Graduate Admissions
Admission to the PhD program in Physics is based on a comprehensive and individualized review of each application, including academic performance, research experience, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and Physics GRE scores. Applicants are primarily evaluated on the strength of their accomplishments, demonstrated commitment to and enthusiasm for research, intellectual creativity, and talent for research in physics.
For the Fall 2026-27 admissions cycle, The GRE General Test and the Physics GRE Subject Test are required for all applicants, as they help us fairly assess problem-solving skills. If you are unable to take one or both examinations due to extenuating circumstances, please explain your situation in the “Additional Information” section of your application and include any supporting documents. Requests for exceptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, but applications submitted without the required GRE scores may not receive full consideration.
Some resources to support Physics GRE preparation:
APS Video: Preparing for the Physics GRE: Strategies for Success
Information about the Physics GRE Fee Reduction program are at https://www.ets.org/gre/score-users/reducing-barriers/fee- reductions.html
Applications must be submitted by the deadline in mid-December to be considered for the following Autumn Quarter. In January and February of each year, the Physics Department Graduate Admission Committee reviews each application. All applicants will be notified of their admission status by March 1st.
We uphold and advance Stanford's values by maintaining recruitment activities that are accessible and free from discrimination. Learn more about Stanford Values and Commitment to Compliance.
The Department does not offer a separate program for the M.S. degree, but this degree may be awarded for a portion of the Ph.D. degree work with approval from the Department.
For the purpose of generally matching needs and funding availability with students’ interest, we ask applicants to select the broad area of physics that best matches their interests: theoretical physics, experimental physics, or astrophysics. Within those broad areas, graduate students have opportunities for research in theoretical physics; atomic, molecular, and optical physics (AMO); ultra-fast lasers; particle and nuclear physics; condensed matter physics; quantum information and control; and cosmology, astrophysics, and gravitation. Opportunities for research are also available with the faculty at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in the areas of theoretical and experimental particle physics, cosmology and astrophysics, accelerator design, and photon science. In Applied Physics there are opportunities in the areas of theoretical and experimental condensed matter physics, materials research, quantum electronics, and novel imaging technology.
Stanford commits to funding five years of doctoral programs for all admitted students in good academic standing. However, while opportunities to move between the three broad areas of physics that the student has selected at time of application (theoretical physics, experimental physics, or astrophysics) sometimes exist, they are not guaranteed.
The application deadline for this academic year 2026-27 (2027-28 admissions cycle) is 11:59pm Pacific Standard Time, Monday, December 14, 2026. The application submission deadline is a hard deadline and no late applications are accepted, no exceptions. We strongly suggest you do not wait until the last day to submit in case you encounter any difficulties.
- Three letters of recommendation, preferably including at least one from a research group.
- Transcripts for each postsecondary institution you have attended as a full-time student for one year (i.e. three quarters or two semesters) or longer.
- Upload one scanned version of your official transcript(s) in the online application (see File Upload Requirements). Official transcripts are preferred, however, if obtaining official transcripts is financially burdensome, we will accept unofficial transcripts at the time of application. For those that are offered admission to our program, we will require submission of official transcripts for accepted students before matriculation.
- The TOEFL exam is required for applicants whose first language is not English. It must be taken within the last two years. The TOEFL is waived for applicants who have recently completed or will complete a Bachelor's degree, or a 2-year Master's program, in the U.S. or in another English-speaking country. See the Graduate Admissions GRE/TOEFL FAQ for detailed information.
The Department of Physics welcomes 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.
The department is interested in understanding and mitigating barriers to access to all of our programs, including barriers based on citizenship status, accessibility, or financial or logistical challenges. If you are interested in our graduate program but there are barriers that limit your ability to apply given our current procedures, we would appreciate hearing from you. Please fill out this brief form about Stanford Physics program accessibility.
Not all students have equal access to information on the graduate admission process. The department is interested in helping those who may need additional guidance in applying to graduate programs in Physics.