Admissions FAQ

In this section: About our Programs Ph.D. Program M.S. Program Engineer Program B.S. & Coterm Program Admissions Funding & Support FAQ

• Do you offer financial aid?
• What are the minimum GRE scores?
• What is the minimum TOEFL score?
• Can I do the GRE and/or the TOEFL after being admitted?
• Should I write to a faculty member and express an interest in his/her research program?
• How much is the RA support stipend?
• Can students work elsewhere in addition to their RA duties?
• How long does it take?
• Can I apply for Spring admission?
• The application deadline has passed, can I still apply?

Q. Do you offer financial aid?

A.Yes, financial aid is available to both US and overseas students. Financial aid usually takes the form of a Research Assistantship (RA) in which the student works about 20 hours a week for the supporting research project, while taking 9 units of courses (the full time load is usually 12 units of courses). In most cases, the research task undertaken is the same as the research required for the degree. Students are also required to act as a Teaching Assistant (TA) in at least one quarter during the duration of their support.

Q. What are the minimum GRE scores?

A. We do not specify minimum scores, since each applicant is evaluated based on a comprehensive review of undergraduate transcripts, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation and GRE's. Nonetheless, Stanford is a very competitive school, and receives strong applicants with very good GRE scores.

Q. What is the minimum TOEFL score?

A. Old type score 575, new type score 230 for MS students, 250 for PhD students. Students may in some cases be admitted with a slightly lower score if they undertake a summer English program at Stanford and improve their scores prior to enrolment. Students with TOEFL scores above but close to the minimum are also encouraged to enter the summer English program for their own benefit.

Q. Can I do the GRE and/or the TOEFL after being admitted?

A. No. The GRE and TOEFL exam results are one of the main criteria used to decide on admission. Without these results your application cannot be considered.

Q. Should I write to a faculty member and express an interest in his/her research program?

A. Most faculty members are pleased to hear from people interested in their research, however applicants need to be aware that intended area of research is not a criterion for acceptance. Some applicants believe mistakenly that lobbying a faculty member (or several faculty members) may increase their chances of admission, however this is not generally true.

Q. How much is the RA support stipend?

A. About $2350/month for MS students (it changes every year, usually upwards). In addition, research assistants receive tuition remission for the 9 units of courses they are taking. This amount of money is considered to be sufficient for students to support themselves.

Q. Can students work elsewhere in addition to their RA duties?

A. Generally no. By law, overseas students are prohibited from working at all other than on their research. US students may work a few hours a week besides, however generally do not since research and course load is such that little available time remains.

Q. How long does it take?

A. An MS student receiving RA support can finish in five quarters, however most take six quarters. This effectively means two years (from September one year to June two years later). PhD degrees vary considerably from one student to another, the average is about 3-4 years beyond the MS degree.

Q. Can I apply for Spring admission?

A. No. We only accept students for Fall Quarter admission. Fall Quarter starts in late September.

Q. The application deadline has passed, can I still apply?

A. We accept applications at any time of the year, however the likelihood of acceptance reduces significantly after the normal admission dates. Academically strong applicants are always welcome, but as a practical matter, it is not reasonable to consider applying later than the end of Spring Quarter (May). If you would like to be considered after the deadline, e-mail your statement of purpose and GRE scores to peteng@sesmail.stanford.edu and we will give you an assessment of whether it is worth submitting a full application.