Stanford University fees differ across programs, but for the 2025–2026 academic year, undergraduate tuition is estimated at around USD 62,484, and this amount applies equally to domestic and international students. Graduate tuition varies more widely, with many programs averaging about USD 61,308 per year, while highly competitive options such as the Stanford MBA can reach USD 83,766 annually.
These figures represent only the academic tuition. The complete Stanford university cost becomes significantly higher once living expenses, health insurance, and mandatory university charges are included. For students evaluating Stanford university tuition fees for international students, understanding both tuition and overall yearly expenses is essential for accurate financial planning.
Looking for more affordable ways to study in US? Explore your options here.
Stanford University Tuition Fees for International Students (UG & PG)
International applicants often ask whether tuition differs for them. Stanford University tuition fees remain the same for both domestic and international students, but overall Stanford fees can feel higher due to additional living and visa-related expenses.
International students should also account for travel, visa processing, insurance requirements, and higher out-of-pocket living costs that add significantly to the annual budget.
Program Level
Annual Tuition
Notes
Undergraduate
~$62,484 (INR 56L)
Same for all students
Graduate (Avg.)
~$61,308 (INR 55.1L)
Varies widely by program
MBA
~$83,766 (INR 75.3L)
Premium professional program
Understanding these numbers helps applicants estimate the total Stanford University tuition fees they may face during the academic year.
Program-Wise Costs in Stanford University
Tuition for international students varies sharply among Stanford’s major schools. The table below highlights typical annual charges for well-known programs to help students evaluate the Stanford University cost structure more clearly.
Program
Annual Tuition
Remarks
Engineering (MS/PhD)
~$61,308 (INR 55.1L)
Standard graduate rate
Humanities & Sciences
~$61,308 (INR 55.1L)
Applies to most MA/MS programs
Law School (JD)
~$76,034 (INR 68.35L)
Professional tuition bracket
School of Medicine
~$64,868 (INR 58.3L)
Excluding clinical year charges
MBA (GSB)
~$83,766 (INR 75L)
Highest among all programs
These program-wise Stanford fees allow students to identify the exact tuition range for their intended degree before budgeting for travel and living expenses.
Looking for more affordable ways to study in the US? Explore your options here.
Stanford University Fees for Undergraduate Programs
Undergraduate tuition at Stanford is the same across all majors, but total cost varies based on school-specific fees, labs, and additional academic expenses. This section helps applicants understand the actual Stanford University cost by major.
The tables below highlight fees for the most popular UG programs searched by students, especially those evaluating Stanford University tuition fees for international students.
Stanford Undergraduate Engineering Programs Fees
Engineering majors see slightly higher expenses due to lab materials and project fees. The tuition structure remains uniform, but academic-related costs influence the total Stanford University cost.
Expense Category
Annual Cost (USD)
Notes
Tuition
~$62,484 (INR 56L)
Standard UG tuition
Additional Engineering Costs
~$500–$1,200 (INR 45K – 1L)
Labs, software, project supplies
Students comparing Stanford University fees for Indian students often note that engineering majors carry these additional academic charges.
Stanford UG Computer Science Program Fees
Computer Science is Stanford’s most competitive UG major. Fees remain aligned with general undergraduate rates, but students incur extra expenses for hardware and course-specific tools.
Expense Category
Annual Cost (USD)
Notes
Tuition
~$62,484 (INR 56L)
Fixed UG tuition
Additional CS Expenses
~$300–$800 (INR 27k – 72k)
Devices, cloud credits, software tools
This breakdown gives a realistic estimate of Stanford tuition fees for international students pursuing tech and computing majors.
Stanford UG Business, Economics & Management Fees
Business-oriented degrees such as Economics or Management Science & Engineering fall under Stanford’s School of Humanities & Sciences or Engineering, keeping tuition uniform but with varying academic resource costs.
Expense Category
Annual Cost (USD)
Notes
Tuition
~$62,484 (INR 56L)
Common across programs
Additional Learning Resources
~$200–$600 (INR 18k – 54k)
Case studies, software, datasets
Students focusing on finance or business fields see predictable Stanford University tuition fees, making budgeting easier for international students.
Stanford UG Biology, Pre-Med & Life Sciences Fees
Life science majors involve lab-heavy coursework, making them slightly costlier due to lab materials and field equipment.
Expense Category
Annual Cost (USD)
Notes
Tuition
~$62,484 (INR 56L)
Base UG tuition
Lab & Fieldwork Charges
~$700–$1,500 (INR 63k – 1.35L)
Consumables, lab kits, field trips
These life-science specializations often attract students researching Stanford University fees for Indian students planning for medical or research careers.
Stanford UG Humanities & Social Sciences Fees
Humanities majors are generally the most affordable in terms of additional expenses since they rely less on lab or tech-based tools.
Expense Category
Annual Cost (USD)
Notes
Tuition
~$62,484 (INR 56L)
Standard UG fee
Additional Costs
~$100–$300 (INR 9k – 27k)
Books, media resources
While tuition remains the same, these majors offer the lowest additional expenses within the overall Stanford University cost.
To ensure you meet the admission requirements along with these fee considerations, visit Stanford's Admissions Page for detailed guidance on eligibility, application steps, and deadlines!
Stanford Tuition Fees for International Students for Popular Graduate Programs
Graduate tuition at Stanford varies significantly across high-demand programs. Understanding the Stanford University cost by degree helps international students plan budgets realistically before applying.
The programs below are some of the most searched among global applicants, especially those evaluating Stanford University tuition fees in relation to outcomes.
Stanford MS in CS Fees
MS in CS is among the most competitive STEM degrees, and tuition follows Stanford’s standard graduate rate. The table below shows key costs that international students must account for.
Expense Category
Annual Cost (USD)
Notes
Tuition
~$61,308 (INR 55.1L)
Standard graduate tuition
Total Estimated Cost
~$95,000–$100,000 (INR 85.4L – 90L)
Includes living, insurance, supplies
These figures help applicants estimate the complete Stanford University cost for the MS in CS program, especially when comparing it with other top US universities.
Stanford MBA Fees (GSB)
Stanford GSB’s MBA is one of the world’s most expensive programs. The tuition listed below reflects the core academic charge, while the overall fee includes mandatory living and program expenses.
Expense Category
Annual Cost (USD)
Notes
Tuition
~$83,766 (INR 75L)
Premium professional tuition
Total Estimated Cost
~$124,000–$130,000
(INR 1.11Cr - 1.16Cr)
Includes housing, materials, health charges
Because of its high global demand, the MBA significantly influences search queries related to Stanford University tuition fees for international students.
Stanford School of Engineering Fees
Most engineering master’s programs follow Stanford’s base graduate rate. Costs vary slightly depending on units taken and additional lab-related expenses.
Program Type
Tuition (USD)
Notes
MS/PhD Engineering
~$61,308 (INR 55.1L)
Standard rate for engineering programs
Professional/Extended Units
Higher depending on load
Additional unit-based charges
These numbers help applicants gauge the Stanford tuition fees for international students applying to engineering fields.
Stanford Law & Medical Program Fees
Law (JD) and Medicine (MD) fall under Stanford’s professional degree structure, resulting in higher annual fees compared to academic master’s programs.
Program
Annual Tuition (USD)
Notes
JD (Law)
~$76,034 (INR 68.35L)
Professional program rate
MD (Medicine)
~$64,868 (INR 58.3L)
Excludes clinical year costs
These professional programs represent some of the highest Stanford University fees due to extensive academic and clinical requirements.
Stanford University Cost of Living for Students
Stanford undergraduate tuition and overall living expenses vary based on lifestyle and housing choices. This section gives a clear breakdown of the major cost components to help students understand the complete Stanford University cost for one academic year.
Before checking the table, note that tuition remains constant for all undergraduates, while expenses such as housing and dining can differ depending on residence type and meal plan preferences.
Expense Category
Estimated Annual Cost
Notes
Tuition
~$62,484 – 83,766 (INR 56L – 75L)
Standard UG tuition for 2025–26
Housing
~$11,000–$15,000 (INR 9.9L – 1.34L)
Varies by dorm type and occupancy
Dining
~$7,000–$8,000 (INR 6.3L – 7.2L)
Based on chosen meal plan
Personal & Misc.
~$3,000–$4,000 (INR 2.7L – 3.6L)
Includes daily living and supplies
These figures give students a practical view of Stanford undergraduate tuition and help evaluate the expected cost of attendance over a full academic year.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Stanford International Students
Stanford provides exceptional financial support to international students, making the overall Stanford University cost more affordable through generous grants and aid packages.
Stanford offers need-based scholarships to all admitted undergraduates, including global applicants. This significantly reduces Stanford University fees for Indian students, especially for those with demonstrated financial need.
Top Financial Aid Options for International Students
Stanford Need-Based Scholarship (covers partial to full tuition; value varies)
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (full funding for graduate students)
External global scholarships accepted at Stanford such as Inlaks, Tata Trusts, Chevening, and Fulbright
These scholarships help reduce both Stanford tuition fees for international students and overall living expenses in California.
Stanford Scholarships for Indian Students
Indian students applying to Stanford can access both university-funded and external funding opportunities, helping lower total Stanford University fees.
Scholarships Commonly Awarded to Indian Students
JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians Offers merit-based loan scholarships (₹1–10 lakh) exclusively for Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies at top global universities like Stanford.
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship Supports exceptional Indian students admitted to elite universities abroad for full-time master’s programs, covering tuition and partial living expenses.
Tata Trusts Education Grants (External Support) Provides need-based financial assistance to Indian students pursuing higher education overseas, often combined with education loans.
Stanford Fees vs Other Top Universities (Cost Comparison)
Many students compare Stanford University fees with other top-ranked institutions in the US to understand affordability and overall value. The table below compares tuition levels for international students.
All amounts have been converted, especially for those evaluating Stanford University fees for Indian students.
Comparison of Annual Tuition Fees (UG Programs)
University
Annual Tuition (USD)
Stanford University
~$62,484
INR 56.23L
Harvard University
~$56,550
INR 50.89L
MIT
~$61,990
INR 55.79L
UC Berkeley (Non-resident)
~$46,326
INR 41.69L
Stanford’s tuition aligns closely with MIT but remains slightly higher than Harvard and significantly higher than UC Berkeley. Still, generous aid reduces the actual Stanford University cost for international students, making it competitive among top-tier universities.
Conclusion
Stanford University offers world-class academics, outstanding research opportunities, and strong career outcomes, making the investment in Stanford University fees worthwhile for ambitious international students. With transparent tuition structures and extensive financial aid, many applicants (especially from India) find the university more accessible than expected.
For students comparing overall Stanford University cost with other top global institutions, the university’s generous scholarships and funding options significantly reduce the financial burden. With proper planning, Stanford remains one of the most rewarding and achievable study destinations for international learners.
FAQs
Why are Stanford University fees the same for domestic and international students?
Stanford follows a unified tuition model, meaning international students pay the same as U.S. students. This structure ensures fairness and transparency, especially for undergraduates, although living costs and health insurance remain higher for international applicants.
How much should Indian students budget beyond Stanford tuition fees?
Indian students should expect an additional $25,000–$35,000 per year for housing, dining, insurance, travel, and personal expenses. These non-tuition costs significantly influence the total Stanford University cost for international students.
Does Stanford offer full scholarships to international students?
Yes. Stanford provides need-based grants that can cover up to full tuition for undergraduates. Knight-Hennessy and departmental fellowships offer full funding for many postgraduate programs, reducing overall Stanford University fees substantially for high-need applicants.
Are Stanford University fees different for STEM and non-STEM undergraduate majors?
Base undergraduate tuition stays the same across all majors. However, STEM students may pay higher academic expenses due to lab access, equipment, software, and project materials, increasing their total annual cost relative to humanities majors.
How do Stanford fees compare with MIT and Harvard for international students?
Stanford’s tuition is slightly higher than Harvard but similar to MIT. However, Stanford’s strong need-based aid often reduces effective costs more significantly, especially for Indian and other international students requiring substantial financial support.
What is the actual annual cost for an international student taking 18–20 units per quarter at Stanford?
For full-time study, annual tuition remains fixed. However, students taking higher unit loads may see small additional charges in specific programs, raising the effective total cost of attendance above standard estimates.
Do Stanford University fees increase every academic year?
Yes. Stanford typically raises tuition by 3–5% annually to adjust for inflation and institutional costs. International students should plan for incremental increases when budgeting for multi-year degree programs, especially for engineering or business tracks.
How much does health insurance add to Stanford tuition fees for international students?
International students must purchase Cardinal Care, costing around $7,000 annually. This mandatory charge greatly increases the overall Stanford University cost, particularly for those without alternative U.S.-approved insurance plans.
Are installment plans available for paying Stanford tuition fees?
Yes. Stanford offers quarterly installment options, allowing students to split payments rather than pay full tuition upfront. This is helpful for Indian families managing currency conversion timelines and financial inflows across the academic year.
Do Stanford scholarships cover living expenses for international students?
Some scholarships, like Knight-Hennessy, cover tuition plus living costs. Undergraduates receiving need-based aid may receive partial coverage for housing and dining, but most awards primarily reduce tuition rather than full cost of attendance.
How do part-time jobs impact the cost of studying at Stanford for international students?
On-campus work opportunities can offset minor personal expenses but cannot significantly reduce tuition or housing costs. International students typically work 10–20 hours weekly, helping manage the Stanford University cost without relying solely on family funds.
University Admission Expert |154 articles published
With over10 years of experience in the ed-tech sector, Sachin holds expertise in operations management, ensuring the smooth functioning of study abroad programs. He has deep understanding of the globa...
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