Students walking around outside on campus. Credit: Elena Zukhova

Admission to the PhD Program

Each year, we welcome a select group of exceptional individuals to the PhD program. All students bring a readiness to commit to the most rigorous, rewarding experience of their academic careers.

Fall 2024 applications are now closed. The application deadline was December 1, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific.

1. Get to Know Us

We offer a range of resources and events that can help you determine if the program is right for you.

2. Apply to Our Program

Once you’ve decided to apply, take time to familiarize yourself with the application requirements.

All applicants are carefully considered for their academic preparation and performance, and their potential to be outstanding researchers. We consider the strength of recommendation letters, standardized test scores, rigor of academic preparation, and alignment of research interests between students and faculty, among other areas.

Applicants may apply to the Stanford GSB PhD Program and another program at Stanford University.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

Knight-Hennessy Scholars admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford.

KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment.

The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023. Learn more about KHS admission.