PHD HSR Application

Applications will open through the Office of Graduate Admissions in mid-to-late September. 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 dates than the PhD program. 

Applications are evaluated based on the applicant's commitment to and aptitude for a career in health policy research as demonstrated via transcripts, and described in a statement of purpose, relevant work and research experience, and letters of recommendation. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) 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).

(For further information on Stanford University TOEFL requirements and exemptions, please see this page

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 on Stanford’s central application form):

• Statement of Purpose that includes the specialization track (Decision Sciences, Evaluative Methods, or Health Economics) and policy area(s) of interest 
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official TOEFL scores (if necessary) – click here for more info
• Unofficial transcripts for all college/university degrees and courses
• CV with relevant work and research experience
• GRE Scores
   

***Note: This is a very quantitatively based program, and a strong mathematical foundation is necessary for success.  While not a formal requirement, it is strongly encouraged that applicants have, or plan to have at the time of matriculation, mathematical skill at the level of multivariate calculus, and one course each in linear algebra, analysis, probability, and statistics***

The selection of PhD students admitted to the Health Policy 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 experiences and accomplishments.

Interviews:
Applicant interviews, if offered, will be held in late January to mid-February.

Additional notes:

Application Fee Waivers:

Applicants who need assistance with the application fee are encouraged to apply for a fee waiver. Priority for fee waivers is given to applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. International applicants who need assistance with the application fee may be eligible to apply for the School-Based fee waiver.

For a complete list of fee waiver option and eligibility requirements, please visit the Graduate Admissions website: https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply/application-fee. 

Please note that the fee waiver requests are required to be submitted at least 2 weeks (10 business days) prior to the program application deadline; so please plan accordingly.

Applications for fee waivers WILL NOT affect applicants' chances for admission. 

Transcripts:

Please make sure that you upload an unofficial transcript for every school attended into your application. WES evaluated 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 the application for the 2025-2026 academic year (please note that this may change in future years).

Timing of Application

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 about Graduate Applications at Stanford:

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

Additional Information for International Applicants: 

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

Application Status Inquiries:

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

MSTP inquiries:

Students interested in pursuing both a PhD in Health Policy and MD in the School of Medicine may apply through the Stanford MSTP (MD-PhD) application process. To apply for a MD with a PhD in Health Policy, please indicate MD-PhD in your Stanford supplementary application, and in the research essays state that you would like to be considered for this program. You will then need to separately submit an application for the Health Policy PhD program as described above. Applications for this field will be specifically reviewed by faculty within Stanford Health Policy in addition to MSTP faculty. For questions and notification regarding the application process, please contact the MSTP office. Please note that MSTP applicants who are interested in the Health Policy PhD program will need to submit their GRE scores.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars Applications:

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

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