Stanford
Graduate Admissions

How to Apply

The online application for 2026 entry is open.

Visit the Apply Now page to start your application for graduate study.

Select One Program

Out of the graduate degree programs listed on the Explore Graduate Programs page, you may submit only one application per academic year to be considered for admission to a single program.

The only exception is within the Biosciences PhD programs, where you may apply for two programs within a single application.

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Central & Departmental Processes

We work in partnership with your graduate program of interest to ensure a smooth admission experience from the time you start your application until you enroll at Stanford.

Graduate Admissions

CENTRAL
  • Oversees the online application system
  • Administers university-wide admission requirements
  • Reviews the official documents of incoming graduate students to verify that they meet university-wide admission requirements

Graduate Program

DEPARTMENTAL
  • Oversees the review of applications
  • May supplement university-wide requirements with program-specific admission requirements
  • Communicates admission decisions and offers of financial support
Explore Graduate Programs

Admission Process Overview

Application

STEP 1

The first step is to prepare and submit your application materials through the online application system, by the deadline set by your intended graduate program. 

Evaluation

STEP 2

After you submit your application, it is routed to your graduate program for review by its admission committee. Some programs conduct interviews as part of the evaluation process.

Decision

STEP 3

Your graduate program communicates the admission decision to you once it is finalized by the admission committee.

Response

STEP 4

If you are admitted, you must respond to the offer of admission by the deadline set by your program. Some programs host "visit days" to help you make an informed decision.

Verification

STEP 5

If you accept the offer of admission, you must arrange for your official transcripts and degree documents to be sent to Graduate Admissions for verification.

Matriculation

STEP 6

After Graduate Admissions reviews your official documents, you are matriculated into your degree program. At this point, you are eligible to enroll in courses if you have no enrollment holds on your record. Note: If you are an international student, you have an enrollment hold until you arrive on campus.