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Frequently Asked Questions

Applying to a Graduate Program

Q: Am I eligible to apply for graduate study at Stanford University?

  • A: To be eligible for admission to graduate programs at Stanford, applicants must meet one of the following conditions:
  1. Completion of a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association; or
  2. Completion of an international degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing. Please see the minimum international education requirements.

Q: Where are the instructions on applying to Stanford's graduate programs?

Q: Where can I get information about the departments at Stanford and their graduate programs?

  • A: The Programs page has a list of all degree programs offered, as well as links to department websites. The Stanford University Bulletin contains detailed information about graduate programs, courses and policies. 

Q: Where can I learn about applying to the Graduate School of Business, the School of Law, or the School of Medicine?

Q. Where do I find the online application?

Q. Can I apply on paper?

  • A: No, Stanford uses an online application.

Q. What are the payment options for the application fee?

  • A: The application fee is paid for online via credit card (Visa and MasterCard only). 

Q: Can I apply to more than one graduate program at Stanford?

A: You may apply to only one degree program per academic year with these exceptions:

  • Within the Biosciences,  you may apply to up to two Ph.D. programs within your one application. Those programs are Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Informatics, Biophysics, Cancer Biology, Chemical & Systems Biology,  Developmental Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology & Immunology, Molecular & Cellular Physiology, Neurosciences, Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, and Structural Biology.
  • You may apply concurrently to one departmental program and to a professional school program (law, medicine (M.D. program) or business). For instance, it is feasible to apply to a degree program in one department and to the PhD program at the Graduate School of Business simultaneously.

Q: Do I need to submit a separate application to a department in addition to the application for graduate study?

  • A: No. There is only one application to all departmental graduate programs. However, your department may have special application requirements. Please read the instructions for graduate admissions on your department’s website. Contact the department if you have any questions. If you are applying to Law, Business or the M.D. program in addition to a departmental program, you will need to submit a separate application.

Q: I was (or am) an undergraduate at Stanford University and would like to apply to a graduate program. What do I need to submit?

  • A: Stanford graduates follow the same application procedures as other applicants, including requesting that transcripts be sent to the department to which one is applying (you may do so on Axess through the Student Services Center.) If you are currently an undergraduate and wish to apply for a coterminal program, you do not need to submit an application for graduate study.

Q: Are application fee waivers granted or is the application fee refundable?

  • Fee waivers are available to eligible students. Please explore the fee waiver information.

  • The application fee is not refundable.

Q: I applied to a graduate program at Stanford but was not admitted. Do I need to send a complete application when I reapply?

  • A: You must submit a complete application and pay the application fee. 

Q: I would like to withdraw my application. Will the application fee be refunded?

  • A: No. Application fees are not refunded.

Q: I have applied for graduate study and would like to know the status of my application. Whom do I contact?

  • A: Please call or email the department to which you have applied. The Graduate Admissions Office does not make admission decisions.

Q: Is there information for undocumented members of the Stanford community?

Q: I am having technical problems with my online application. What do I do?

  • A: Technical support is available from any page within the application by clickiing on the Contact our Help Desk link at the bottom of each page. You can also send an email to the CollegeNET Help Desk at help@applyweb.com. CollegeNET responds to technical support questions within 24 hours.