Stanford University

Overview

Acronyms: SU

Founded: 1885

Control Type: Private

Entity Type: Non-profit

World Rank: #8

Rank in United States: #2

Motto: Die luft der freiheit weht

Colours: Cardinal red and white

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Founded in 1885, the Stanford University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Stanford (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), California.

This institution also has branch campuses in Washington, New York and Monterey. Officially accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, Stanford University (SU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution.

Stanford University (SU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 139-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.

The acceptance rate range is 0-9% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. SU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Below are the location pin, postal details, and primary contact methods for Stanford University. International applicants should account for postal mail processing time when sending physical documents.

Academic Details

Stanford University's key academic numbers — student body size, faculty composition, and accreditation context. Numbers reflect the most recent figures published by the institution and recognised bodies.

Academic Structures

The internal academic structure of Stanford University — by faculty, school, and unit. Research-only units exist alongside teaching units; their function and student involvement differ.

Programs Offered

Stanford University's catalogue, with name search and level grouping. Capstone or dissertation requirements vary across programmes — confirm what you'll be assessed on before applying.

How to apply to Stanford University

The standard application path for Stanford University, broken into five practical steps with the documents and channels you will need at each stage.

1. 1
   Find a programme that fits your goals

   Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Stanford University offers 237 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

2. 2
   Confirm you meet the requirements

   Each programme at Stanford University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

3. 3
   Assemble your application package

   Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

4. 4
   Submit your application

   Apply directly via Stanford University's online portal at www.stanford.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

5. 5
   Contact admissions and follow up

   After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (650) 723 2300. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Stanford University

A short Q&A covering Stanford University's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.

Members of Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)

Fellow Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) members alongside Stanford University are gathered below — useful if institutional networks matter to your decision. Networks shape exchange opportunities, joint degrees, and credential recognition across borders.

Zhejiang University

Hangzhou · Public · Rank #3

Tsinghua University

Beijing · Public · Rank #4

Peking University

Beijing · Public · Rank #6

University of Washington

Seattle · Public · Rank #19

Fudan University

Shanghai · Public · Rank #20

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Industry placements and co-op programmes around Stanford University draw on the same regional employer base. The nearby universities listed below often compete for similar internship slots.

University of California, Irvine

Irvine · Public · Rank #132

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

Lancaster · Public · Rank #609

West Virginia University

Morgantown · Public · Rank #615

Carleton College

Northfield · Private · Rank #1581

University of Dayton

Dayton · Private · Rank #1742

Where Else to Study Linguistics & Language Studies

Looking for Linguistics & Language Studies programmes beyond Stanford University? Other universities in the United States cover the same discipline. Cross-comparing modules, assessment styles, and faculty profiles is the fastest way to find the right fit.

Harvard University

Cambridge · Private · Rank #1

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore · Private · Rank #13

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge · Private · Rank #16

Cornell University

Ithaca · Private · Rank #25

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley · Public · Rank #41

Universities Often Compared with Stanford University

Below: institutions that students typically weigh against Stanford University when finalising their shortlist. The comparison set reflects scale and prestige; specific programme fit still needs separate verification.

University of Toronto

Toronto · Public · Rank #14

Shippensburg University

Shippensburg · Public · Rank #21

Williams College

Williamstown · Private · Rank #2591

University of Alaska Anchorage

Anchorage · Public · Rank #2627

Providence College

Providence · Private · Rank #3260