Navigating Stanford University as an International Student: A Comprehensive Guide
Stanford University, renowned for its academic excellence and vibrant campus life, welcomes international students from across the globe. With a highly competitive acceptance rate of approximately 5%, Stanford seeks applicants who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, strong test scores, and significant extracurricular involvement. This article provides a detailed overview of the requirements and resources available to international students pursuing graduate and undergraduate degrees at Stanford.
Introduction: The International Student Experience at Stanford
International students are a vital part of the Stanford community, enriching the campus with diverse perspectives and experiences. From the International Student Orientation to graduation, international students become part of the Stanford family. Academic Advisors are available to discuss academic planning and performance considerations specific to international students. However, it's crucial to maintain contact with an international student advisor at the Bechtel International Center to stay updated on the latest regulations and maintain legal status.
Admission Requirements for International Students
Stanford welcomes applicants from all around the world. International students are an integral part of our student body and contribute to a dynamic environment in which to learn and live. Members of our admission staff specialize in evaluating educational systems from countries around the world and will consider your application within the context of the resources available to you. We recognize the educational procedures within your school and country as well as cultural and regional differences. Regardless of citizenship, applicants are reviewed in the context and country where they attend high school. Other than financial aid, the application process is the same for all applicants regardless of citizenship or country of residence.
General Academic Requirements
While there are no courses or minimum scores required to secure admission to Stanford, we recommend completing the necessary coursework to apply to a university program for a bachelor's degree in your home country or in the country you are currently studying in. You must also be in possession of a secondary school diploma (or your country’s equivalent) by the time you enroll in the fall. We require that any official documents noting internal and external marks, or any predictions be sent directly from your school.
Transcripts and Recommendations
Yes, transcripts and teacher recommendations must be translated into English. Original copies must also be submitted when applicable. Applicants cannot translate the documents themselves.
Read also: Stanford Admission GPA Guide
Curriculum
We do not have a preference for a specific curriculum (A-Level, IB, AP, National, etc.). You should complete the necessary coursework to apply to a university program for a bachelor’s degree in your home country or in the country you are currently studying in.
Standardized Tests
Yes, the ACT or SAT is required. No, we do not require any English proficiency exams. If you would like to send us one, you are welcome to self-report your scores from any English proficiency exam. While these exams are useful in helping us determine applicants’ English proficiency, you may feel your fluency will be clear in other aspects of your application. Generally, we receive English proficiency exam results from applicants whose native language is not English and/or the primary language of instruction at their secondary school is not English.
Graduate Programs
Stanford University has about 150 graduate programs in all seven of Stanford’s schools: Business; Doerr School of Sustainability; Education; Engineering; Humanities and Sciences; Law; and Medicine. Prospective graduate applicants, including Law and MBA, will need to contact the specific department or program in which they are interested in to learn more about their specific application requirements.
Financial Aid
For international citizens who indicate on their application that they will be applying for financial aid, that request will be a factor in our admission evaluation, making the process more selective. citizen, legal permanent resident, undocumented student, or an Eligible Noncitizen , your request for financial aid will be a factor in our admission evaluation. While financial aid resources are limited for international citizens, Stanford does offer admission to a number of these applicants each year. International citizens who indicate on their applications that they will not be applying for financial aid and subsequently are admitted are not eligible to apply for financial aid at any time during their four years at Stanford. permanent residents, undocumented students, and Eligible Noncitizens regardless of where they attend high school. This means a request for financial aid will not be a factor in our admission evaluation. Please select the citizenship status option on the Common App that applies to you at the time you submit your application.
If your parents are divorced, separated, or were never married, each parent will need to provide CSS Profile information separately, using individual login credentials. If you do not have contact with your noncustodial parent, you may complete a Noncustodial Parent Waiver Request form. Supporting documentation is required. Submit your signed form and supporting documentation directly to the Financial Aid Office using our secure Document Upload process. If you are an international student who cannot afford the CSS Profile fee, or if you live in a country from which the College Board cannot process payments, you may submit an International Student Application for Financial Assistance using our secure Document Upload process. Submit the completed, signed form directly to the Financial Aid Office using our secure Document Upload process.
Read also: Explore Stanford
Maintaining Legal Status: Visa Requirements and Academic Enrollment
As international students, it is important for you to be aware of and adhere to current regulatory developments as they apply to your status as a student at Stanford. The Stanford Immigration Issues and Resources page has helpful information on support for international students, travel guidance, and other resources.
Visa Types
The types of student visas sponsored by Stanford include the following:
F-1 VISA
Obtained with an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility issued by Stanford University. The graduate student on an F-1 visa must enroll in a full course of study. The accompanying spouse or child enters on an F-2 visa. F-2 visa holders may not hold employment or engage in business under any circumstances. The F-2 spouse of an F-1 student may not engage in full-time study, and the F-2 child may only engage if the study is in an elementary or secondary school (kindergarten through twelfth grade). The F-2 spouse and child may engage in study that is avocational or recreational in nature.
J-1 VISA
Obtained with a DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility issued by Stanford University or a sponsoring agency. (Examples of such sponsoring agencies include the Institute for International Education, and the Fulbright Commission.) This visa is required for graduate students sponsored by certain agencies, foundations, and governments. In some cases, exchange visitors must leave the United States at the conclusion of their programs, may not change to non-student visa status, and may not apply for H-1visas or permanent residency in the United States until they have returned to their home countries for at least two years. The accompanying spouse or child of an exchange visitor enters on a J-2 visa and may obtain permission to work by means of an application to the US Department of Homeland Security. There is no regulatory restriction on study for J-2 dependents. Graduate students may qualify for a J-1 visa as long as they are funded by the university, or a government agency, foundation or company, and at least 50% of the student's funding comes from a non-personal or non-family source. The J-1 visa is also used for nonmatriculating international graduate students, including Postdoctoral Scholars and Visiting Student Researchers. The certificate of eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019) is issued to an incoming student only after receipt of evidence certification of adequate financial support for the student and his/her dependents. Proof of support for multiple years (two years, or the duration of the program) may be required.
Academic Enrollment Requirements
Academically, all international students must be enrolled full-time to maintain legal visa status. This means that as an international undergraduate student, you must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units for each quarter (autumn, winter, and spring). For this reason, you must see an Academic Advisor for a conversation before withdrawing from a course if it could result in your being enrolled below 12 units for the quarter. Any exceptions to the full-time enrollment rule must be approved by an International Student Advisor at Bechtel, so be sure to see them if you need an exception, for example, in the case of a documented medical reason.
Read also: Navigating Stanford Scholarships
Leave of Absence (LOA)
A Leave of Absence (LOA) is required of students who wish to withdraw from the current quarter or who do not wish to attend a future quarter (autumn, winter, or spring). If, as an international student, you need to take a leave of absence, you will have to fill out the official eForm, located inside of your My Academics drop-down menu within AxessYou must, first, obtain the signature of a Bechtel International Center Advisor. Once you have met with Bechtel and obtained their signature, you then need to meet with your Academic Advisor and obtain their signature, and then obtain a signature from the Dean of Students Office. While you may meet with your Academic Advisor prior to meeting with Bechtel to discuss taking a leave of absence, your Academic Advisor will not be able to sign off until after your Bechtel International Center Advisor does. There are specific requirements when taking a leave of absence as an international student. You may be required to leave the US during your leave of absence, and you may need to obtain a new I-20 prior to returning to Stanford at the end of your leave (depending on how long you’ve been away). It is important to pay attention to the timeline of these logistics, and to leave ample time to process everything (never do things last minute!).
Initial Registration
After an international applicant has accepted an offer of admission to Stanford University, the Bechtel International Center will invite them to access their portal to request an I-20 or DS-2019. In order to have the enrollment hold released, the new international student must go in person to the Bechtel International Center to verify physical presence at Stanford.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is available for those of you who have declared a major. A condition for CPT is that the internship or employment is a requirement for your degree program (major), or when the internship is offered through an official CPT course from your major department. For a practical internship that is a requirement for the degree program, you may or may not receive academic credit (units) for the CPT. For an internship that is offered through a CPT course, you will receive credit (units) for successful completion of the CPT course requirements. It is very important that you adhere to the deadlines and timelines of the CPT requirements, including obtaining a new I-20 form with CPT authorization prior to the internship start date.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is an off-campus employment option for international students on an F-1 visa. You are allowed a total of 12 months of employment (with a STEM degree, it is possible to extend up to 24 months). While you can do as much CPT as your degree program requires, if you participate in 12 months or more of CPT, you will not be eligible for OPT. As always, reach out to Bechtel for information and details on OPT.
English Language Support and Resources
Stanford provides numerous resources to support international students in developing their English language skills.
English Placement Examination and Enrolling in Summer Quarter Courses
Based on performance on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Graduate Admissions will notify some newly admitted international students of a requirement to complete the English Placement Test as a condition of admission. The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program administers the English Placement Test for new international students before the start of each Autumn quarter. The examination may result in a list of courses that the student is required and/or recommended to complete for their degree. The student’s degree may not be conferred until the required courses are completed or the student subsequently meets the requirement through additional examinations. In rare cases, Graduate Admissions may determine that an incoming student is required to complete an intensive English language program prior to taking the English Placement Test. The program may be offered in the student’s home country or in the United States and must be approved by Graduate Admissions in advance. The student should submit proof of enrollment and successful completion of the program to Graduate Admissions. Incoming international students should indicate their desire to enroll in Summer Session courses on their request for an I-20 form before the start of their graduate degree program at Stanford and complete the corresponding program application. Filing earlier than our priority filing dates is not necessary. Application requirements vary by citizenship status and admission application or enrollment status. In addition, based on scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Stanford’s offer of admission to graduate study may be contingent on completion of Stanford's English Placement Test or completion of intensive English language study prior to first-quarter enrollment. Receipt of university funding may be contingent on the applicant’s successful completion of these requirements, and, in the case of an anticipated teaching assistantship, on the successful completion of the TA Screening, an assessment of a student's readiness to use English in a teaching role.
Hume Center for Writing and Speaking
The Hume Center provides free resources to all students at every stage of their academic career, and has programs in writing, speaking, and tutoring. You may choose to make an appointment to see a tutor, or go to drop-in tutoring, for writing and/or oral communication guidance.
Courses
There are also 1-2 unit courses that you may be interested in, such as ORALCOMM 105, Voice and Articulation Intensive for Non-Native English Speakers, and, PWR 1WS, which is a Program in Writing and Rhetoric course designed for multilingual and/or international student writers.
Thursday English Afternoons (T.E.A.)
Thursday English Afternoons (T.E.A.) is a wonderful free program that offers conversation practice for multilingual learners at Stanford. T.E.A. sessions meet each week during Weeks 3 through 10 of the quarter in the Hume Center. T.E.A. sessions offer an opportunity for general conversation practice and an introduction to academic speaking.
Additional Resources for International Students
Academic Support
Want to thrive in your academics? Check out our page on free tutoring, academic skills coaching, and support courses to learn about all the academic resources available to you.
Wellness Resources
It's important to find ways to focus on your health, happiness, and well-being at Stanford. Our list of wellness resources on campus can give you a place to start!
Community Centers
Joining one of our eight community centers at Stanford can be a great way to find people you connect with.
Bechtel International Center
Bechtel International Center is Stanford's hub for international students and families.
Important Notes for Applicants
Students enroll and begin classes in the Fall. We do not offer Winter or Spring Quarter enrollment. You must be in possession of a secondary school diploma (or your country’s equivalent) by the time you enroll. If you are applying as a first-year applicant, you cannot attend another degree granting program and receive course credit after graduating from high school. If you wish to apply as a first-year, you must withdraw from that degree granting program before you receive any credit. If you have enrolled either full-time or as a degree-seeking student after graduating from high school and have received credit, you will need to apply as a transfer student. We do not have any exchange programs for undergraduates. If you would like to study at Stanford, you will need to apply as a transfer student, or consider graduate programs, the Stanford Continuing Studies program, or Stanford Summer Session. The Office of Undergraduate Admission does not partner or work with paid agents or credentialing services.
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