Stanford University Acceptance Rate for Indian Students

Established in 1885, Stanford University is one of the oldest universities in the USA, It is globally renowned for its excellence in teaching and learning. It is one of the best study abroad universities for international students, as Stanford University ranking has been consistent among the top 5 global universities for more than a decade now. Stanford is one of the top private universities in the U.S. and is ranked at #3 in the World University Rankings 2026 and ranks at #6 in the World Rankings 2025 by another top-ranking publisher. Stanford University also stands tall at #4 in the Shiksha World rankings.

It is interesting to note that despite being one of the toughest universities to get into, Stanford University does not mandate proof of English language proficiency for its international undergraduate applicants. Stanford offers about 150 graduate programs across all seven of its schools, and 66 major fields for UG students.

The Stanford University campus spans across 8,180 acres and boasts several facilities for its enrollees, such as the Cardinal Cafe, Stanford Shopping Center, Stanford Research Park, Recreation and Wellness Center, and Pine Cone's Children's Center. Moreover, the campus features around 630 buildings, 26,000 trees, 25 fountains, and over 1,000 different species of flora.

Also Check: Stanford University Courses

Stanford University Acceptance Rate 2025

According to official sources, the number of applicants admitted for the class of 2029 was 150 more than the class of 2028. This makes the admitted class for Fall 2025 the largest ever.

As per data for Fall 2024, the total number of undergraduate applications was over 57,000, with just a little over 2,000 students admitted. The number of enrollments amounted to over 1,600, suggesting that the Stanford University acceptance rate for the session of 2024-25 was just 3.61%, the lowest ever in the history of the university, while Stanford's yield rate stood around 81%. Thus, it can be concluded that admission to Stanford University is extremely competitive. A more in-depth comparison of the data of the class of 2027 and the class of 2028 is given below: 

Stanford University Acceptance Rate for International Students

The total number of enrolled international (non-resident) students at Stanford usually exceeds 900 yearly, with geographic diversity from 70 non-U.S. countries. In total, the international students account for 15% of the UG student body and 36% of the graduates. Below is a breakdown of the total student enrollment at Stanford University based on ethnicity and race: 

Stanford University Acceptance Rate Trends

For the class of 2028, the acceptance rate of Stanford stood at 3.6%, suggesting a drop from the rate of 3.9% for the class of 2027. A decrease of 0.3% in the admission rate suggests increased competition for admissions by the slightest. An overall analysis of the acceptance rate of Stanford University throughout the years reveals that it has ranged between 5.1% and 3.6%, but has seen a significant drop over the past few years, meaning that admission criteria at Stanford have gotten stricter. Thus, students should have excellent academic credentials and an active background in co-curricular activities to secure admission at Stanford University. 

Stanford University Early Action Vs Regular Decision Acceptance Rate

Every year, Stanford University admits international students through Early Action as well as Regular Decision. Early action allows applicants to apply to an institute earlier than regular decisions. Although Stanford University does not reveal the bifurcation of candidates applying for Early Action and Regular Decision and the acceptance rates, it is said that it is easier to get into the university through Early Action.

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Stanford University Admission Requirements for International Students

In order to secure admission, all overseas applicants must fulfill certain Stanford University admission requirements for international students, which are listed below:

• Completed online application along with USD 100 nonrefundable application fee (Around INR 8,770)
• Official academic transcripts (translated into English in case written in any other language)
• Resume/CV;
• Statement of purpose (SOPs);
• Letters of recommendation (LORs) from two teachers
• School Report form and counselor letter of recommendation
• SAT/ACT score; and
• GRE/GMAT score (if applicable).
• Personal essay and Stanford Questions (refer to the official website for more details)

As stated on the university website, the standard application deadline for Early Action is November 1, and January 5 for Regular Decision.

Stanford University Average GPA, SAT/ACT Scores

The acceptance rate of Stanford University is 3.6%, meaning that in order to secure enrollment at Stanford University, students must appear for one of the standardized tests (SAT/ACT) or other entrance exams like GMAT/GRE for postgraduate courses and score excellently. The average scores attained by UG applicants for Fall 2024 are given as follows:

Fulfilling the required Grade Point Average criteria is one of the major entry requirements at Stanford, and international students must maintain a GPA of 3.9 – 4.0 or higher in order to boost their chances of getting admitted to the university.

Also Check: Stanford University Cost

Tips to get selected at Stanford University

The Stanford acceptance rate, standing at its lowest this year, even below 4% may sound intimidating, but with hard work, exceptional achievement records, and visible high ambitions, students with high potential are likely to be accepted. Below are some tips that can be followed to improve one's chances of selection at Stanford University: 

• Improving Academic Performance: While good grades might not be the sole criterion for selection at Stanford University, it is still one of the more important ones. As a renowned university, Stanford only accepts the best. Thus, the applicant's academic record must stand up to that reputation. A strong high school score record(GPA above 3.8), along with standardized test results (SAT/ACT), will act as a plus point. 

• Letters of Recommendation: Stanford University's admission guidelines state clearly that two letters of recommendation are mandated for First-Year Applicants. It's better to ask the respective recommenders about your request at least 3-4 weeks prior to the need. This gives them enough time to prepare their insights.  

• Letter of Motivation/College Essay: A Letter of Motivation is a good way to showcase what sets the candidate apart from the crowd. It helps in tying together the overall profile and allows evaluators to understand why one has gravitated towards applying for a particular academic program. The evaluators assess each application differently, taking into account the financial condition, family background, responsibilities, and overall educational journey. A letter of motivation allows one to highlight personal strengths, skills, and experiences, as well as a good understanding of one's weaknesses.

• Co-curricular Participation: Besides the aforementioned requirements, evaluators look for students who perform well holistically. Pursuing entrepreneurial ventures or a history of active participation in volunteering activities will help set one's profile apart. 

Stanford University Acceptance Rate Vs Harvard University Acceptance Rate

Harvard University's acceptance rate stands around 3.5%, compared to Stanford University, with a 3.6%, suggesting that both universities are on par with their strict admission criteria and have little to no difference. 

Both Harvard and Stanford are prestigious universities and part of the top 5 global universities. A student must have an exceptionally well-rounded profile to secure admission to either of the universities. This includes working on having an exceptional academic profile, a significant co-curricular activity record, and an apparent zeal to contribute to the university's community and society at large.