United States
Stanford University
Funding
Stanford meets the full demonstrated financial need of admitted undergraduates, including international students who requested aid while applying. Unlike need-blind colleges, Stanford is NEED-AWARE for international applicants: requesting financial aid is considered in international admission decisions. Need is assessed individually, so a zero-cost full ride is not automatic.
Eligibility
Selectivity context: Exceptionally selective. International first-year applicants from Bangladesh eligible. SAT or ACT REQUIRED for fall 2027; scores may initially be self-reported, official scores required if enrolling. Stanford does not require English proficiency testing, but English fluency is expected. Use Common Application and Stanford supplements; request institutional aid during admissions application.
Deadlines
Published first-year standard application deadlines: Restrictive Early Action November 1 and Regular Decision January 5 (11:59 pm applicant local time); optional arts portfolio earlier. Stanford financial aid CSS Profile/IDOC priority dates: REA November 15, RD February 15. Confirm active cycle and the international applicant-specific checklist before submission.
What Stanford University needs for Fall 2027
Draft research from official pages (checked 14 Nov 2026). Not yet verified by a bdesh editor — confirm every date and prompt on the official page. 8 details still being checked.
Rounds and deadlines
| Round | Application | Financial aid | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restrictive Early Action | 1 Nov 2026 | 15 Nov 2026 | — |
| Regular Decision | 5 Jan 2027 | 15 Feb 2027 | — |
Essays and short answers
Required250 words
The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning.
Required250 words
Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate—and us—get to know you better.
Required250 words
Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests, and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University.
Testing
- SAT/ACT required
- English tests: Any English proficiency exam may be self-reported (optional)
- Stanford does not require an English proficiency exam; fluency in English is a prerequisite. Applicants may self-report scores from any such exam.
Recommendations · Interview
- counselor + 2 teacher
- Interview: Not offered
- Application fee: $100 · Apply through Common App, QuestBridge
Financial aid for international students
- Need-aware for international applicants
- Forms: CSS Profile, International Student Supplement to the CSS Profile (non-Canadian international applicants), International Student Application for Financial Assistance (alternative)
- Documents: CSS Profile; International Student Supplement; Tax documents via IDOC (Canadian citizens: signed Canadian tax statements); document list for other international applicants not confirmed
- CSS Profile code: 4704
Stanford's decision FAQ says need-blind admission applies to US citizens, permanent residents, undocumented students and non-US citizens eligible for federal aid; financial need is a factor for international applicants who need a student visa. Whether Stanford meets full need for admitted international students was not confirmed from pages read.
Official pages used
- admission.stanford.edu/apply/first-year/fee.html
- admission.stanford.edu/apply/first-year/apply.html
- admission.stanford.edu/apply/first-year/
- admission.stanford.edu/apply/deadlines/index.html
- financialaid.stanford.edu/undergrad/apply/requirements/rea_international.html
- financialaid.stanford.edu/undergrad/apply/requirements/rd_international.html
- admission.stanford.edu/apply/questbridge/index.html
- admission.stanford.edu/apply/first-year/testing.html
- admission.stanford.edu/apply/international/index.html
- admission.stanford.edu/apply/first-year/index.html
- admission.stanford.edu/faqs/decision.html
- admission.stanford.edu/apply/international/
- financialaid.stanford.edu/undergrad/apply/index.html