Dreaming of Stanford, but unsure how to apply online for Stanford University scholarships without missing a deadline or required form? You’re not alone. The process involves multiple portals (Common App, CSS Profile, FAFSA, Stanford Graduate Admissions), different timelines for undergraduates and graduates, and separate applications for major awards like Knight‑Hennessy.
This guide solves that. We’ll walk you through exactly how to apply online for Stanford University scholarships, who’s eligible, what to prepare, key deadlines, the benefits you can expect, and pro tips that save time and money. Follow the steps and you’ll move from confusion to a strong, on‑time application—with confidence.
What you’ll get:
- A simple, step-by-step online application roadmap (UG + Grad + Knight‑Hennessy)
- Eligibility, required documents, and portals (CSS Profile, FAFSA, IDOC)
- Deadlines, benefits, and coverage details
- Long‑tail strategies for international, transfer, MBA, MS/PhD applicants
- Calls to action: Apply Now, Check Eligibility, See Deadline
Important: Policies and dates change annually. Always confirm on official Stanford pages before submitting.
Quick links (official):
- Stanford Undergraduate Admission (Apply Now): https://admission.stanford.edu/apply/
- Stanford Undergraduate Financial Aid: https://financialaid.stanford.edu/
- Stanford Graduate Admissions (Apply Now): https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply
- Knight‑Hennessy Scholars (Apply Now): https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/admission
- CSS Profile: https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/
- FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/
- IDOC (document upload): https://idoc.collegeboard.org/idoc/
Understanding Stanford University scholarships (overview)
Before you click “Apply,” it helps to know how Stanford funding actually works.
- Undergraduate (bachelor’s): Stanford awards need‑based scholarships/grants. There are no university‑wide merit scholarships for undergraduates. Stanford commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students (U.S. and international). Outside/private scholarships are welcome and can reduce work or summer earning expectations.
- Graduate (master’s, PhD, professional): Funding is program‑specific. Many PhD programs are fully funded (fellowships, research/teaching assistantships). Master’s/professional programs often combine fellowships, assistantships, and loans. You apply for departmental aid with your graduate application unless the program has a different process.
- Knight‑Hennessy Scholars (KHS): Stanford’s flagship, university‑wide graduate scholarship. A separate KHS application plus your Stanford degree application is required. KHS typically covers up to three years of study, with tuition, stipend, and leadership development.
Long-tail terms included: Stanford University scholarships for international students, Stanford need‑based aid, Stanford graduate fellowships, Knight‑Hennessy Scholars funding.
Eligibility: Who can apply for Stanford scholarships?
Eligibility depends on your level and citizenship status. Here’s what most applicants need to know.
Undergraduate (US and international)
- Admission: You must apply for and be admitted to Stanford.
- Need‑based aid: Eligibility depends on your family’s financial information (income, assets, household size, number in college).
- Citizenship:
- US citizens/eligible noncitizens: Submit CSS Profile + FAFSA (+ IDOC for documents).
- International students: Submit CSS Profile (+ IDOC for required financial documents). FAFSA is not required/available for most international students.
- No separate “merit” application: Your financial aid application determines your scholarship eligibility.
Graduate (MS, PhD, professional)
- You must apply to a Stanford graduate program.
- Funding is awarded by departments (assistantships, fellowships) and the central Graduate Financial Support office.
- International students are eligible for many fellowships/assistantships; visas and work rules apply for employment components (RAs/TAs).
Knight‑Hennessy Scholars (any Stanford graduate program)
- Open to all nationalities and disciplines at Stanford.
- Separate Knight‑Hennessy online application + your Stanford degree application.
- Selection emphasizes leadership, independence of thought, and civic mindset.
CTA: Check Eligibility on the financial aid and program pages for your specific situation.
Deadlines at a glance (verify each year)
Because dates vary by cycle and program, use this as a planning framework, then See Deadline on official sites.
| Applicant Type | Typical Scholarship/Aid Deadlines | Key Portals |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate – Restrictive Early Action | Admission: around Nov 1; Financial Aid docs: similar fall timeline | Common App + Stanford Questions; CSS Profile; FAFSA (US only); IDOC |
| Undergraduate – Regular Decision | Admission: Dec/Jan; Financial Aid docs: winter deadlines | Same as above |
| Graduate (non-GSB) | Program deadlines: usually Nov–Jan for next fall; Aid is part of your program application | Stanford Graduate Admissions portal |
| Stanford GSB (MBA) | Rounds (Aug/Sept, Jan, Apr typical); Aid after admission | GSB application portal; financial aid after admit |
| Knight‑Hennessy Scholars | Separate application typically due early Oct; Stanford program deadlines vary | KHS portal + Stanford program portal |
See Deadline:
- Undergraduate timelines: https://financialaid.stanford.edu/
- Graduate deadlines: https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/programs
- Knight‑Hennessy dates: https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/admission
What Stanford scholarships typically cover (benefits)
- Undergraduate need‑based aid: Grant/scholarship funds (do not need to be repaid) toward tuition, fees, and sometimes room/board. Work‑study and optional loans may be part of your package. Stanford indicates many families with moderate incomes and typical assets receive substantial aid; verify current thresholds and policies on the official site.
- Graduate funding: Tuition support, health insurance subsidy, and stipends via fellowships or assistantships. PhD offers often include multi‑year packages.
- Knight‑Hennessy Scholars: Typically covers tuition and associated fees, a living stipend, and additional program benefits (leadership development, community, and sometimes travel/enrichment).
Tip: Outside scholarships are applied according to Stanford’s coordination policy; they may reduce your student responsibility before reducing Stanford grant—check current rules.
How to Apply Online for Stanford University Scholarships: Undergraduate (step‑by‑step)
Applying online for Stanford undergraduate scholarships means submitting a complete financial aid application alongside your admission application. No separate “scholarship” form is needed for university grant aid.
Step 1: Complete the Stanford admission application
- Portal: Common Application + Stanford Questions
- Upload essays, transcripts, test scores (if you choose to report), and recommendations.
- Apply Now: https://admission.stanford.edu/apply/
Step 2: Submit the CSS Profile (all undergraduates seeking aid)
- Portal: https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/
- Add Stanford University to your recipients, complete all sections, pay the fee or use a fee waiver if eligible.
- International students: Provide currency-converted figures and required documentation. Be prepared for IDOC upload requests.
Step 3: File the FAFSA (US citizens/eligible noncitizens)
- Portal: https://studentaid.gov/
- Add Stanford University to your FAFSA school list. Follow prompts for dependency, parent info, and consent as required by the latest FAFSA rules.
Step 4: Upload documents via IDOC
- Portal: https://idoc.collegeboard.org/idoc/
- Upload tax returns, W‑2s, or non-filer statements as requested. International families may submit income documentation per instructions (translations may be required).
Step 5: Track your Stanford Financial Aid To‑Do List
- After you apply for admission, Stanford may provide a student portal where you can track missing items and messages.
- Respond promptly to verification requests or clarification questions from the Financial Aid Office.
Step 6: Compare your aid offer after admission
- If admitted, you’ll receive an aid letter/portal view detailing Stanford scholarships, work-study, and loan options (if any).
- Decision tip: Clarify net costs (tuition, fees, room/board, personal expenses) against your award.
Apply Now:
- Undergraduate Admission: https://admission.stanford.edu/apply/
- Financial Aid Overview: https://financialaid.stanford.edu/
How to Apply Online for Stanford University Scholarships: Graduate (MS/PhD/professional)
For graduate students, “scholarships” typically come as fellowships, assistantships, or named awards administered by departments. You apply online through Stanford Graduate Admissions and indicate you want to be considered for funding; many programs consider all applicants automatically.
Step 1: Choose your program and review funding
- Portal: https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/programs
- Navigate to your department page for funding details (fellowships, teaching/research assistantships, external awards).
Step 2: Prepare your online graduate application
- Portal: https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply
- Required materials typically include:
- Transcripts (and degree certificates if graduated)
- CV/resume
- Statement(s) of purpose and academic/research goals
- Letters of recommendation (usually 2–3)
- English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) if applicable
- Writing sample/portfolio for some programs
- Funding checkbox: Indicate that you wish to be considered for departmental support if applicable.
Step 3: Submit by the program deadline
- Most research programs review applications in Nov–Jan for autumn entry.
- Many PhD programs automatically consider applicants for fellowships and assistantships at admission.
Step 4: Explore supplemental and external fellowships
- Look for university‑wide fellowships, diversity fellowships, and external awards (NSF GRFP, Fulbright, home‑country sponsorships). Departments often list recommended options.
Apply Now:
- Graduate Admissions: https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply
Knight‑Hennessy Scholars: Online application guide
Knight‑Hennessy Scholars (KHS) is one of the top international scholarships in the U.S., supporting up to three years of Stanford graduate study across all schools.
What KHS covers (high level)
- Tuition and associated fees
- Living stipend and additional academic enrichment funding
- Leadership development and a global scholars community
KHS online application steps
- Create an account at https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/admission
- Complete the KHS application (essays, short answers, video, resume)
- Request recommendations specific to KHS (separate from your degree program refs)
- Submit by the KHS deadline (often early October—See Deadline)
- Separately complete the online application for your Stanford graduate program by its deadline
Tip: Your KHS application and Stanford program application are distinct—both must be submitted on time.
Apply Now:
- Knight‑Hennessy Scholars: https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/admission
Document checklists (print‑ready)
Undergraduate aid (US citizens/eligible noncitizens)
- Common App + Stanford Questions submitted
- CSS Profile (with Stanford selected)
- FAFSA (with Stanford added)
- IDOC uploads (parent/student tax returns, W‑2s, non‑filer statements if applicable)
- Additional forms requested by Stanford Financial Aid (if any)
Undergraduate aid (international)
- Common App + Stanford Questions submitted
- CSS Profile (international sections completed)
- IDOC uploads (income statements, employer letters, bank statements per instructions)
- Translations to English if required
Graduate aid (MS/PhD/professional)
- Stanford Graduate Admissions application
- Transcripts and degree documents
- CV/resume
- Statement(s) of purpose
- Recommendation letters
- English test scores (if required)
- Funding interest indicated in the application
- Any program‑specific financial aid form (if applicable)
Knight‑Hennessy Scholars
- KHS online application (essays, video)
- KHS recommendations
- Stanford graduate program application (separate)
Benefits and examples: What online scholarship applications can yield
- Undergraduates: Need‑based Stanford scholarships can significantly reduce out‑of‑pocket cost—often covering a large portion of tuition and sometimes room/board depending on demonstrated need.
- Graduate students: Multi‑year funding packages for PhDs; master’s students commonly receive partial fellowships, TA/RA positions, or named awards.
- Knight‑Hennessy: Up to three years of graduate funding plus leadership opportunities, networking, and enrichment grants.
Note: Amounts and coverage change year‑to‑year. Always review your award letter and the current Stanford Financial Aid policies.
Cost planning: What to budget (snapshot)
While scholarships and grants can cover much, budget for:
- Housing and food (on‑campus or off‑campus)
- Books, course materials, equipment (laptop/software)
- Health insurance and campus fees (many awards subsidize or cover)
- Personal expenses and local transportation
- Visa and travel (international students)
Pro tip: Outside scholarships often reduce student summer/work expectations before touching Stanford grant—verify current coordination rules.
Long‑tail guidance: Special applicant types
International students applying online for Stanford scholarships
- Undergrad: You’re fully eligible for need‑based aid. Submit CSS Profile + required documents via IDOC. No FAFSA.
- Grad: Funding is department‑specific; many PhDs are fully funded. KHS is open to all nationalities.
Transfer students
- Stanford accepts a small number of transfers. Financial aid process mirrors first‑year applicants: admission + CSS Profile/FAFSA/IDOC as applicable.
Stanford MBA (GSB) scholarships and fellowships
- Apply to the MBA program first; financial aid is assessed after admission. Need‑based fellowships are common, and external/company sponsorships are welcome. Some named and regional fellowships exist—see GSB’s financial aid pages.
Coterminal (Stanford undergrads entering a Stanford master’s)
- Aid policies differ for coterm students; consult Stanford’s coterm financial aid guidance.
External scholarships
- Apply broadly: national foundations, industry groups, regional awards. Stanford coordinates outside awards with your aid package—often to your advantage.
How to strengthen your online application (UG + Grad)
- Be early: Submit the CSS Profile/FAFSA/IDOC well before deadlines to avoid verification delays.
- Accuracy matters: Use consistent income/asset figures across forms; explain special circumstances (job loss, medical costs) in the provided sections.
- Upload clean, legible documents: Combine multi‑page PDFs, include translations if required, and label files clearly.
- For grad applicants: Tie your Statement of Purpose to faculty interests; mention labs, advisors, and research fit. For funding, highlight research output, teaching experience, and academic distinction.
- Knight‑Hennessy: Show leadership impact beyond roles—demonstrate how you mobilized people and created measurable change.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until the last week to start the CSS Profile or FAFSA
- Missing IDOC uploads, causing verification delays
- Assuming there’s a separate “merit scholarship” form for undergrad (there isn’t)
- Not submitting the KHS application because you already applied to a Stanford program (you must do both)
- Inconsistent financial data across forms or incomplete parent information
- Ignoring program‑specific graduate funding instructions
Sample timelines (save or screenshot)
Undergraduate, Regular Decision
- September–October: Start Common App; gather financial docs
- October–November: Submit CSS Profile; US students file FAFSA
- December–January: Submit admission application
- January–February: Upload IDOC docs; respond to any verification requests
- March–April: Review admission + aid; compare net costs; appeal if circumstances changed
Graduate, PhD
- June–August: Shortlist programs; contact potential advisors
- September–November: Draft SoP, request recommendations, take English tests if needed
- November–January: Submit graduate application; indicate funding consideration
- February–April: Funding decisions with admission results; explore external fellowships
Knight‑Hennessy
- June–August: Begin KHS essays/video; confirm recommenders
- Early October: Submit KHS online application (See Deadline)
- Nov–Jan: Submit Stanford degree application by its deadline
- Winter: KHS interviews/selection
Comparison table: Undergraduate vs Graduate vs KHS
| Feature | Undergraduate Aid | Graduate Funding | Knight‑Hennessy Scholars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Type | Need‑based grants/scholarships | Fellowships, assistantships, departmental awards | University‑wide graduate scholarship |
| Who Applies | All admitted undergrads who submit aid forms | Applicants to graduate programs | Applicants to any Stanford grad program |
| Separate App? | No separate “merit” scholarship form | Funding considered in program app (usually) | Yes—separate KHS application + program app |
| Portals | Common App, CSS Profile, FAFSA (US), IDOC | Stanford Graduate Admissions | KHS portal + program portal |
| Typical Coverage | Tuition, fees, room/board (depends on need) | Tuition, stipend, insurance subsidy (varies) | Tuition, stipend, leadership enrichment |
- Apply Now: Start your Stanford application and financial aid forms today.
- Check Eligibility: Confirm which forms (CSS/FAFSA/IDOC) you need based on citizenship.
- See Deadline: Add program‑specific and KHS deadlines to your calendar with reminders.
Apply Now (official):
- Undergraduate Admission: https://admission.stanford.edu/apply/
- Graduate Admissions: https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply
- Knight‑Hennessy: https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/admission
- CSS Profile: https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/
- FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/
- IDOC: https://idoc.collegeboard.org/idoc/
FAQs: How to Apply Online for Stanford University Scholarships
Q1: Do I need a separate application to apply online for Stanford University scholarships as an undergraduate?
A: No. Stanford’s undergraduate scholarships are need‑based and awarded through the financial aid process. Submit the CSS Profile (all applicants) and the FAFSA (US citizens/eligible noncitizens), plus IDOC documents as requested. There is no separate merit scholarship form.Q2: Are international undergraduates eligible for Stanford scholarships?
A: Yes. Stanford meets 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted undergraduates, including international students. International applicants submit the CSS Profile (and IDOC uploads when requested). FAFSA is not required for most international students.Q3: How do graduate students apply online for Stanford funding?
A: Submit your program application through Stanford Graduate Admissions and indicate that you want to be considered for departmental funding. Many PhD programs offer full support (fellowships/assistantships). Some master’s and professional programs provide partial fellowships or assistantships.Q4: What is Knight‑Hennessy and how do I apply?
A: Knight‑Hennessy Scholars is a university‑wide graduate scholarship at Stanford. You must submit a separate KHS application through the KHS portal and a separate application to your Stanford degree program. The KHS deadline is typically earlier than most program deadlines—check current dates.Q5: What documents are required for undergraduate financial aid?
A: Generally: CSS Profile (all), FAFSA (US citizens/eligible noncitizens), and income documents uploaded via IDOC (tax returns, W‑2s, or non‑filer statements; international families provide equivalent documentation and translations if required).Q6: What do Stanford scholarships usually cover?
A: Undergraduate awards are grants that can cover a significant portion of tuition and sometimes living costs, depending on demonstrated need. Graduate awards vary by program—fellowships/assistantships may cover tuition, health insurance subsidies, and a stipend. KHS typically funds tuition, a living stipend, and enrichment activities for up to three years.Q7: When are the deadlines to apply online for Stanford scholarships?
A: Undergrad aid deadlines align with admission rounds (fall for Early, winter for Regular). Graduate deadlines vary by program (often Nov–Jan). Knight‑Hennessy typically has an early October deadline. Always See Deadline on official Stanford pages for the current cycle.Q8: Can outside scholarships reduce my costs at Stanford?
A: Yes. Stanford coordinates outside scholarships with your aid package. Policies generally apply external funds to student contributions before reducing Stanford grants, but details change—review the current coordination policy.Your action plan to apply online now
You now know how to apply online for Stanford University scholarships—what portals to use, which documents to gather, and when to submit. The key is simple: start early, keep your information consistent, and meet every deadline.
Next steps:
- Create your application accounts (Common App or Graduate Admissions + KHS if applicable).
- Complete the CSS Profile (and FAFSA for eligible U.S. applicants) and upload IDOC documents.
- Check Eligibility based on your citizenship and degree level.
- See Deadline for your program and add reminders 2–3 weeks in advance.
- Apply Now and follow up promptly on any missing items.