Stanford University is committed to making education accessible to talented students from all backgrounds. The university provides a wide range of need-based and merit-based scholarships, including full financial aid for qualifying students.
1. Undergraduate Scholarships
Need-Based Financial Aid
- Stanford offers 100% need-based financial aid for admitted students.
- The university meets the full demonstrated financial need of every admitted student — regardless of nationality.
- Families earning below $100,000 per year (with typical assets) usually pay no tuition fees.
- Families earning below $75,000 per year typically pay no tuition, room, or board.
Merit-Based Awards
While Stanford focuses primarily on need-based aid, some external organizations offer merit-based scholarships for outstanding academic or extracurricular performance.
2. Postgraduate Scholarships
Stanford Graduate Fellowships
Offered to top-performing graduate students in various disciplines, covering tuition, living expenses, and research support.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
- Stanford’s most prestigious fully funded scholarship for graduate students.
- Covers full tuition, stipend, accommodation, and travel allowance.
- Open to all nationalities and all graduate programs (MBA, MS, PhD, JD, etc.).
- Selection is based on leadership, independence, and academic excellence.
Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) Scholarships
- Need-based fellowships for MBA students, typically ranging from $40,000–$80,000 per year.
- Additional funding available through corporate or alumni-sponsored awards.
Research & Teaching Assistantships
- Graduate students may earn stipends and tuition waivers through assistantships in teaching or research roles.
3. External Funding Opportunities
International students can also apply for external scholarships such as:
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Chevening Scholarship (for postgraduate study)
- Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship
- AAUW International Fellowship (for women)
Conclusion
Stanford University not only offers world-class programs but also ensures that financial barriers never limit potential. Whether through full scholarships, fellowships, or assistantships, Stanford provides comprehensive support to help talented students achieve academic excellence in the heart of California’s innovation hub.