Computer Science PhD

Stanford University School of Engineering · Stanford, CA

Field: Computer Science
Degrees: Master's, PhD
Application fee: $125
GRE: Not required
Letters: 3 (recommendations)

Deadlines

Knight-Hennessy Scholars application (separate; 1 pm Pacific): Oct. 6, 2026
PhD application, autumn 2027 (opens September 15, 2026): Dec. 8, 2026
MS application, autumn 2027: Dec. 8, 2026

Essays

Statement of purpose (No more than two pages, single-spaced (the FAQ also states 8,000 characters including spaces))

Describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program at Stanford, your preparation for this field of study, research interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study.

Résumé (include publications)

Supplemental form (publications and website)

Unofficial transcripts

Editor's notes

Stanford gives you two pages for the statement of purpose, and its FAQ also cites an 8,000-character cap, so write to the stricter limit. The prompt asks for reasons for Stanford, preparation, research interests and career plans, so cover each one directly. GRE scores are not considered, and advisors are matched during the first months of the PhD, so put your effort into the statement and letters. If you also want Knight-Hennessy funding, that application closed October 6, ahead of the December 8 program deadline.