a feat in itself.
If you make the cut, you would join the ranks of 20 Nobel laureates, along with many eminent top executives, such as Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai, Reed Hastings, and Larry Page.
Stanford also has a formidable network of highly qualified alumni called Stanford Alumni Mentoring (SAM) that offers mentoring to its students.
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Stanford has the lowest recorded acceptance rates. For the 2028 batch, it posted an acceptance rate of 3.6%, the lowest ever in its history. For the 2027 batch, it was 3.9%.
But there’s a slight improvement in its 2029 batch, according to Stanford Daily with 150 more students accepted than the previous year.
Being one of the most sought-after universities in the world, Stanford is very choosy about who they admit. The institution recieves thousands of applications, all from highly-qualified candidates with similar profiles. Students who have impressive academic records with good extracurricular credentials and leadership experience usually make the cut. Apart from that, SAT/ACT and GMAT scores also come into picture. Here’s an upshot of what Stanford University looks for in its students.
It goes without saying that students with impressive academic records are the ones who get into Stanford. An impressive CPA of 3.5+ is a good place to start.
Students who show a curiosity to learn through participation in debates, research or any kind of personal interest in the subject are a natural fit in the Stanford campus.
Applicants who have a good academic record is a pre-requisite for prestigious colleges, but that’s not the end of it. Stanford seeks candidates who have a well-rounded profile that shows their interest in extracurricular events like volunteering, sports, drama clubs, political activism, community services, student governments.
The following documents will be required for Stanford University admission which is based on the level of course applied to:
| Documents | Undergraduate (UG) Application | Postgraduate (PG) Application |
| Application Form | Common Application | Application Form |
| Application Fee | USD 90 (Rs 7,900) | USD 125 (Rs 11,00) |
| Standardized Test Scores | SAT or ACT (Optional) | GRE/GMAT (for MBA or MS courses) |
| School Report & Counselor LOR | School Report Form & Counselor Letter of Recommendation | N/A |
| Transcripts | Official Academic Transcripts | University/College Transcripts |
| Letters of Recommendation (LORs) | 2 LORs from Teachers | 3 LORs |
| Midyear Transcripts | Midyear Academic Transcripts | N/A |
| English Language Proficiency (ELP) | Not Required for UG (for International Students) | TOEFL (for International Students) |
| Optional Test Scores | IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo (Optional) | TOEFL (if applicable for International Students) |
| Statement of Purpose (SOP) | N/A | Statement of Purpose (SOP) |
| Resume/CV | N/A | Resume/CV |
If Stanford is your dream university destination, you should clearly understand what it looks for in its applicants. The university has a tough selection procedure, picking students who have an impressive academic and non academic profile. Leadership experience is also highly sought after.
| Admission Factor | Details |
| 1. Academic Excellence | High GPA Score: Aim for above 3.5 on a 4.0-point scale. No minimum GPA requirement. |
| Rigorous Coursework: Take challenging courses like AP, IB, or A-Levels to strengthen your application. | |
| 2. Standardised Test Scores | SAT/ACT: If submitting scores, aim for SAT scores above 1500 and ACT scores above 33. |
| GRE/GMAT: Important for postgraduate courses at Stanford. No minimum SAT/ACT cutoffs. | |
| 3. Extracurricular Activities | Leadership Roles: Engage in student bodies, clubs, or community projects to highlight leadership skills. |
| Unique Talents & Achievements: Showcase excellence in sports, arts, or academic competitions. | |
| How are Extracurriculars Evaluated? Emphasize meaningful involvement and leadership impact. | |
| 4. Personal Statement & Essays | Authenticity: Share personal stories and experiences that shape your identity and aspirations. |
| Reflect Stanford’s Values: Show how your experiences align with Stanford’s values of innovation, leadership, and community. | |
| Pro Tip: Get teachers, mentors, or professionals to review your essays for clarity and impact. | |
| 5. Letters of Recommendation | Choose recommenders wisely by selecting teachers or mentors who will represent your strengths appropriately. |
| Help recommenders by providing background information about your accomplishments and goals. |
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Before you submit your application to Stanford University, remember the eligibility requirements and have the documents ready. Do not leave room for errors.
Indian students aspiring to enter Stanford should familiarise themselves with the application deadlines. Stanford University has different deadlines for undergraduate admissions which are:
| Application Type | Restrictive Early Action Deadline | Regular Decision Deadline |
| Standard Application Deadline | November 1 | January 5 |
| Application with Optional Arts Portfolio | October 15 | December 5 |
| Notification of Missing Documents | Mid-November | Mid-February |
| Decision Released By | Mid-December | Early April |
| Student Reply Date | May 1 | May 1 |
Applicants can apply for Regular Decision at Stanford if they meet the following criteria:
Restrictive Early Action at Stanford for International Students
REA (Restrictive Early Action) is Stanford University’s non-binding early application deadline.
Applicants can consider REA if:
Irrespective of the extensive admission requirements and criteria, there are certain challenges that Indians get through Stanford University’s admissions. The challenges Indians face are as follows:
The selection criteria for Stanford University have a few key takeaways, and they are:
| Criteria | Description |
| Holistic Admission Approach | Stanford reviews applications holistically, considering academic achievements, personal background, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. Assessors also evaluate each applicant’s potential contributions to the Stanford community. |
| Academic Excellence | While there are no strict GPA, English proficiency score, or standardised test score requirements, academic performance remains a critical factor. Intellectual curiosity and academic rigor are highly valued. |
| Intellectual Vitality | Applicants who demonstrate a passion for learning, show initiative, and commit to both academic and non-academic activities are favored. |
| Extracurricular Activities | Stanford places high emphasis on the impact of extracurricular activities, valuing contributions to work, family, and community engagement. |
| Diversity and Context | Each applicant’s unique circumstances and background are considered to foster a diverse student body at Stanford. |
| Community Engagement | Prospective students are encouraged to engage with Stanford through events and social media platforms to showcase interest. |
| Tip | Description |
| Research Stanford’s Values & Culture | Reflect the values and cultures of Stanford naturally in your application without making it seem deliberate or overt. |
| Include First-Hand Experiences | Explain your career goals and how Stanford can help you achieve them. |
| Highlight Academic & Extracurricular Activities | Talk highly about your achievements but avoid sounding boastful. Showcase your activities humbly but convincingly. |
| Read SOP/Personal Statement Instructions | Fit your SOPs and personal statements according to the requirements of Stanford University |
| Choose an Apt Recommender for LOR | When it comes to Letters of Recommendation (LOR), select a mentor or a teacher who knows you well and will speaking glowingly about your strengths |
| Be Authentic & Specific | While it’s important to highlight your achievements, it’s also important to not sound overconfident. Put your most authentic self forward in your application |
| Proofread & Edit | Grammatical errors and typos can be embarrassing, creating a bad impression on the admissions committee. Have your essays read and proofed by multiple people before submitting. Use free software like Grammarly for the same |
| Demonstrate Fit with Stanford’s Community | Showcase how you align with Stanford’s community and express enthusiasm about becoming a part of it. |
| Prepare Early | Start drafting your essays and organising your documents ahead of time. Avoid last-minute stress and panic. Get help if needed |
| Meet Deadlines & Check Requirements | Ensure you submit your application on time and double-check all requirements, including supplemental materials. |
Stanford University offers a wide range of courses, but these 10 courses are the most sought-after in 2025.
The cost of your Stanford UG or PG programme depends on your specialisation, course length, and duration. The undergraduate fee for 2025-26 is Rs 60 lakh for tuition alone. Other expenses like housing, meals, etc., can increase the overall cost of studying at Stanford to Rs 85 lakh a year. Stanford’s graduate tuition fee for 2025-26 is Rs 55 lakh and Rs 73 lakh for some professional courses.
No, Stanford University is not in the Ivy League, but it’s quite close to the prestigious list of colleges like Harvard, Cornell and Princeton in terms of their academic excellence. People often use “Ivy League” as a term for prestigious educational institutions that are difficult to get into, which is perhaps where Stanford got mischaracterised as an Ivy League college.
Stanford University sees a large number of Indian students with brilliant academics and well-rounded profiles. Annually, close to 500 UG and PG students from India make it to the hallowed halls of Stanford.
Yes, you can apply to Stanford University after passing your 12th standard exams. To apply, submit your academic records, SAT/ACT and TOEFL/IELTS scores, LoRs and SoPs, and extracurricular achievements.
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