How to Get Scholarships at Stanford University in 2026: Complete Guide
Stanford University is widely regarded as one of the world’s top universities, consistently ranking among the best globally for academics, research, and innovation. For many students, the dream of attending Stanford comes with a significant concern: the cost of tuition and living expenses.
Fortunately, Stanford University offers robust scholarship and financial aid programs designed to make education accessible to students from all financial backgrounds. This guide provides a detailed overview of how to get scholarships at Stanford University in 2025, including undergraduate and graduate options, eligibility criteria, application steps, and official resources.
Does Stanford University Offer Scholarships?
Yes, Stanford University provides scholarships to both undergraduate and graduate students. However, it is important to understand how these scholarships are structured:
- Need-Based Scholarships – For students who demonstrate financial need.
- Merit-Based Awards – Limited; mostly for graduate programs and special fellowships.
- External Scholarships – Scholarships from third-party organizations that can supplement Stanford’s aid.
Stanford’s primary approach is need-based financial aid, ensuring that admitted students can attend regardless of their financial situation.
🔗 Stanford Undergraduate Financial Aid
1. Undergraduate Scholarships at Stanford University
A. Need-Based Scholarships
Stanford is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted undergraduate students. The process works as follows:
- Families submit financial documents through the CSS Profile and FAFSA (for U.S. citizens and permanent residents).
- Stanford calculates demonstrated financial need based on family income, assets, and circumstances.
- Students with lower family income often receive full tuition coverage. Families earning under $150,000 per year typically receive substantial financial aid, and families under $75,000 may pay nothing for tuition.
These scholarships are renewable annually as long as the student continues to meet the eligibility requirements.
Key benefits:
- Covers tuition, room, and board depending on financial need
- Reduces reliance on student loans
- Enables students from diverse backgrounds to attend
🔗 Stanford Undergraduate Financial Aid – CSS Profile & FAFSA
B. Merit-Based Scholarships
- Stanford generally does not offer merit-based scholarships for undergraduates.
- Academic excellence alone does not secure a scholarship. However, high-achieving students with financial need often qualify for significant aid.
- Prestigious external scholarships like the National Merit Scholarship may supplement Stanford’s aid.
C. External Scholarships
Many students supplement Stanford aid with external scholarships from organizations, foundations, and government programs:
- National Merit Scholarship Program
- Gates Millennium Scholars
- Coca-Cola Scholars Program
- Country-specific scholarships for international students
External scholarships may be applied toward the student’s overall financial aid package, reducing the amount of family contribution or student loans needed.
2. Graduate Scholarships at Stanford University
Graduate students may access a range of fellowships, assistantships, and merit-based scholarships depending on the program:
A. Fellowships
- Fully funded scholarships for research, study, or professional development.
- Often include tuition coverage and a stipend for living expenses.
- Available in many departments, including Engineering, Business, Law, Medicine, and Humanities.
B. Assistantships
- Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Research Assistantships (RAs) provide funding for graduate students in exchange for teaching or research duties.
- Include a stipend and tuition support, sometimes covering full tuition.
C. School-Specific Scholarships
- Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB): Fellowship programs for top candidates.
- Stanford Law School: Merit and need-based awards for incoming students.
- Stanford Medical School: Scholarships for research-focused or underrepresented students.
🔗 Stanford Graduate Financial Aid & Fellowships
3. How to Apply for Scholarships at Stanford University
Applying for a scholarship at Stanford University is a structured and straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Apply for Admission
- Submit your application through Stanford Undergraduate or Graduate Admissions portals.
- Admission is required before financial aid can be considered.
Step 2: Submit Financial Aid Applications
- Undergraduate students (U.S. citizens and permanent residents) must complete:
- FAFSA (Federal Student Aid)
- CSS Profile (College Board)
- Stanford Financial Aid Application
- International students: Submit the Stanford International Financial Aid Application and supporting documentation.
🔗 Stanford Financial Aid Applications
Step 3: Receive and Review Financial Aid Package
Stanford evaluates your financial documents to determine your demonstrated financial need. Your package may include:
- Need-based grants and scholarships
- Work-study opportunities
- Institutional or federal student loans (if needed)
Stanford emphasizes grant aid first, reducing long-term debt for students.
Step 4: Accept and Confirm Your Awards
- Accept your financial aid package online.
- Complete any additional loan agreements or documentation if necessary.
- Ensure timely submission of all required forms for grant or fellowship disbursement.
4. Tips for Maximizing Your Scholarship Opportunities at Stanford
- Apply Early: Early submission increases chances of receiving the best aid packages.
- Complete All Required Documents: Incomplete applications may reduce eligibility.
- Seek External Scholarships: These can supplement Stanford’s aid and reduce reliance on loans.
- Demonstrate Financial Need Honestly: Provide accurate and complete financial information.
- Stay Informed About Fellowships: Graduate students should regularly check their department’s funding opportunities.
5. International Students and Scholarships at Stanford
- International students are eligible for need-based aid.
- Some departments provide international fellowships and assistantships.
- External scholarships from your home country can also supplement aid.
🔗 Stanford International Financial Aid
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Does Stanford offer full scholarships?
Yes. For undergraduates with demonstrated financial need, Stanford can cover full tuition, room, and board.
Q2: Are merit-based scholarships available for undergraduates?
No. Stanford’s undergraduate scholarships are primarily need-based, though external merit awards can supplement aid.
Q3: Can graduate students get scholarships without financial need?
Yes. Fellowships, assistantships, and school-specific awards provide funding based on merit, research, or professional potential.
Q4: Can international students receive scholarships?
Yes. International students may receive need-based aid, fellowships, and external scholarships.
Q5: How often is aid renewed?
Financial aid packages are typically renewed annually, subject to continued enrollment and financial need.
7. Official Resources
- Stanford Undergraduate Financial Aid
- Stanford Graduate Financial Aid & Fellowships
- Stanford Admissions
- CSS Profile for Financial Aid
Conclusion
Stanford University offers some of the most comprehensive scholarship and financial aid programs in the world. While the cost of tuition is high, need-based aid, fellowships, assistantships, and external scholarships ensure that students from all backgrounds can attend.
Whether you are an undergraduate seeking full tuition coverage or a graduate student looking for a fellowship, Stanford provides multiple avenues to fund your education. By following the official applications and utilizing available resources, attending Stanford can become a financially achievable reality in 2025.
