International Students
Stanford has a limited amount of financial aid for international students. International students needing assistance must make that indication on the admission application. Aid eligibility will be determined based on family financial circumstances.
International students who do not request consideration for financial aid at the time they apply for admission will not be eligible to apply for aid at Stanford throughout their undergraduate years.
In order to receive university scholarship funds, international students must obtain either a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Stanford's Bechtel International Center offers information on their website about obtaining an SSN or an ITIN.
Types of Aid
University Scholarship
Scholarship from Stanford is the primary source of funding used to assist students with meeting their educational costs. Many university scholarship funds originate as gifts from individuals and corporations. All university scholarship funds are awarded on the basis of financial need as determined by information provided on the CSS Profile. We determine your individual scholarship eligibility by subtracting the amount we expect you and your parents to contribute toward your costs and other federal and state grant funds from the total student budget.
No separate application is required for any of our specific scholarship funds.
Federal Grants
Stanford Undergraduates are eligible to be considered for the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant. Eligibility is based on financial need as determined by information provided on the FAFSA. We automatically consider your eligibility for federal grant funds when reviewing your financial aid application; no separate application is required.
State Grants
To be considered for the Cal Grant program, you must file the FAFSA and the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form by the state deadline of March 2nd. Students without lawful immigration status who are unable to complete the FAFSA should file the California Dream Act Application.
Outside Scholarships
Another way to cover part of the Student Responsibility portion of your financial aid package is to obtain outside scholarships. Outside scholarships can be used to meet your Student Responsibility expectation dollar-for-dollar. If you are receiving Stanford scholarship and receive outside scholarships that total more than your Student Responsibility, your need-based scholarship eligibility will be reduced. Review our Outside Awardinformation page for more details.
There are many free resources available on the internet that facilitates your search for outside scholarships.MyCollegeDollars.com and CollegeNET.com are two examples.
