Guide to Stanford University Scholarship for Indian Students 2026Z

For countless Indian students, Stanford feels like a distant dream, until they discover this. The Stanford University Scholarship for Indian Students can cover nearly all your education costs through its powerful need-based scholarship programs.

Stanford University, consistently ranked among the world’s top institutions (at #2 globally by Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and #6 by QS ranking), offers world-class education and significant financial assistance to Indian students. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, California, studying at Stanford is a unique opportunity, but the costs can be substantial, with average tuition estimated to range between ₹45 lakh and ₹55 lakh per year.

The good news is that Stanford is committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of every admitted undergraduate student, regardless of citizenship. This guide breaks down the essential Stanford University scholarship for Indian students and financial aid options, including crucial policy details, eligibility criteria, and costs covered, to help you plan your application strategy.

Stanford University Scholarship For Indian Students Policy

The primary financial support mechanism at Stanford for undergraduates is need-based financial aid. This aid is provided through grants, which means qualifying students do not need to secure institutional loans and do not graduate with institutional debt. The university commits to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, including international applicants.

The Need-Aware Distinction

For Indian citizens applying for undergraduate admission, a critical policy difference exists: Stanford is need-aware.

• For US Citizens/Permanent Residents: Stanford is need-blind, meaning requesting financial aid does not affect the admission decision.
• For International Applicants (including Indian Citizens): The request for financial aid will be a factor in the admission evaluation.

This means the admission process is substantially more selective for international students who require financial assistance, emphasising the need for an exceptional academic and extracurricular profile.

Irreversible Application Rule :Indian students seeking institutional financial aid must indicate this need explicitly at the time of their admission application.

Crucial Note: Failure to request financial consideration during the initial application phase results in permanent ineligibility for institutional financial aid throughout the student’s entire undergraduate career at Stanford.

Top Stanford University Scholarship For Indian Students

Stanford provides several prestigious, high-value internal scholarships that target merit, leadership, and regional representation. All values below are estimated at an exchange rate of $1 = ₹90.

1. Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS)

The KHS is a multidisciplinary program for all graduate degrees (Masters, PhD, MBA, MD, etc.).

• Award: Full tuition, a stipend for living and academic expenses, and a travel grant for one annual trip home.
• Value: Approximately $80,000 – $100,000 (₹72 Lakh – ₹90 Lakh) per year.
• Application: Requires a separate application, typically due in early October 2025 for the 2026 cohort.

2. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship

Specifically for Indian citizens admitted to the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) for an MBA.

• Award: Covers approximately 80%–100% of tuition and associated fees.
• Value: Up to $150,000 (₹1.35 Crore) over the two-year program.
• Commitment: Recipients must return to India and work for at least two years after graduation.

Undergraduate Scholarships for Indian Students

Undergraduate funding is primarily need-based. The university assesses your family’s income and assets to determine your “Parent Contribution.”

Graduate Scholarships (Master’s & PhD)

Graduate funding is “decentralised,” meaning it is often awarded directly by the specific department or school (e.g., School of Engineering).

• Stanford University Scholarship for Master’s: Many departments offer fellowships based on academic merit, often ranging from $20,000 to $60,000 (₹18 Lakh to ₹54 Lakh).
• PhD Funding: Most PhD candidates receive a “full ride,” which includes a tuition waiver and a living stipend, usually provided through Assistantships.

Graduate Research & Teaching Assistantships

For STEM and Social Science students, Assistantships are the standard way to fund a graduate degree.

Teaching Assistantships (TA)

• Role: Assisting in course delivery, grading, or lab management.
• Benefit: Provides a tuition waiver (up to 10 units) and a quarterly salary of roughly $12,000 to $14,000 (₹10.8 Lakh to ₹12.6 Lakh).

Research Assistantships (RA)

• Role: Working on faculty-led research projects.
• Benefit: Similar to TAs, RAs receive a tuition allowance and a bi-monthly stipend. This is the primary funding source for most PhD students and many MS students in Engineering.

Externally Funded Scholarships for Indians

Many Indian students supplement Stanford’s aid with prestigious external awards from Indian organizations:

• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation: Offers up to $100,000 (₹90 Lakh) for postgraduate studies abroad.
• JN Tata Endowment: Provides interest-free “loan scholarships” of up to ₹10 Lakh for higher education.
• Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation: Offers merit-based interest-free loan scholarships for PG studies.

Application Process & Steps to Apply for Scholarships

The application process requires meticulous planning and is divided into two parts: applying for admission and applying for financial aid.

General Application Procedure for Indian Students

1. Research for Scholarships: Explore university-specific scholarships and external funding sources from Indian organisations and foundations.
2. Check Eligibility & Requirements: Carefully examine the eligibility requirements, deadlines, and specific conditions for each scholarship.
3. Prepare Application Materials: Gather all required paperwork, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, and financial records (for need-based aid).
4. Apply for Admission at Stanford: You must apply for admission to be eligible for most scholarships; you need to be accepted or enrolled in the application process.
5. Apply for Scholarship/Aid: Follow the due dates for every scholarship. For undergraduate institutional aid, you must apply at the time of admission.
6. Secure Necessary Funding: If awarded a scholarship, fulfil all post-acceptance requirements (like obtaining a Social Security Number or ITIN for fund disbursement).

Financial Aid Documentation for Undergraduates

To determine your need, Stanford requires financial documentation:

• Primary Document: The CSS Profile. This collects comprehensive details on your family’s income, assets, and expenses.
• Alternative for Indian Students: If you cannot afford the CSS Profile fee, you are permitted to submit the International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA). This form and the required supplement must be submitted directly using Stanford’s secure Document Upload process.

Expert Tip: You must submit financial records, including tax records and annual family income proof, well in advance of the deadlines.

Top Courses and Estimated Costs for Indian Students

Understanding the Cost of Attendance (COA) is essential, as financial aid and scholarships are designed to reduce this burden. The figures below represent the 2025-2026 academic year estimated annual tuition.

Average Annual Fees for Popular Courses (Approximate INR)

Exchange rates vary daily. The INR values provided are approximate (based on 2025 rates) and should be verified against the latest rates when planning your finances.

Conclusion

For Indian students with a strong profile, Stanford University represents academic excellence and a range of financial options. By understanding the need-aware policy for undergraduates, meticulously preparing your financial documentation, and strategically applying for both internal fellowships (such as Knight-Hennessy and Reliance Dhirubhai) and external scholarships, you can significantly alleviate the financial burden of attending this prestigious institution.

Ready to simplify your application process and secure funding? Our experts at Leap Scholar can provide the complete guidance you need for your study abroad journey.