Applying to a Graduate Program

Q. Where do I find the online application?

• A: Please review the application requirements and instructions starting here: Applying. Once you have completed the steps described, you will be guided to the online application.

Q. Can I apply on paper?

• A: No - Stanford uses an online application.

Q. What are the payment options for the application fee?

• A: The application fee is paid for online via credit card (Visa and MasterCard only). If you do not have a credit card then you should make arrangements with a family member or friend to use theirs.

Q: Can I apply to more than one graduate program at Stanford?

• A: You may apply to only one degree program per academic year.
  An exception is within the Biosciences, in which you may apply to up to three Ph.D. programs within your one application. Those programs are Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Informatics, Biophysics, Cancer Biology, Chemical & Systems Biology,  Developmental Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology & Immunology, Molecular & Cellular Physiology, Neurosciences, and Structural Biology.
• You may apply concurrently to one departmental program and to a professional school program (law, medicine or business).

Q: Do I need to submit a separate application to a department in addition to the application for graduate study?

• A: No. There is only one application to all departmental graduate programs. However, your department may have special application requirements. Please read the instructions for graduate admissions on your department’s web site. Contact the department if you have any questions. If you are applying to Law, Business or the M.D. program in addition to a departmental program, you will need to submit a separate application.

Q: I was (or am) an undergraduate at Stanford University and would like to apply to a graduate program. What do I need to submit?

• A: Stanford graduates follow the same application procedures as other applicants, including requesting that transcripts be sent to the department to which one is applying (you may do so on Axess through the Student Services Center.) If you are currently an undergraduate and wish to apply for a coterminal program, you do not need to submit an application for graduate study.

Q: Are application fee waivers granted or is the application fee refundable?

• A: Application Fee Waiver: Applicants who submit a copy of their completed GRE Fee Reduction Certificate (obtained from their current school's financial aid office and valid for the current academic year) may request a fee waiver. If the waiver is not signed and affixed with a school stamp or seal, the applicant's waiver will be returned as invalid. Please send the completed waiver with a cover letter stating your name, name of the program to which you are applying and your e-mail address to the Graduate Admissions Office, 630 Serra Street, Suite 120, Stanford, CA 94305-6032, not to the department. If the application fee waiver is approved then the applicant will be sent a code to enter in the payment section of the online application. The application fee is not waived for international students. Fee waiver requests must be received at least 15 business days prior to the departmental deadline to apply. No refund will be given if you apply for a fee waiver and pay the application fee instead of using your application fee waiver code. If we deny your request for a waiver, we will instruct you to pay the fee. 
• Application Fee Refund: The application fee is not refundable.

Q: I applied to a graduate program at Stanford but was not admitted. Do I need to send a complete application when I reapply?

• A: You must submit a complete application and pay the application fee. If you are reapplying to the same program, you may contact the department to inquire if your transcripts and letters of recommendation are still on file, however most departments do not keep outdated application material.

Q: I would like to withdraw my application. Will the application fee be refunded?

• A: No. Application fees are not refunded.

Q: I have applied for graduate study and would like to know the status of my application. Whom do I contact?

• A: Please call or email the department to which you have applied. The Graduate Admissions Office does not make admission decisions.