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Test Scores

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You may be required to submit one or more of the following test scores. Click on each link below to learn more about each test and how requirements are determined:

Each test is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). We encourage you to register early to maximize the chances of securing your preferred test date and location and to ensure that your scores arrive by your graduate program’s application deadline.


Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Each graduate program sets its own policy on GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test scores — required, optional, or not considered. Refer to the Explore Graduate Programs page to view each program’s testing policy.

Reporting GRE Scores

If you are applying to a graduate program for which the GRE is required or optional, all GRE scores we receive will be made available to the admission committee. The admission committee may decide how they wish to evaluate the scores provided. If your graduate program does not consider GRE scores, any GRE scores we receive will not be displayed to the admission committee.

Self-Reported Scores

To self-report your GRE scores, list all GRE tests you took within the past five years that you wish to be considered by the admission committee. Do not enter “superscores” (a single entry that includes your highest section scores from multiple test dates). The application system will automatically display to the admission committee the highest score you earned in each section as well as all reported scores.

Any scores you self-report on the application are considered unofficial but sufficient for the initial review process.

Official Scores

If GRE scores are required by your program, you must report your official scores directly to Stanford from ETS. Stanford’s ETS institutional code is 4704. Individual department code numbers are not necessary. As long as you select the institutional code of 4704, the score is electronically delivered to Stanford.

Upon successful receipt of your official scores, they will appear on the Test Scores page of your application with a status of “Verified.”

Scores expire after five years and will not be available from ETS. See below for the earliest test date Stanford considers to be valid.

Entry TermApplication Open DateEarliest Valid Test Date
Autumn 2024-2025September 2023September 1, 2018

Graduate programs may enforce a stricter validity period (e.g., based on their application deadline). Refer to the program’s website.


Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

If your first language is not English, you are required to submit an official test score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT).

  • We accept the TOEFL iBT Home Edition and TOEFL iBT Paper Edition if you are unable to take the traditional TOEFL iBT test in a test center. If you take the Home Edition or Paper Edition, you may be required to complete additional English placement testing prior to enrollment.
  • We do not accept TOEFL Essentials scores or any other English proficiency test (e.g., IELTS, PTE).

Minimum TOEFL Requirements

Stanford’s minimum TOEFL score requirement varies depending on your field of study and planned degree:

Program TypeMinimum Score
Doctoral Programs: all100
Master’s Programs: all except School of Engineering100
Master’s Programs: School of Engineering89

If you score below 109 on the TOEFL and you are admitted, you will likely be required to complete additional English placement testing prior to the start of classes.

Reporting TOEFL Scores

We accept MyBest scores, which combine your highest section scores from all test dates within the last two years. All TOEFL scores we receive, including MyBest scores, will be made available to the admission committee. The admission committee may decide how they wish to evaluate the scores provided.

Self-Reported Scores

You may use either of the following methods to self-report your MyBest scores on the application:

  1. List all TOEFL tests you took within the past two years where you earned a section score that is included in your MyBest scores.
    - or -
  2. List a single TOEFL entry with your MyBest scores. For the test date, enter the “as of” date listed on your most recent score report.

Any scores you self-report on the application are considered unofficial but sufficient for the initial review process.

Official Scores

If TOEFL scores are required for your application, you must report your official scores directly to Stanford from ETS. Stanford’s ETS institutional code is 4704. Individual department code numbers are not necessary. As long as you select the institutional code of 4704, the score is electronically delivered to Stanford.

When you arrange for your official TOEFL scores to be sent to Stanford, the report will include both your traditional scores from your selected test date and your MyBest scores. Upon successful receipt, both sets of scores will appear on the Test Scores page of your application with a status of “Verified.” You do not need to have official scores from previous tests sent to Stanford as long as the most recent official score report includes the MyBest scores you wish to use.

Scores expire after two years and will not be available from ETS. See below for the earliest test date Stanford considers to be valid.

Entry TermApplication Open DateEarliest Valid Test Date
Autumn 2024-2025September 2023September 1, 2021

TOEFL Exemptions

You are exempt from submitting a TOEFL score if you meet one of the following criteria:

  • You (will) have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a regionally-accredited college or university in the United States (excluding territories and possessions).
  • You (will) have an equivalent degree from an English-language university in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, or the United Kingdom.

The online application will not require you to submit a TOEFL score if you meet one of the criteria listed above for an exemption.

U.S. citizenship does not automatically exempt you from taking the TOEFL if your first language is not English.

TOEFL Waivers

You may request a waiver in the online application if you (will) have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a recognized institution in a country other than Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom in which English was the language of instruction.

You will be asked to provide the following:

  • Upload an official statement certifying that your program was taught exclusively in English
  • You may also link to your institution’s official website stating the language of instruction

Your waiver request will be routed to Graduate Admissions after you submit your application and pay the application fee. Allow up to 15 business days after submitting your application for a response. This will not delay the receipt of your application by your graduate program.