Stanford University: what international applicants need

What are Stanford University's application deadlines for 2026–27?

Stanford University has 2 application deadlines for 2026–27: Restrictive Early Action on November 1, 2026 and Regular Decision on January 5, 2027.

• Restrictive Early Action isn't binding, but it limits where else you can apply early.
• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is Stanford University's acceptance rate?

3.6% for students who started in fall 2024: Stanford University admitted 2,067 of its 57,326 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does Stanford University require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

Yes. Stanford University requires SAT or ACT scores from first-year applicants for 2026–27.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Restrictive Early Action deadline (November 1, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
• For the Regular Decision deadline (January 5, 2027), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is December 5, 2026: scores on December 18, 2026, registration by November 20, 2026 (late registration November 24, 2026).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

What SAT score do you need for Stanford University?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 770–800 in Math and 740–780 in Reading and Writing (51% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 34–35.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is Stanford University's application fee for international students?

Stanford University's application fee is $100 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

Does Stanford University accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

Yes. Stanford University accepts the Common App fee waiver and doesn't limit it to US students.

• Your eligibility is confirmed through the Common App, usually with your counselor.

Which English tests does Stanford University accept?

Stanford University doesn't list its English tests on the Common App: they're detailed on its international applicants page.

• Stanford doesn't require any English proficiency exam. You can self-report a score if you'd like. Source · checked September 25, 2026
• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

How many recommendation letters does Stanford University require?

Stanford University requires 2 teacher recommendations and a counselor recommendation for 2026–27.

• It also asks for a mid-year report with your first-semester senior grades.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does Stanford University require the Common App personal essay?

Yes. Stanford University requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.

• It also asks for a portfolio, for some programs or for all applicants: check its site.

Does Stanford University have supplemental essays in 2026–27?

Yes. Stanford University asks 8 supplemental questions for 2026–27, on top of the Common App personal essay.

• Source · checked September 25, 2026

Does Stanford University give financial aid to international students?

For international applicants, asking for financial aid is a factor in Stanford's admission decision, which makes it more selective. Stanford then meets the full demonstrated need of every admitted student, whatever their citizenship. No merit scholarships except a few athletic ones. In 2025-26, it gave institutional scholarships or grants to 260 international undergraduates.

• Source · checked September 25, 2026
• Number of international students aided: the university's Common Data Set 2025-26

How many international students does Stanford University have?

965 of Stanford University's 7,904 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 12.2%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does Stanford University cost for international students?

Stanford University's published tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $65,910, the same for every student. On-campus food and housing was $21,315. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $92,892 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source