- Do I have to take the GRE? Can the GMAT or LSAT be taken in lieu of the GRE?
The GRE is traditionally required of all external MIP applicants. We cannot accept GMAT or LSAT scores in lieu of the GRE. However, the GRE requirement has been waived for applicants for Fall 2026 entry. The application review process will be GRE blind.
- Can I use my GRE scores if they are more than five years old?
No. Stanford University requires GRE scores to be no more than five years old. ETS does not maintain records of GRE exams taken more than five years ago. If ETS is unable to send your test scores to Stanford electronically, you will need to retake the exam.
- Can I substitute work experience for the GRE?
No. Work experience is not a substitute for the GRE exam.
- What is the minimum GPA or GRE score?
Most applicants to the MIP program have a GPA above 3.5 and GRE scores in the 90th percentile. Because MIP applicants come from universities in every part of the world, we consider each application in its entirety, weighing grades and test scores along with career and internship experience.
- What is the minimum TOEFL score?
The MIP program requires a minimum total score of 100 on the TOEFL, as well as a minimum score of 25 in each of the test's four sections. It is recommended to be competitive beyond the minimum. Applicants who are admitted into the MIP program typically score 105 or higher.
- Can I take the IELTS in lieu of the TOEFL?
Yes. Applicants can submit tests for the IELTS instead of the TOEFL. A minimum score of 7 is required, though it is recommended to be competitive beyond the minimum.
- Can the TOEFL/IELTS requirement be waived?
To be eligible for graduate study at Stanford, you must demonstrate sufficient proficiency to read English with ease, understand rapid idiomatic English as used in lectures and group discussions, and express thoughts quickly and clearly in spoken and written English.
Effective for applicants starting graduate study in 2026: You are not required to submit English proficiency test scores if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Your first language is English.
- You earned a U.S. bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, or international equivalent from a university where all instruction was conducted in English.
- You have two or more consecutive years of professional or educational experience in English, in the past 10 years.
The requirement cannot be waived under any other circumstances. Please review the Office of Graduate Admissions' policy on Required Test Scores.
- When should I take the GRE/TOEFL exam?
We strongly recommend that you take required tests by early to mid-December. Scheduling tests after mid-December is risky because ETS scores can take up to six weeks to be sent to the university. Scores that do not arrive by late January may not be included in an applicant's file when the Admissions Committee begins its review period.
- How do I report my official test scores? What is the institution code for the GRE and TOEFL, and the organization name for the IELTS?
For the GRE and TOEFL (when required), you must report your official scores directly to Stanford from ETS. Stanford’s ETS institutional code is "4704". If a department code is required, it does not matter which one you choose. As long as you select the correct institutional code, the scores are electronically delivered to Stanford.
for the IELTS, you must report your official scores directly to Stanford via the IELTS Results Service E-delivery option. Our organization’s account name is "Stanford University Graduate". We do not accept test results via postal mail.
