Application Materials
In this section, you will find all the information you need to complete your online application.
Education
On your application, we require you to provide the following information about your education:
All undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended after high school (postsecondary school)
Academic degree(s) pursued and/or received
Grade point average (GPA)
Transcript of courses
Language proficiency
TOEFL, IELTS & PTE
We accept the following English-language tests:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
Do you need to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE?
If you have an undergraduate or graduate degree from a college or university that provided instruction entirely in English, then you are exempt from taking the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.
If your college or university taught some classes in a language other than English, you must take the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. This applies even if your specific program was taught in English.
Your citizenship and/or work experience do not exempt you from taking the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.
Score Requirement
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | 100 for the internet-based test (iBT) 600 for the paper-based test (PBT) |
| IELTS | 7.0 overall band score |
| PTE (Academic) | 68 overall score |
Academic Degrees
We do not prefer a particular curriculum for undergraduate study. Instead, we look at how you have challenged yourself throughout your academic career and how you have performed.
A U.S. bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required for admission to the Stanford MBA Program.
Degrees from international universities offering only three-year baccalaureate degrees are valid equivalents.
GMAT & GRE
While we know that scores on standardized tests do not always portray your abilities accurately, they still play a helpful role in the evaluation process.
Score Requirement
While there is no minimum GMAT or GRE score requirement for graduate study at Stanford, admitted candidates typically perform well.
Score Validity
GMAT and GRE scores are valid for five years. Since we require the GMAT or GRE for admission, you must take the test before submitting your application. The scores you submit must be valid as of the deadline date of the round in which you apply. If your GMAT or GRE score is still valid, you do not need to take the Next Generation GMAT or GRE revised General Test. If you require testing accommodations, we recommend initiating that process well in advance so they may review your request in time for you to take the test before the deadline for the round in which you wish to apply.
Professional Experience
Work experience is not required for entry to the Stanford MBA Program. We welcome applications fromcollege seniors and recent college graduates, as well as those with all levels of work experience.
Application Fee
The MBA Admissions Office will evaluate your application and release your decision only if you pay the application fee.
Standard Fee
The MBA Program application fee is $275 and is nonrefundable. We must receive your fee by 1 pm Pacific Time on the deadline day for the round in which you are applying.
Letters of Reference
Stories about your behaviors, impact, and personal qualities told by others play an essential role in our evaluation of your application. Your letters of reference should provide specific examples and anecdotes that illustrate your ability and desire to make a difference in the world.
Requirements
MBA Program
Two letters of reference:
One reference from your current direct supervisor (or next best alternative) at work
Your choice of either one additional supervisor reference or one peer reference.
Both letters of reference must be submitted by the deadline of the round in which you apply. You must not write, or have any involvement in, the drafting, translation, or submission of the letters.
