Economics PhD
Stanford University School of Humanities and Sciences · Stanford, CA
- Field: Economics
- Degrees: PhD
- Application fee: $125
- GRE: Required
- Letters: 3 (recommendations)
Deadlines
- Knight-Hennessy Scholars application (optional, separate; 1:00 p.m. PT): Oct. 6, 2026
- PhD application, Academic Year 2027-28 (11:59pm Pacific): Dec. 2, 2026
Essays
Statement of purpose (Maximum 250 words (department limit))
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 admission committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study.
Enriching the Learning Community statement (optional) (No longer than 250 words (department limit))
We invite you to share the lived experiences, demonstrated values, perspectives, and/or activities that shape you as a scholar and would help you to make a distinctive contribution to Stanford University.
Writing sample (Up to 10 pages)
Coursework spreadsheet (Economics-related coursework in a standardized format)
Editor's notes
- Stanford Economics caps the statement of purpose at 250 words, a quarter of the university's general guidance, so cut to research interests, preparation, and why Stanford, and let the coursework spreadsheet and CV carry the course details. The department advises only one letter from a pre-doc employer, with the others from economics academics or researchers who know you. The deadline is December 2, nothing is accepted afterward, and the department accepts only the TOEFL, not IELTS, for English proficiency.
