Stanford University Acceptance Rate for Indian Students

Founded in 1885, Stanford University is one of the most desired universities for students. The Stanford University Rankings stood at #4 in National Universities, #10 in Best Value Schools, and #3 in QS World University Rankings 2026. Moreover, it offers about 150 graduate fields of study and 66 major fields of undergraduate study. 

Stanford University Acceptance Rate 2026

According to official sources, the number of first-year and transfer students admitted for the Class of 2029 was 196 more than the Class of 2028. This makes the admitted class for Fall 2025 the largest ever, with a fresh enrollment of 1,866 and 90 transfer students. The Stanford University acceptance rate for the session of 2024-25 was just 3.61%, the lowest ever in the history of the university, making the Stanford admission criteria extremely strict. A more in-depth comparison of the data of the class of 2027 and the class of 2028 is given below- 

Also Check: Stanford University Courses

Stanford University Acceptance Rate for International Students

The total number of enrolled international students at the Stanford campus stands at 4,300, as per unofficial credible sources. The Class of 2029 at Stanford speaks 81 languages at home and represents all 50 states and 65 countries. Below is an ethnic breakdown of the Class of 2029 at the uni

Stanford University Acceptance Rate Trends

In the last six years, the no. of applications received by Stanford University has increased by 20.6%, whereas the no. of students admitted only saw an increase of 0.2%, remaining more or less the same. The Stanford acceptance rate, on the other hand, has decreased by -16.2%. The Stanford acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was 3.6% and the stats for this year are yet to be announced.

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. 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.

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

Know about Stanford University fees from here

Stanford University Admission Requirements for International Students

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

• Completed online application along with Ua SD 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)

Stanford University Average GPA, SAT/ACT Scores

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-

Also Check: Stanford University Placements

Tips to get selected at Stanford University

The Stanford admission 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 good grades might not be the sole criterion for selection at Stanford University, but it is still one of the more important ones. A strong high school score record, GPA above 3.8, along with standardized test results of SAT/ACT, can be a plus point.

• Stanford University's admission guidelines state clearly that two letters of recommendation are mandated. 
• A Letter of Motivation is a good way to showcase what sets the applicants 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. 
• Evaluators look for students who perform well and are open to starting entrepreneurial ventures, or a history of active participation in volunteering activities will help set one's profile apart.

Stanford University Acceptance Rate vs MIT Acceptance Rate

The MIT acceptance rate stands at 4.5%, making the admission criteria of the university extremely selective. On the other hand, Stanford acceptance rate at 3.6%, suggesting that while both universities are extremely tough to secure a seat at, Stanford is especially tough.