What IELTS score do you need for Stanford?

Stanford answers its own FAQ plainly: "No, we do not require any English proficiency exams." You may self-report scores from any English proficiency exam, and Stanford says it usually receives them from applicants whose native language or school language is not English. Fluency in English is still a prerequisite for admission. The SAT or ACT is required. No minimum English score is published. See the international applicants page.

If you do not qualify for an exemption, you must submit an official TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic score that meets the minimum: TOEFL 90 (taken before 21 January 2026) or 4.5 (on or after), or IELTS 7. Each program may set a higher minimum. Incoming students below TOEFL 109 / 5.5 or IELTS 8 take Stanford's English Placement Test. Scores are valid for two years; for autumn 2027-28 entry the earliest valid test date is 1 September 2024. Whether home or online editions are accepted is not stated by Stanford.

You are exempt if you are a US citizen or permanent resident, your first language is English, you earned a US degree or an international equivalent where all instruction was in English, or you have two or more consecutive years of full-time professional or educational experience in English within the past 10 years. See the test scores page.

The US F-1 student visa sets no English test score of its own. What counts is the requirement Stanford sets for admission, which leads to your Form I-20. For the wider picture of studying in the US with each test, see IELTS for the USA and PTE for the USA.

Requirements change between admission cycles. Check the Stanford Graduate Admissions page again before you book a test, and check your own program page, which can set a higher bar.