Stanford University Acceptance Rate

Stanford University Acceptance Rate 2027

Stanford admitted 3.8% of first-year applicants for Fall 2025, based on the 2025–26 Common Data Set. This acceptance rate is calculated from offers of admission divided by applications received and covers all first-year undergraduate applicants, including domestic and international students. Applications increased by around 3,300 in one year, yet the acceptance rate remained below 4%.

Stanford does not publish separate admission rates for international students, Indian applicants or Restrictive Early Action. The admission figures for Fall 2026 entry are expected to be available in the university’s next Common Data Set.

Reality check: Fewer than 4% of applicants receive an offer from Stanford. Strong Class 12 marks and SAT scores can make an Indian applicant competitive, but they do not guarantee admission because Stanford uses a highly selective and holistic review process.

Stanford Acceptance Rate by Level and Program

Stanford only publishes undergraduate admission figures, as it does not report a single overall graduate admit rate. The waitlist rate also indicates that only a small proportion of students are ultimately admitted from the waitlist.

Stanford does not publish a single graduate admission rate, as each department evaluates applicants independently and sets its own admission and testing requirements. International students accounted for 12.7% of Stanford’s Class of 2029, according to the Stanford Report published in November 2025.

Key insight: Stanford’s waitlist is not ranked, so admission from the waitlist is uncertain. Students should keep a confirmed admission and deposit at another university by May 1 rather than relying on a Stanford waitlist offer.

Is Stanford Hard to Get Into for Indian Students?

Stanford’s undergraduate admission rate is lower than Harvard and MIT for the same entering class, making it one of the most selective universities in the US. Among students who submitted SAT scores, the Fall 2025 enrolled class had a middle-50% SAT range of 1520–1570. Stanford was test-optional that year, so these scores represent only students who submitted test results.

Note: Peer figures come from different sources and dates. The MIT figure was reported at decision time in March 2025.

Stanford University Admission Requirements for Indian Students 2027

Undergraduate and graduate applicants at Stanford follow different testing requirements, so students should check the test policy for their specific study level and programme before applying.

Undergraduate applicants submit these documents:

• Common Application with Stanford essays
• School Report and counselor recommendation
• Two teacher recommendations
• Official transcripts, plus a midyear transcript by February 15, 2027
• Self-reported SAT or ACT scores

Planning note: Indian applicants with a three-year bachelor's degree should confirm US equivalency before applying for graduate study.

Stanford University Intakes and Deadlines 2027

Stanford admits Indian students once a year for Fall entry.

Early Action decisions are expected by mid-December 2026, while Regular Decision results are expected by early April 2027. The undergraduate application fee is USD 100 (INR 9,634), while the graduate application fee is USD 125 (INR 12,043).

Note: Graduate deadlines vary by department and programme. Check the specific programme page before booking the GRE or TOEFL.

Stanford Fees and Scholarships for Indian Students 2027

Undergraduate tuition remains USD 67,731 (INR 65.3 lakh) for the 2026–27 academic year, with no increase.

The full 2026–27 undergraduate budget is USD 97,545 (INR 94.0 lakh). Stanford meets the full demonstrated financial need of admitted international undergraduate students. The university does not offer regular merit scholarships, except for limited athletic awards. For graduate students, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars programme provides funding, with the 2027 cohort deadline closing on October 6, 2026. The next application round is expected around October 2027, based on the previous cycle, although the date is not yet official.

How to Improve Your Chances at Stanford

• Submit SAT or ACT scores, required again for fall 2027 entry.
• Aim near the middle 50% range: SAT 1520 to 1570 or ACT 34 to 36.
• Self-report every AP score if you took AP exams.
• Apply Restrictive Early Action by November 1, 2026 if Stanford is your first choice.
• Send the midyear Class 12 transcript by February 15, 2027.
• Arts portfolio applicants must submit the Regular Decision application by December 5, 2026.

Note: What the Stanford Acceptance Rate Means for Indian Students

Stanford is a strong option for Indian students with excellent Class 12 results, high SAT or ACT scores and a clear academic profile. With an acceptance rate of around 3.8%, even strong applicants should apply to a balanced mix of universities. Undergraduate students should decide on Restrictive Early Action early and complete their testing before the application deadline. Graduate applicants should check their degree equivalency and programme-specific deadlines, with most deadlines falling in December 2026.