Master'sUnited States · Computer Science / AI / Data Science

MS Computer Science

Stanford University

✓ Last verified Oct 4, 2026

Entry requirements

Grades: GPA (4.0 scale) — Typical 3.7Preferred
English(Any one of these tests): IELTS — Minimum 7Required
TOEFL — Minimum 90Required
Prior degree: U.S. bachelor's degree or international equivalent from a college or university of recognized standingRequired
CS major not required, but strong quantitative and analytical skillsPreferred
Other: EssayRequired

Accepted English tests: TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic only. Stanford minimum for admission consideration: TOEFL 90 (taken before 21 January 2026) or 4.5 (taken on or after 21 January 2026); IELTS 7. Programmes may set higher minimums; the CS department did not publish one. Required from all applicants whose first language is not English; test must be taken within 24 months (earliest valid date for Autumn 2027-28: 1 September 2024). Exempt if first language is English, if you earned a U.S. degree or international equivalent from a university where all instruction was in English, or with two or more consecutive years of full-time professional or educational experience in English in the past 10 years. Admitted students scoring below TOEFL 109 / 5.5 or IELTS 8 must take the Stanford English Placement Test.
Other requirements: GRE not required and not considered for MS applicants. Statement of purpose (no more than two pages, single-spaced), exactly three recommendation letters (at least two academic), resume/CV, unofficial transcripts from every institution attended full-time for at least one year, supplemental form (publications/website), application fee USD 125. Admission for Autumn quarter only. China: admitted students from institutions in the People's Republic of China must have transcripts and degree certificates verified by CSSD (CHSI verification reports in English) (https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/official-transcripts-degree-conferral-documents).