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Applying to the Graduate Program

The application deadline for 2023-24 was Tuesday, November 29, 2022, 11:59 pm PST. The 2024-25 application will be made available on the Stanford Graduate Admissions website in September 2023.

Graduate study at Stanford is offered in more than 60 departments and programs. Since you may submit only one application per academic year, it is essential that you carefully review the available programs. 

The H&S Dean's Office has composed a new resource for prospective graduate students, which provides helpful information to students who are considering graduate school: Guide on Getting into Grad School

If you are considering applying to Stanford graduate programs and need assistance with the application fees, consider applying for a fee waiver: Graduate Fee Waivers

For inquiries regarding graduate admissions, please email asianlanguages [at] stanford.edu (subject: Grad%20Admissions%3A)

GRE testing is not required for 2023-2024 Graduate Admissions. Students are still required to send in official transcripts after receiving an offer of admission. Final candidates may also be contacted for Zoom interviews.

Stanford University Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for admission to graduate programs at Stanford, applicants must meet one of the following conditions:

  • Applicants must hold, or expect to hold before enrollment at Stanford, a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association.
  • Applicants from institutions outside the U.S. must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing.

See minimum level of study for International applicants

English Language Proficiency

Adequate command of spoken and written English is required for admission. Evidence of adequate English proficiency must be submitted before enrollment is approved by Graduate Admissions.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are required of all applicants whose first language is not English.

International students enrolled at Stanford must be able 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. Admission is offered only to students who are fully prepared in English or who have advanced intermediate proficiency in English that could be raised to the required level by enrollment in a summer intensive English program.

Stanford TOEFL Requirement Details

 

Applying to the Ph.D.

Our department offers Doctoral Programs in Chinese and in Japanese. All students contemplating application for admission to graduate study must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited university. Candidates for the degree are expected to acquire a thorough familiarity with Chinese or Japanese literature and linguistics, an adequate command of relevant languages, and a comprehensive knowledge of East Asian history, social institutions, and thought. The applicant need not have majored in Chinese or Japanese as an undergraduate, but must have had the equivalent of at least three years of training in the language in which he or she intends to specialize, and must also demonstrate a command of English adequate for the pursuit of graduate study. Applicants should not wish merely to acquire or improve language skills, but to pursue study in one of the following fields:

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Chinese
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Chinese, Archaeology Subplan
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Japanese
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Japanese, Linguistics Subplan

Application Requirements:

1.  Application Form
The application form is completed online through the University Graduate Admissions website.

2.  Application Fee
There is an application fee of $125. Fee waivers are available for eligible students.

3.  Statement of Purpose

4.  Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
The University sets the TOEFL score requirements, submission information, and waiver request which can be found on the University Graduate Admissions website.

5.  Official Transcripts
Transcripts are required from all prior college level schools attended for at least one year. A scanned copy of the official transcript is submitted as part of the online application. Please do not mail hard copy transcripts to the department at the time of application. We will contact you at a later date if we need an official transcript.   

6.  Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required. Recommenders must submit their letters through the online system and paper letters will not be accepted. In deciding whom to ask for letters of recommendation, give preference to people who have taught you and/or directed your research activities, or people who know you and your work well. Late letters may be submitted but we cannot guarantee review of materials received after the deadline. 

7.  Writing Sample
A writing sample is required, preferably in a related topic, but in any case something that displays your research abilities and writing skills. The writing sample should be approximately 15 pages in length and is also submitted with the online application. We do not accept any paper application materials. 

For more information regarding the application process and eligibility, please visit the University Graduate Admissions website.

Applicants must apply online through our University website: Stanford Graduate Admissions: Starting Your Application.

Applying to the M.A.

Our department offers a Master of Arts degree in Chinese and in Japanese. 

All students contemplating application for admission to graduate study must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited university. The applicant need not have majored in Chinese or Japanese as an undergraduate, but must have had the equivalent of at least three years of training in the language in which he or she intends to specialize, and must also demonstrate a command of English adequate for the pursuit of graduate study. Applicants should not wish merely to acquire or improve language skills, but to pursue study in one of the following fields: Chinese history (pre-modern), Chinese linguistics, Chinese literature, Chinese philosophy, Japanese cultural history, Japanese literature, and Japanese linguistics.

The EALC Department offers limited tuition fellowships to students who have been admitted into the M.A. program and encourages applicants to seek outside funding/fellowships.

Application Requirements:

1.  Application Form
The application form is completed online through the University Graduate Admissions website.

2.  Application Fee
There is an application fee of $125. Fee waivers are available for eligible students.

3.  Statement of Purpose

4.  Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
The University sets the TOEFL score requirements, submission information, and waiver request which can be found on the University Graduate Admissions website.

5.  Official Transcripts
Transcripts are required from all prior college level schools attended for at least one year. A scanned copy of the official transcript is submitted as part of the online application. Please do not mail hard copy transcripts to the department at the time of application. We will contact you at a later date if we need an official transcript.   

6.  Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required. Recommenders must submit their letters through the online system and paper letters will not be accepted. In deciding whom to ask for letters of recommendation, give preference to people who have taught you and/or directed your research activities, or people who know you and your work well. Late letters may be submitted but we cannot guarantee review of materials received after the deadline. 

7.  Writing Sample
A writing sample is required, preferably in a related topic, but in any case something that displays your research abilities and writing skills. The writing sample should be approximately 15 pages in length and is also submitted with the online application. We do not accept any paper application materials. 

For more information regarding the application process and eligibility, please visit the University Graduate Admissions website.

 Applications must apply online through our University website: Stanford Graduate Admissions: Starting Your Application.

Knight Hennessy

Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

Join dozens of Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences students who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS).

KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your studies at Stanford.

Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment.

If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 12, 2022. Learn more about KHS admission.