MS HSR Application

Applications will open through the Office of Graduate Admissions in mid-to-late September of every year. Applications and supporting documents (see below) must be submitted through the Stanford Graduate Admissions website: https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply by clicking on "APPLY NOW."

All applications AND all reference letters should be received electronically in the online application no later than 11:59pm PST on the deadline, so please plan accordingly. 

Please note, the Knight-Hennessy Program has earlier deadlines than the MS program.

Applicants should have a clinical background and/or experience in the healthcare field, government service or similar professional activities. Applicants applying to existing joint degree programs at Stanford (e.g. the JD / MS in Health Policy) who are interested in learning health policy techniques in the healthcare setting are also welcome to apply.

Applications are evaluated based on the applicant's commitment to and aptitude for a career in health policy research as demonstrated via transcripts, statement of purpose, relevant work and research experience, and letters of recommendation. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE), or MCAT (if you are a physician) is required for this year's (i.e. the 2025-2026) application cycle. This may change in future years.

Applicants from non-English speaking countries should provide evidence of competence in English on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). See Stanford University GRE and TOEFL policies and requirements: https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply/test-scores.

We welcome applicants with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars.

Required Supporting Documents (to be submitted in the Stanford Graduate Admissions Application):

• Statement of Purpose that includes area(s) of interest
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official TOEFL scores (if applicable)
• Transcripts for all college/university degrees
• CV with relevant work and research experience
• GRE Scores (physicians licensed in the U.S. may waive the GRE requirement by submitting their MCAT scores)

The selection of students admitted to the Health Policy Masters Program is based on an individualized, holistic review of each application, including (but not limited to) the applicant's academic record, the letters of recommendation, the statement of purpose, personal qualities and characteristics, and past accomplishments. 

Transcripts: 

Please make sure that you upload an unofficial transcript for every school attended into your application. WES evlauted transcripts are accepted. 

Official transcripts (direct from the institution) will only be required after an offer of admission. These will need to be sent to Stanford Graduate Admissions/University Registrar for review and verification. Instructions will be provided to admitted students. Any offer of admission is contingent upon authentication of official transcripts submitted directly to Graduate Admissions.

GRE Scores: 

GRE scores are required for applications for the 2025-2026 academic year (please note that this may change in future years). Please also make sure that you route your GRE scores (and TOEFL scores if applicable) directly to Stanford from ETS. Our university code is 4704 (it does not matter what department code is specified).

You will either self-report your scores or indicate the date you will take the test(s) in the online application. Self-reported scores will not be considered official until Stanford receives the electronic record.

The GRE requirement is waived for physicians licensed in the U.S. who took the MCAT. Licensed physicians in this category may report their MCAT scores at the bottom of the "Program Supplemental" page of the application. 

Other waivers of the GRE test requirement can only be provided in exceptional circumstances (e.g. the test is not offered in your country and/or access to a testing site is impossible). To request such a waiver please contact hrpadmissions@stanford.edu.

Notes:

It is in your best interest to start your application as early as possible.  This will allow for timely notification to your reference letter writers.

Additional information regarding Stanford policies and procedures for graduate applications can be found on the Stanford Graduate Admissions website https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply.

The World Education Services (WES) is the preferred method for receiving official documents from international institutions. Please see the Stanford Graduate Admissions website – https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply/transcripts – for additional guidance on transcripts and university requirements.

Additional information for international applicants can be found at the following link:  https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply.

Application Status Inquiries:

Applicants are able to view their status on their application status page by logging back into the online application portal. 

Interviews:

Interviews, if offered, will be held (via video-call) between February and March.

Admission Decisions:

Admission decisions will be communicated by mid to late March of each admissions cycle.

Tuition & other costs:

For information about tuition costs, please see: https://studentservices.stanford.edu/tuition-rates and click on "Graduate" for the tuition rates for the current academic year. Tuition rates are updated by the University on an annual basis and are subject to change. 

8-10 units/quarter is considered full time status at Stanford University. Most MS Health Policy students complete the degree in 5-6 quarters.

For information on costs of living estimates, please see: https://financialaid.stanford.edu/grad/budget/index.html

Knight-Hennessy Scholars Applications:

Knight-Hennessy Scholars develop a community of future global leaders to address complex challenges through collaboration and innovation. 

To be considered, you must apply separately for the Knight-Hennessey Scholars and to the MS Health Policy Program. Please note the Knight-Hennessy Program has earlier deadlines than the MS program.