MS at Stanford University: Programs, Fees, Eligibility & Career Guide

Stanford University MS programs are highly competitive, accepting just 4% of applicants. With over 200 MS courses at Stanford University, including the newest MS courses 2025 at Stanford University, students have plenty of options to choose from. Graduates enjoy excellent career outcomes — 96% land jobs within three months, earning an average starting salary of $162,000.

When it comes to costs, Stanford fees for Indian students range between $50,458 and $73,841 per year for MS programs. This guide also explains Stanford University MS courses fees, eligibility, and requirements, so you know exactly how to apply. Join a diverse community where 12% of students are international and explore scholarship opportunities available for Indian students.

*Need assistance to study in USA? Y-Axis is here to assist you in all the ways.
 

Overview of Stanford University MS Programs

Stanford University MS Programs cover multiple disciplines and provide world-class education through specialized degrees. Students seeking advanced education will find an impressive academic portfolio at this prestigious institution.

Types of master's degrees offered

Stanford provides master's degrees of all types including MA, MS, PhD, MBA, JD, LLM, MFA, MLS, MPP, and ENG. Stanford University masters programs are available on campus and online to help working professionals advance their careers. The Honors Cooperative Program (HCP) lets professionals worldwide pursue Stanford University masters courses while continuing their work.

The university also offers several joint degree programs such as:

• MA/JD in law and education
• MA/MBA in education and business
• MA/MPP in public policy and education
   

Top-ranked schools and departments

Stanford's graduate schools rank among the world's finest institutions. US News rankings place Stanford at #2 in Best Business Schools, #2 in Best Engineering Schools, and #1 in Best Law Schools. The Graduate School of Business has the highest ratio of "applicants to available seats" among all US business schools for the past decade.

Stanford's Mechanical Engineering program holds the #2 spot according to US News and World Report. The university's Stanford data science masters and MS in Computer Science programs also consistently rank at the top globally.
 

Stanford University MS Acceptance Rate

Getting into Stanford MS programs is very competitive. The Management Science and Engineering department's acceptance rates were 7.75% for 2025, 5.5% for 2024, and 8.5% for 2023. Most graduate programs keep acceptance rates under 10%, making Stanford one of the most selective schools for postgraduate courses.
 

Stanford University Ranking (QS Ranking)

The QS World University Rankings 2025 places Stanford University at #6 globally, down one spot from its #5 ranking in 2024. Stanford has stayed in the world's top 10 universities consistently. The Stanford Graduate School of Business ranks #1 in Full-time MBA Rankings - Global 2025 and #2 in World University Rankings - Masters in Management 2025.

Times Higher Education (THE) rankings also show Stanford at #6 for 2025, while US News & World Report has kept Stanford at #3 since 2019.
 

Why Stanford is popular among Indian students

Stanford University MS Programs attract nearly 500 Indian students each year. Students find the university's global reputation and its location in Silicon Valley worth the tough competition to get in.

Indian students choose Stanford MS programs because:

• World-Class Research Facilities: The university leads in innovative research with its advanced laboratories and research centers.
• Exceptional Career Prospects: Silicon Valley location gives students direct access to tech giants like Google, Apple, Facebook, and Tesla, plus many venture capital firms.
• Diverse Academic Options: Students can pick from over 65 major fields and more than 90 graduate areas in Stanford University masters courses.
• Financial Support: About 70% of undergraduates get financial aid, with need-based scholarships averaging INR 37L (USD 44,000).

Stanford University masters programs accept less than 4% of applicants, and getting in gets tougher each year. Yet talented Indian students see this challenge as a stepping stone to success.
 

Stanford MS Program: What's New?

Stanford University MS courses have become more appealing to Indian students. The university's class of 2029 will be its largest ever for Fall 2025, with 150 more seats than last year. This gives international applicants a better shot at admission.

Management Science and Engineering (MS&E) now offers specialized tracks that match Indian students' career goals. These tracks include Computational Social Science, Data and Decisions, Financial Analytics, Technology and Engineering Management, and Health Systems Modeling.

Stanford University masters in Management Science stands apart from typical MBA programs. The program focuses on technical and behavioral aspects of managing organizations and complex systems. Students develop strong analytical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset - qualities today's global market demands.

Indian students should know that Stanford fees come with strict requirements. You'll need a GPA between 3.9 and 4.0. The university's student body includes 15% international undergraduates and 36% graduate students from more than 70 countries. This creates a rich, global learning environment.
 

Popular MS Courses at Stanford University

Stanford University MS Programs provide specialized graduate degrees that cater to a variety of academic interests. Students can combine challenging coursework with innovative research opportunities, which makes these programs highly attractive to international students.
 

MS in Computer Science

The MS in Computer Science at Stanford requires students to complete at least 45 units as a terminal professional degree. Students can pursue doctoral studies after finishing this master's program if they choose to. Stanford also offers a master's degree with research distinction, which gives students extensive exposure to research methods.
 

MS in Data Science

The Stanford data science masters runs as a specialized track within the Statistics department. Students need to complete 45 units and maintain a 3.0 GPA with courses at the 200 level or higher. The program builds strong mathematical, statistical, and computational skills that data science professionals need. Students learn mathematical foundations, experimentation, scientific computing, and machine learning methods through practical components without thesis requirements.
 

MS in Electrical Engineering

Stanford University masters courses in Electrical Engineering help students prepare for professional practice through a customizable curriculum. Most students complete their studies in five quarters, not counting summer terms. Graduates can pursue professional practice or teach at junior colleges, and faculty advisors guide them in selecting their courses.
 

MS in Mechanical Engineering

The MS in Mechanical Engineering lets students choose from lecture and project-based courses without thesis requirements. Students usually finish the program in 18-24 months and emerge ready for industry roles as practicing professionals. The first-year tuition costs about $42,300, with living expenses around $21,211.
 

MS in Management Science and Engineering

This 12-month Stanford University masters program tackles technical and behavioral challenges in managing organizations and complex systems. The program focuses on quantitative analytic skills with an entrepreneurial mindset, unlike a traditional MBA. Students pay around $65,082 for first-year tuition, plus estimated living costs of $21,211.
 

MS in Bioengineering

The MS in Bioengineering takes 1-2 years to complete and requires 45 units of coursework. The program prepares students for careers in biotechnology, engineering, medicine, and healthcare. Students take core bioengineering courses, technical electives, and seminars. While there's no thesis requirement, they can specialize in areas like biomedical computation, regenerative medicine, or biomedical imaging.
 

Popular Programs Fees At Stanford University

Explore the most popular MS programs at Stanford University along with their current fees.

Programs	Total Annual Fees (USD)
MBS Finance	75, 113
MSc Data Science	53,004
MBA	75,113
MS Statistics	75,742
MS Management Science and Engineering	75,743
MSc Computer Science	75,329
MS Mechanical Engineering	56,333
MS Energy Resources Engineering	70,701
MS Electrical Engineering	55,146
MS Bioengineering	56,333
MSc Computational and Mathematical Engineering	72,796
MS Aeronautics and Astronautics	56,333

*Confused to choose which course to pursue? Avail Y-Axis course recommendation services to choose the best.
 

Admission Process for Indian Students

Getting into Stanford University MS Programs needs thorough preparation and a clear understanding of what they want. Indian students must complete several steps carefully during the application process.
 

Stanford University MS Entry Requirements (Eligibility criteria and GPA requirements)
 

You need a bachelor's degree from a recognized university or its international equivalent before starting at Stanford. Most Stanford University masters programs look for a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (around 90%). Students from a variety of backgrounds should show strong quantitative and analytical skills. Programs like Management Science and Engineering need an engineering degree or related quantitative background with knowledge of differential calculus and linear algebra.
 

English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)

Stanford only accepts TOEFL iBT scores from international applicants. Each program has its own minimum TOEFL score - most Stanford University masters courses need 100 while the School of Engineering asks for 89. Students must meet this English requirement unless they have a degree from an institution in the US, Australia, Canada (except Quebec), New Zealand, Singapore, Ireland, or the UK.
 

GRE requirements and waivers

Each department has its own GRE rules. Some programs need GRE scores while others make them optional or don't look at them. Several programs have dropped GRE requirements for 2025 admissions. GRE scores stay valid for five years if you submit them.
 

Documents required for application

Your application must have:

• Statement of purpose (1-2 pages)
• Resume/CV
• Three letters of recommendation
• College/university transcripts
• TOEFL scores
• Application fee of $125 (~INR 10,548)
   

Application deadlines and timelines

Programs have different deadlines between November and March. The Electrical Engineering program's deadline falls on December 6, 2024. You should check your program's specific deadline on the Explore Graduate Programs page. Stanford usually sends out decisions between February and March 2026.
 

Stanford University MS Fees and Living Costs

Planning your education at Stanford University needs smart financial preparation. The cost of Stanford University MS Programs includes tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs that change based on your program and lifestyle.
 

Tuition fees for popular MS programs

Stanford University masters programs have different annual tuition rates in various fields. The MS in Computer Science costs about INR 3,349,886 (USD 40,080). The MS in Electrical Engineering and MS in Management Science and Engineering cost INR 3,560,508 (USD 42,600). The MS in Design Impact costs INR 3,349,886 (USD 40,080). MBA programs have higher fees at INR 7,593,912 (USD 90,858).
 

Stanford fees for Indian students

Stanford fees for Indian and international students range from INR 5,798,202 to INR 6,919,196 per year. Graduate students pay quarterly tuition of INR 1,652,337 for standard programs and INR 1,760,176 for engineering programs when taking 11-18 units. Stanford University's new student fees include a one-time New Student Orientation Fee of INR 44,299 and a Document Fee of INR 21,095.
 

Cost of living in California

California's living costs will add up quickly. Graduate student housing on campus costs INR 1,985,893 yearly, with meal expenses around INR 811,739 per year. Monthly expenses in California reach INR 205,635 without tuition. Housing costs INR 159,310 per month. Food expenses are INR 9,113, and transportation costs INR 13,416. A house's utilities, including electricity, heating, and water, average INR 15,441 monthly.
 

Health insurance and other expenses

Stanford requires all registered students to have health insurance. Cardinal Care health insurance costs INR 642,979 yearly, split into three quarterly payments of INR 214,326. Students need about INR 60,753 yearly for books and supplies. Personal expenses amount to INR 973,750, and transportation costs reach INR 205,888 per year. International students get automatic enrollment in Cardinal Care, with costs included in their student budget.
 

Stanford University Scholarships 2025: Amount and Eligibility

Students need to understand their funding options to navigate Stanford University MS Programs financial options. The university provides several scholarships that help reduce Stanford fees for Indian students.
 

Need-based aid and fellowships

The Stanford Graduate Fellowship (SGF) serves as a prestigious opportunity for doctoral students in science and engineering. Students receive stipends and tuition support through this program. The fellowship offers approximately INR 4,910,942 each year for 2025-26. Degree programs must nominate students, and most nominees come from newly admitted candidates. The program has helped over 2,000 Stanford Graduate Fellows earn their PhDs since it started in 1997.

MBA candidates can apply for the Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship that covers 80% of tuition fees. The fellowship selects up to 50 candidates yearly, but usually awards only three students, which results in a 5.4% acceptance rate. Students receive approximately INR 12,657,067 to cover tuition, living expenses, and medical costs.
 

External scholarships for Indian students

stanford university masters students can look beyond university funding and explore these options:

• Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships
• Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships
• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship

These programs help qualifying Indian students pay for tuition and living expenses while pursuing Stanford University masters courses.
 

Work-study and assistantship opportunities

Federal Work-Study (FWS) serves as an alternative funding source with wages paid from federal funds. However, international students cannot participate in this program.

Research and Teaching Assistantships remain available to international students enrolled in Stanford University masters programs. Students work 20 hours weekly in these positions that cover 50% of effort and include salary plus tuition allowances. Research Assistants earn money while they build valuable field experience. These 50% assistantships also cover full 8-10 unit tuition costs.

Eligible students can join the Community Service Work-Study Program, but international students cannot take part in this federally-supported program.
 

FAQS

Stanford University MS Programs answers common questions that Indian students frequently ask. Here's what you need to know about admissions, costs, and program options.
 

What are the Stanford University MBA fees in rupees?

The Stanford University MBA fees for Indian students cost about INR 70,31,762 for the first year. Students need to budget around INR 1.08 Cr for the complete two-year program. The breakdown looks like this:

• Tuition: INR 69.26 L
• Hostel accommodation: INR 17.82 L
• Insurance: INR 6.4 L
• Transportation: INR 2.05 L
• Other expenses: INR 12.63 L

Students can pay these Stanford fees through credit cards, debit cards, or wire money transfers.
 

What postgraduate (PG) courses are offered at Stanford University?

Stanford University postgraduate courses include more than 200 master's and doctoral programs spread across 7 schools and departments. The university currently has 9,300 students in its graduate programs. Popular Stanford University masters programs are:

• MBA/PGDM (2 years)
• MS programs (9 months to 3 years) with 22 specializations
• MA programs (12 months to 2 years)
• MD (4 years)
• LLM (12 months to 4 years)

STEM disciplines attract more than 50% of international applicants to Stanford MS programs.
 

How to Get into Stanford University from India?

Getting into Stanford University masters courses requires these steps:

1. Choose your program from 200+ graduate options
2. Check program requirements (usually a bachelor's degree with 3.77 GPA or 95% average)
3. Take required tests (GMAT/GRE)
4. Submit English proficiency scores (TOEFL IBT 100+ or IELTS 7.0+)
5. Gather these application documents:
   • Letters of recommendation
   • Personal statement (200 words)
   • Essays
   • Official transcripts
6. Complete interviews if selected
7. Submit the application fee (about INR 23,204)

Stanford looks at more than just grades. Your extracurricular activities and potential impact on the university community matter significantly.
 

Placements At Stanford University

Stanford University offers a variety of career guidance options to students. Manpower companies conduct hiring activities in the university for the benefit of students. At the university, the highest paying degree is a bachelor’s which has an average annual salary of $249,000. 
 

Alumni Network Of Stanford University

About 220,000 former students are members of the Stanford Alumni Association from various countries in the world. The alumni secretariat, named The Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center, offers support to existing students and acts as a link between the alumni network members and the university students. 

Stanford has more than 7,700 that are externally sponsored amounts to $1.93 billion for its several research programs. 
 

Conclusion

Stanford University MS Programs are the gold standard for Indian students who want world-class education from a globally renowned institution. This guide has given you a complete picture of what it takes to get into Stanford.

Without doubt, competition is tough with acceptance rates at 4%, but the rewards make it worth the effort. Stanford University masters courses give graduates the skills they need to succeed. The results speak for themselves - 96% of graduates land jobs within three months and earn average salaries of $162,000.

Your application's success depends on several key factors. You need excellent academic credentials with a GPA of 3.5 or higher on the American scale. Strong TOEFL scores, powerful recommendation letters, and a compelling statement of purpose will improve your chances by a lot.

The money you invest, while substantial, pays off well in the long run. Stanford fees for Indian students range from INR 5,798,202 to INR 6,919,196 each year, so you need careful financial planning. All the same, you can ease this burden through various scholarships. The Stanford Graduate Fellowship and other funding sources for Indian students are great options.

Stanford's location in Silicon Valley creates unique networking and career opportunities with tech giants and venture capital firms. These advantages, plus cutting-edge research facilities and diverse academic programs, explain why driven Indian students push hard to get in despite the challenges.

Your application should highlight both academic excellence and your unique qualities that will add value to Stanford's vibrant community. The path is demanding, but a Stanford University masters degree changes lives and supercharges careers.

Start your preparation early, organize your documents carefully, and give each part of your application the attention it deserves. Your Stanford experience begins with one application - make it your best work.

 

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