Stanford
Graduate Admissions

How to Apply

The online application for 2025 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 apply to only one program per academic year.

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

Aerial view of Stanford with Hoover Tower and Oval
Students using laptop

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.

CENTRAL

Graduate Admissions

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

Graduate Program

  • 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

STEP 1

Application

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. 

STEP 2

Evaluation

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.

STEP 3

Decision

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

STEP 4

Response

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.

STEP 5

Verification

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.

STEP 6

Matriculation

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.