Graduate Admissions

Who is on the Admissions Committees?
Faculty from each department review all complete applications and select each new cohort. In some departments, current graduate students may also read applications. 

The departments at the Division of Literatures, Cultures, and Languages welcome graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. Review of applications is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays in order to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field.

What are Ph.D. Admissions Attributes considered in evaluating applicants?
Listed below are attributes considered in evaluating applicants to all DLCL Ph.D. programs.

• Critical thinking and writing skills
  These are best demonstrated in the writing sample, which is an academic essay. Candidates
  must demonstrate that they are able to conduct research in the field, develop an argument,
  and analyze texts (and other cultural witnesses). 
  Clarity of prose and style are also considered.
• Relevant academic performance
  This is assessed based on transcripts. Candidates generally have successfully completed
  coursework in the relevant field and have acquired foundational background knowledge.
  Grades should be As or Bs (or their equivalents) in relevant courses.
• Intellectual promise
  This is assessed from the letters of recommendation, the writing sample, and the statement. In
  letters of recommendation, we look for colleagues’ explicit assessment of academic
  accomplishments and promise. In the writing sample we look for originality. In the statement
  we are most interested in the intellectual questions that the applicant is engaging and seeks to
  pursue in graduate school.
• Proficiency in Relevant Languages
  This may be assessed by performance in language classes, through interviews, or through the
  candidate’s heritage culture.

When will admission decisions be announced?
Offers of admission traditionally go out in late February.

Do I have to submit GRE General Test scores?
No. The GRE is no longer required.

I am an international student; am I required to submit TOEFL scores?
In most cases, yes. TOEFL scores are required of all applicants whose first language is not English. All international students should refer to the International Applicants webpage for more information regarding transcripts, English proficiency and visas. University minimum requirements can be found in the Stanford University policies regarding required tests link below:

• TOEFL
• Stanford University policies regarding Required Tests

As an international student, where can I find out about visas and resources for international students?
All international students must work in cooperation with Bechtel International Center to obtain visas and for other immigration processes. Bechtel is the best resource for all international students.

If you have additional questions, please contact Student Services at dlclstudentservices [at] stanford.edu (dlclstudentservices[at]stanford[dot]edu).

Where can I find additional funding to pursue a graduate degree at Stanford?

All students admitted to doctoral programs in the DLCL receive 5 years of 12-month funding. This financial support is provided through a combination of fellowship stipend and tuition, and research and teaching assistantships. In certain situations, funding may be available into the 5th year.  Additional funding is provided to support academic and research expenses. 

Our programs do not provide financial support to master’s students.   

Several Stanford schools and degree programs and other universities maintain lists of funding opportunities that may be of interest to individual students. Professional and scholarly societies often offer funding to graduate students for dissertation research or conference travel.

Find more information at the Office of the VPGE - Graduate Student Funding page. These sources may take time and patience to investigate, and the links may not be current.