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Private UniversityEst. 1885STEM OPT Eligible

Study in Stanford University

Stanford, CA

4%
Acceptance Rate
24%
Intl Students
95%
OPT Job Rate
Last verified: March 2026 - cross-referenced with official university and USCIS sources. Visa rules change - always confirm with your DSO.

Overview for International Students

Stanford University sits in the heart of Silicon Valley - the global center of technology and entrepreneurship. Home to 24% international students, Stanford has produced more unicorn startup founders than any other university. The university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for undergraduates.

  • Located in Silicon Valley - unmatched proximity to tech industry
  • Meets 100% of demonstrated need for undergrads (including international)
  • Knight-Hennessy Scholars program: full funding for graduate students
  • STEM OPT across all technical programs
  • Highest per-capita venture funding of any university ecosystem
  • 24% international students across 90+ countries

Who Thrives at Stanford?

Stanford self-selects for ambition. The students who thrive here are builders, connectors, and risk-takers - people who have a startup idea or research agenda before they even arrive. The campus culture is distinctly Californian: optimistic, informal, and status-light in a way that East Coast Ivy schools are not. For international students from India or China coming into CS or business, the proximity to Sand Hill Road and the Valley's hiring machine makes Stanford the single best university for career trajectory in tech and venture-backed entrepreneurship.

Rankings

#5
QS World
#3
US News
#2
US News CS

Admissions Requirements

Acceptance Rate4%
Total Enrollment17,249
TOEFL Minimum89 (iBT)
IELTS Minimum7

Application Deadlines

Restrictive Early ActionNovember 1
Regular DecisionJanuary 2

Popular Majors for International Students

Computer ScienceHuman BiologyEconomicsElectrical EngineeringSymbolic Systems

Scholarships for International Students

Stanford Need-Based Aid
Average $67,000/year for those who qualify
Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Grad)
Full funding for 3 years
Note: Scholarship availability and amounts change annually. Always verify directly with the university financial aid office before applying.

Jobs & OPT for International Students

STEM OPT Eligible
Yes - 3 years total
OPT Employment Rate
95% within 6 months

Top Employers Who Hire from Stanford

GoogleAppleMetaMcKinseyGoldman SachsTeslaStripe

Cost Summary (Annual)

Tuition & Fees$62,484
Est. Living Costs$22,000
Total Est. Cost$84,484

Estimates for 2025–26 academic year. Actual costs vary. Check university website for current figures.

International Student Profile

Total Enrollment17,249
Intl Students4,200
Intl Student %24%

International Student Office

DSO Contact:
bechtel@stanford.edu
Official Intl Office

Monthly Visa Update

Visa rule changes, scholarship deadlines, and OPT updates - once a month.