Stanford University is one of those dream schools people talk about when they say “top universities in the world.” Located in California, Stanford is known for elite academics, world changing research, innovation culture, and a campus life that feels like a small city. What many students do not realize is that Stanford University Scholarships for International Students make studying here possible even if money is a big concern.
Stanford offers generous financial aid, fellowships, and scholarship programs for students coming from outside the United States. Whether you are applying for undergraduate, masters, MBA, or PhD programs, there are funding options that can cover tuition, housing, and even living expenses.
This guide breaks everything down in a simple way. You will learn about available Stanford University scholarships, who is eligible, what benefits you get, application steps, and helpful tips to improve your chances.
For official updates, you can always cross check with Stanford’s financial aid office here
https://financialaid.stanford.edu
Stanford University Scholarships Overview
Stanford University does not work like many schools that offer random scholarships with small amounts. Instead, Stanford focuses on need based financial aid combined with elite fellowship programs. This approach helps international students study without taking heavy loans.
The main funding options include
Need based financial aid
Graduate fellowships
Leadership based programs
External fully funded scholarships
Many international students receive packages that cover full tuition, accommodation, meals, and health insurance.
Need Based Financial Aid at Stanford
Stanford University Scholarships for International Students are heavily based on financial need. Stanford believes family income should not decide who gets access to world class education.
Who can apply
International students
US citizens and permanent residents
What is covered
Full or partial tuition
Room and board
Health insurance
Personal expenses
Families earning below a certain income level may qualify for full tuition coverage. Even families above that range still receive strong support.
How financial need is assessed
Stanford looks at
Family income
Assets
Household size
Special financial circumstances
The aid offered is mostly grants. Grants do not need to be repaid which is a huge relief for international students.
Apply through the CSS Profile
https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org
Knight Hennessy Scholars Program
This is one of the most famous Stanford University Scholarships for International Students and yes it is fully funded.
The Knight Hennessy Scholars Program supports graduate students from all over the world who show leadership potential and academic excellence.
What you get
Full tuition
Living stipend
Accommodation support
Travel allowance
Leadership development programs
Who can apply
Masters students
MBA applicants
PhD students
Professional degree students
Nationality does not matter. International students are strongly encouraged to apply.
Official program page
https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu
This scholarship alone can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship for Indian Students
This fellowship is designed specifically for Indian students applying to Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Eligibility
Indian citizens
Applying for Stanford MBA
Commitment to return to India after graduation
Benefits
Funding up to one hundred fifty thousand dollars
Covers tuition and related academic costs
This program supports future leaders who want to make an impact in India.
More details here
https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/programs/mba/financial-aid/fellowships/reliance-dhirubhai
External Scholarships Accepted at Stanford
Apart from internal funding, Stanford University Scholarships for International Students also include external programs that can be used at Stanford.
Popular options include
Fulbright Scholarships
https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org
Chevening Scholarships
https://www.chevening.org
The Gates Scholarship
https://www.thegatesscholarship.org
These scholarships are highly competitive but extremely rewarding. Many Stanford students combine external funding with Stanford financial aid.
Stanford University Programs Available for Scholarship Students
Stanford offers programs across multiple schools. Scholarships are not limited to one field.
Undergraduate programs
Engineering
Computer Science
Economics
Psychology
Environmental Studies
Graduate programs
MBA at Stanford GSB
Law School
School of Medicine
School of Education
Interdisciplinary fields
Data Science
Bioengineering
International Policy
You can explore all programs here
https://www.stanford.edu/academics
Stanford University Scholarships Requirements
Undergraduate admission requirements
High school certificate
Academic transcripts
Personal essays
Letters of recommendation
Standardized tests may be optional
Graduate admission requirements
Bachelor’s degree
Statement of purpose
Letters of recommendation
GRE or GMAT depending on program
English language requirements
TOEFL score of at least 100
IELTS score of 7.0 or higher
Scholarship programs may ask for additional essays or interviews.
How to Apply for Stanford University Scholarships for International Students
Step one Apply for admission
Undergraduate students use the Common Application
https://www.commonapp.org
Graduate students apply through their specific department
Step two Submit financial aid forms
International students submit the CSS Profile
Financial documents like bank statements and income proofs may be required
Step three Apply for fellowships
Apply separately for Knight Hennessy or other fellowships if eligible
Step four Upload supporting documents
Academic transcripts
Recommendation letters
Essays and personal statements
Always double check deadlines because missing one document can cost you the entire scholarship.
Helpful Study and Scholarship Resources
If you are still exploring options, check these guides
Postgraduate Scholarships in the USA
https://apply.100percentsurewins.com
Study Law in the USA with Scholarships
https://apply.100percentsurewins.com
University of Chicago Scholarships
Yale University Scholarships
These resources help you compare and plan smarter.
Final Thoughts
Stanford University Scholarships for International Students make studying at one of the world’s best universities possible without financial stress. From need based aid to fully funded fellowships like Knight Hennessy, Stanford genuinely supports talented students from every corner of the world.
If Stanford is your dream, do not let money stop you. Start early, prepare strong applications, and use every funding option available. Many international students before you have done it and you can too.
For official confirmation and updates, always visit
https://financialaid.stanford.edu
