Stanford University: Rankings, Fees, Programs, Scholarships

Students applying to Stanford from Fall 2026 and future years, an ACT / SAT score is required from Indian applicants. As such, no minimum test scores have been mentioned by Stanford. But, the students must aim to get the following scores in these standardized test scores: SAT: 1510-1570, ACT: 34-35

• SAT: 1510-1570
• ACT: 34-35

Stanford University is one of the hardest universities to get into. Additionally, the university has no minimum GPA requirements for its undergraduate programs. Generally, the enrolled students have good GPAs ranging from 3.8 to 4.0. Stanford University advises students to take five classes every semester.

For Indian students, the cost of pursuing MBA in Stanford University is INR 32 L - 1 Cr per academic year. Note that the duration of this MBA programme is around 9 months - 2 years. It is expensive course, return on investment is quite impressive as PG receive a median annual base salary of USD 182500 -INR 1.52 Cr along with a median signing bonus of USD 30000 INR 25 L per year. Also this salary is expected to grow every year based on the candidate skill set and performance.

1 USD - INR 83.53

Over 200 courses are offered by Stanford Uni. At the UG level, around 66 academic fields are available and at the PG level, 150+ course options are there. Some of the popular majors at Stanford are Mathematics and Statistics; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Mathematics and Statistics; Social Sciences; Engineering; Biological and Biomedical Sciences, etc. 

In terms of rankings, the Oxford University has an upper hand among all the three universities. But, Harvard Uni offers great placement packages. The table given below can be referred to know the ROI and rankings of these universities: 

Yes, in 1980, Mukesh Ambani dropped his MBA degree at Stanford Uni to come back to India. Then, he joined his family business to build Reliance. Other famous celebrities who have studied at Stanford Uni are Rishi Sunak, Sundar Pichai, Akshata Murty, Azim Premji, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jennifer Connelly, Reese Witherspoon, etc. 

Yes, Stanford University in Stanford, California charges an application fee for admissions. Students can pay the Stanford University application fee either through an e-check or credit card.. Given below are the details:

Note: Since the application fee is non-refundable, applicants do not receive any refund even if they withdraw the application.

Conversion Rate: 1 USD = INR 83.53

Stanford University values the diversity of experience in their student body and welcomes applications from college seniors and recent graduates, as well as those with all levels of work experience. Hence, work experience is not a mandate for admissions to Stanford MBA.
If a candidate has prior experience, they must submit details of the same. However, note that the AdCom focuses on the impact a candidate had in their workplace, instead of the name or stature of the organisation they have worked in. With the help of their professional experience, an applicant must be able to answer the following questions:

• How have you made the most of your professional opportunities?
• Are you cultivating your leadership and team skills?
• What impact are you making?

All overseas first-year applicants must meet the Stanford University admission requirements listed below, to stand a chance of securing admission to the university:

• A Completed Online Application: Must be submitted through the Coalition/Common Application.
• Application Fee/Fee Waiver: Candidates must either pay USD 90 (INR 7.7 K) or apply for a fee waiver.
• Academic Transcripts: An official transcript must be sent by a school counselor or school official.
• School Report: Candidate's school counselor or other school official must complete and submit the SR form available on the Coalition Application or Common Application website.
• Counselor Recommendation: Applicant's recommender must complete and submit the form.
• Two Teacher Recommendations: Candidates must request two of their teachers who taught them higher level courses in different academic areas of study to complete and send the teacher recommendation forms, available on the Coalition Application or Common Application website.
• Midyear School Report: Applicant's school counselor or other school official must complete and submit this form once the student's midyear grades are available.
• SAT or ACT Scores: Stanford has ended the test-optional for students applying to Stanford for the Class of 2030 (Fall 2025 entry). Hence, students must submit their standardized test scores while applying.
• TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Academic Scores: All applicants whose native language isn't English must submit their English language proficiency exam scores. Students who have spent at least three years at a secondary school where English is the primary language of instruction are not required to take the language tests.

Conversion Rate: 1 USD = INR 85.50

Stanford is located in California. The university is situated on 8,180 acres in the center of San Francisco, Peninsula. It is located 35 miles south of San Francisco and 20 miles north of San Jose. Stanford University is located in the heart of Northern California's “Silicon Valley”.  As of 2025, Stanford has 630 buildings. There is one satellite campus of Stanford namely Redwood City Campus. Its campus size is 35-acres.