entry requirements for a phd

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Application requirements for all doctoral programs (phd).

All of our doctoral programs are designed to develop outstanding educational researchers who have a deep understanding of the scientific, practical and policy issues they study. All require full-time study, and we promise five years of full-time financial support for every student we admit. Our doctoral programs are small, typically ranging from about 25 to 35 new students a year. The small size of our doctoral cohorts creates big educational advantages for students: the classes are almost always small, students receive individualized attention from their advisors, and they have many opportunities to develop close collegial relationships with fellow students.

It is extremely important to demonstrate in your statement of purpose that your interests converge closely with the current research of faculty who work in the program to which you are applying. Other doctoral applicants will certainly do this, and if you don't, you will forfeit an important competitive advantage to them. 

If you wish to contact faculty, please read our Which Degree Which Program article, by Professor Eamonn Callan, which outlines the appropriate process for contacting faculty with whom you share research interests. 

• Program website:  Degrees and Programs/PhD
• Length of Program:  5 years (average length)
• Tuition: fellowship/assistantship salary and tuition guaranteed for first five years of the program (autumn, winter and spring quarters) for all students, including international students. Funding includes two summers.

Application Requirements:

Application form.

Complete and submit Stanford's graduate online application .

Application Fee

The application fee is $125 , is non-refundable, and must be received by the application deadline.

Application Fee Waivers

Stanford offers three types of application fee waivers for which GSE applicants may apply and be considered:

• GRE Fee Reduction Certificate-Based Waiver
• Diversity Program Participation-Based Waiver
• School-Based Waiver

Please visit the Stanford Graduate Diversity website for instructions, deadlines, and the fee waiver application form.

Statement of Purpose

A Statement of Purpose is required. Your statement should be typed, single-spaced and should be between one to two pages . Describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program, your preparation for this field of study, and why our program is a good fit for you, your future career plans, and other aspects of your background as well as interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study. You may indicate potential faculty mentors as part of your study and research interests. Be sure to keep a copy for your records. What's a Good Statement of Purpose?

A resume or CV  is required of all applicants, depending on which document is most appropriate for your background. There is no page limit for resumes or CVs, though we typically see resumes of one page in length. Please upload your resume or CV in the online application.

Three (3) Letters of Recommendation

Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation . In the online application, you will be asked to identify your recommenders and their email addresses. Please notify your recommenders that they will receive an email prompt to submit their recommendation online. You can submit your request for letters of recommendation through the system without submitting the entire online application.  Stanford GSE only accepts online recommendations through the application system ; Stanford GSE cannot accept mailed, emailed or faxed recommendations.

Recommendations should be written by people who have supervised you in an academic, employment, or community service setting. We very strongly recommend that at least one of these letters be from a university professor familiar with your academic work. Your recommendations should directly address your suitability for admission to a graduate program at Stanford GSE.

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all three letters of recommendation are submitted through the system by the application deadline , so please work closely with your recommenders to remind them of the deadline.

College and University Transcripts

Transcripts are required from every college and university you have attended for at least one academic year as a full-time student. When submitting your online application, transcripts should be uploaded to the application as a scanned copy or PDF ; this is sufficient for the application review process. Please refrain from sending a secured PDF/transcript with a digital signature as our system cannot upload these properly. The best way to ensure we receive an upload-able document is for you to print out the secured transcript, scan it, and upload the scanned copy (not to exceed 10MB) as a PDF. 

If you earned a degree at the institution from which you are submitting a transcript, please ensure that the degree conferral date and the degree conferred is clearly visible on the document. If you are currently enrolled in a degree program and will not have earned the respective degree by the time of submitting your GSE application, you should submit your most recent in-progress transcript from your institution.

Only if admitted will we contact you with instructions on sending two copies of your official transcripts to our office. We cannot accept mailed, emailed or faxed copies of your transcripts during the application process. Please note: the instructions for sending transcripts on the online application and on the general Stanford Graduate Admissions Office website differ from this Stanford GSE requirement.

Concerning course work completed in a study abroad program

If the coursework and grades are reflected on the transcript of your home institution, you do not need to submit original transcripts from the study abroad institution.

Concerning foreign institutions

If your institution provides a transcript in a language other than English, we require that you submit a translation of the transcript that is either provided by the institution or a certified translator. Translations must be literal and complete versions of the original records.

If your transcript does not include your degree conferral date and the degree conferred , please submit a scanned copy of your diploma, a conferral statement, or a conferral document in addition to your transcript . If you are currently enrolled in a degree program and will not have earned the respective degree by the time of submitting your GSE application, you should submit your most recent in-progress transcript from your institution.

Stanford University requires the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) from all applicants whose native language is not English. The GSE requires a minimum TOEFL score of 250 for the computer-based test, 600 for the paper-based test or 100 for the internet-based test in order to be considered for admission. The Test of Written English (TWE) portion of the TOEFL is not required. Applicants who have completed a four-year bachelor's degree or a two-year master's program (or its equivalent) in the U.S. or at an institution where English is the main language of instruction are not required to take the TOEFL. For more information on TOEFL requirements, please refer to the Required Exams  page on the main Stanford Graduate Admissions website. You may register for the TOEFL test directly at the ETS website .

TOEFL Dates and Deadlines

PhD applicants who are required to take the TOEFL should plan to take the internet-based TOEFL test and have official TOEFL scores sent electronically to Stanford at institution code 4704 (department code does not matter) no later than November 1 . This will give your official TOEFL scores time to be sent from ETS and be received by our system in time for the December 1 deadline. PhD applicants to Knight-Hennessy Scholars should plan to take the internet-based TOEFL test no later than October 16 so your scores can be received by our system in time for the November 16 KHS GSE deadline. Please note that the TOEFL may be taken no earlier than 18 months prior to the application deadline.

Does Stanford accept tests other than TOEFL?

No. We accept only TOEFL scores; we do not accept IELTS or other test scores.

Contact Information

Admissions:  [email protected]  

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Application requirements for a Ph.D. in the USA

If you want to embark on a Ph.D. in the USA, research eligibility and Ph.D. entry requirements early on. Here are our tips to help your application process.

Ph.D. requirements in the USA

Students will need proof of undergraduate degree. Most universities in the USA want evidence of your bachelor's degree, including transcripts and course catalogues as part of your Ph.D. application/

Ph.D. in the USA: Academic requirements

You will need to meet the admission requirements of the graduate school or university you are applying to, which may include a minimum GPA, a letter of recommendation, and coursework.

Standardized test scores: 

Depending on your chosen field of study, most universities will require that you have taken a standardized test such as GRE or GMAT.

Statement of purpose: 

You need to submit a statement of purpose or research proposal to be considered for admission. This should include information about your experience and research interests.

Letters of recommendation: 

Most universities require at least two letters of recommendation, usually from professors who can attest to your academic achievements and potential as a graduate student.

Language proficiency:

Many universities may also require that you demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language relevant to your field of study. Financial documents: Many universities will also require you to provide evidence that you can finance your studies, such as proof of sponsorship or a financial-aid application.

Ph.D. requirements in the USA: language proficiency 

International students planning to study for a Ph.D. in the USA are required tosubmit scores on English language tests. Most of the universities in the USA accept scores of both IELTS and TOEFL-IBT for admission into doctoral programs. In addition, universities may also require proof of English language proficiency for admission into any graduate program in the US, even if you are a native speaker. This could mean submitting an English proficiency test score such as TOEFL or IELTS or providing transcripts from an undergraduate institution where the primary language was English.

Application requirements for a Ph.D. in the USA: entrance exam scores and tests

Depending on the admission requirements of your chosen Ph.D. program , you may have to submit scores from standardized tests such as the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). These tests measure academic abilities and aptitudes necessary for success in graduate studies.

In some cases, universities may also require that you submit scores from specialized entrance exams or written essays related to your field of interest. For example, if you want to pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology , many universities require that you take the Psychology GRE Subject Test.

Application requirements for a Ph.D. in the USA: financial resources

Most universities require that you provide evidence of your financial resources to fund your Ph.D. studies . This could include proof of sponsorship, such as a scholarship or fellowship, or bank statements showing sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses. In addition, many universities also require that you apply for financial aid to qualify for admission into their Ph.D. program. This could include filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or other forms provided by the university.

Application requirements for a Ph.D. in the USA: immigration requirements and visas

Non-US citizens, need to provide proof of visa status and other documentation related to immigration laws. Universities in the USA require international students to obtain a student visa. Students can submit an I-20 form from the university or apply for an F-1 visa through the US Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

Ph.D. in the USA: Application Process and Timeline

Once you have gathered the necessary admission documentation, the application process for a Ph.D. in the USA involves submitting your application to the relevant university. The timeline for admission decisions usually varies between universities, depending on their admission criteria and policies. However, some universities may require that you submit your application by certain deadlines or within a specific period.

Admission decisions can take several months or even up to a year, it is important to plan and be prepared to wait for admission results.

Application requirements for a Ph.D. in the USA: academic transcripts

Universities request copies of your academic transcripts from all previously attended universities. This ensures you have the necessary academic background and qualifications for admission into their Ph.D. program. In some cases, universities may need a copy of your bachelor's degree certificate or diploma to verify educational credentials. Admission decisions can be significantly delayed if you fail tosubmit these documents on time.

Application requirements for a Ph.D. in the USA: SOP

Most universities also require that you submit a written statement of purpose (SOP) as part of your admission application. This document should include details about your research and professional experience, and any relevant extracurricular activities or achievements. Moreover, it should explain why you are applying to the Ph.D. program, what makes you an ideal candidate for admission, and how the degree will help you achieve your educational goals.

Your SOP should be well-written and concise so that admission officers can quickly gain an understanding of your background and qualifications. Many universities may also ask for recommendation letters from supervisors, professors, or mentors who can provide insights into your academic performance, research potential, and prospects. You should contact your chosen referees in advance to ensure the timely delivery of their letters.

Application requirements for a Ph.D. in the USA: admission tests

Some universities may also require admission tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or other standardized tests according to the doctoral program you are applying for. It is important to check with each university about their admission test requirements and deadlines so that you can prepare for these exams accordingly. Admission tests allow admission officers to assess your academic abilities and aptitude for research work. Therefore, it is important to devote sufficient time and effort to preparing for these admission exams.

Application requirements for a Ph.D. in the USA: LOR and admission interviews

Most universities also require you to submit a letter of recommendation (LOR) from an academic advisor or mentor who can provide insights into your capabilities and background. LORs are important admission documents as they help admission officers gain additional information about your qualifications, research potential, and prospects.

In some cases, admission committees may also ask for admission interviews where you can present yourself as an ideal candidate for admission and discuss your research interests in greater detail.

Application requirements for a Ph.D. in the USA: research statement

Another admission document required by some universities is a research statement. This should include details about your past research accomplishments, current work, and future projects that you plan to pursue in the Ph.D. program. Research statements are important for admission officers as they give them an understanding of your background and qualifications relevant to the Ph.D. program.

Application requirements for a Ph.D. in the USA: writing samples

Admission committees may also ask for writing samples to assess your writing abilities and research potential. Selecting appropriate writing samples can be tricky as admission officers are looking for articles or essays that demonstrate your understanding of the subject matter. Therefore, you should carefully select a few relevant pieces that highlight your expertise and experience in the field.

Application requirements for a Ph.D. in the USA: CV

It is essential to submit a comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV) outlining your academic and professional experience in the field. This document should include details, such as your educational qualifications, research projects, publications, awards, and extracurricular activities.

Application requirements for a Ph.D. in the USA: Test Scores: General GRE And GRE Subject Tests

Depending on a university's admissions requirements, you may also need to submit scores from admission tests such as the General GRE or GRE Subject Tests. The admission committee will assess your scores from these tests to understand your academic abilities and aptitude for research work. You must devote sufficient time to preparing for these admission exams and submit your scores before the application deadline.

Some Ph.D. subjects may use other graduate entry tests in place of (or in addition to) the GRE. The most common tests are:

• GMAT – for DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) degrees and other programs in Business and Management
• LSAT – for JD programs
• MCAT – for MD programs
• DAT – for dental programs

Ph.D. in the USA application requirements: interview

The personal interview session is your best opportunity to display your commitment, enthusiasm, and endeavour toward pursuing the Ph.D. program. You do not necessarily need a master to apply for a Ph.D. in the USA. This is because American graduate programs effectively combine master's and Ph.D. study –some students receive a master's at the end of their coursework stage. If you already have a master's degree you may be able to receive credit for it and spend less time on the coursework stage of your program. This decision is made by your graduate school, which will decide how relevant your existing degree is.

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