Stanford University – Summer Session

How will you transform this summer?

Considered as the University’s fourth academic quarter, Stanford Summer Session invites visiting undergraduate and graduate students, along with current Stanford students, to experience a truly unique and transformative summer quarter.

Within eight weeks, Summer Session students take on challenging academics for college credit, submerge themselves in the culture of the Bay Area and Silicon Valley, and make lifelong connections with peers from around the world.

The “heart of silicon valley”

As one of the most prestigious universities in the world, Stanford University is located between San Francisco and San Jose, and resides in the “heart of Silicon Valley.” Summer Session students are surrounded by a culture of innovation and high-tech companies, such as Google. The Summer Session program provides visiting students a number of technology and entrepreneurship opportunities, including the Silicon Valley Innovation Academy–a hands-on experience of the start-up process, taking students through the innovation life cycle of ideas.

Beyond Silicon Valley, Summer Session students participate in cultural excursions exploring the Bay Area’s scenic landscape, such as Santa Cruz and Muir Woods.

World class facilities

Stanford University’s campus is one of the largest campuses in the United States, measuring 8,180 acres, and is considered one of the most beautiful campuses in the world. The campus provides students with a number of exceptional facilities, including state-of-the-art recreation and fitness facilities, academic resources and libraries, and arts centers.

Academic support and advisement

During the summer quarter, students can choose from over 175 courses available in 35 departments. Class sizes are typically smaller, giving students the opportunity to engage more with dedicated instructors and faculty. Outside of the classroom, tutors and academic advisors are available to support students with their studies through the Summer Academic Resource Center (SARC).

Expenses and fees

Program expenses and fees range between 9,000 USD and 14,000 USD for visiting international students. For a breakdown of program costs, please visit our Expenses & Fees page for Visiting International Students under Programs.

English language requirements

Stanford Summer Session requires all students be fluent in spoken and written English. International applicants must upload a copy of a recent TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge Exam score report in their application, unless the student qualifies for an exception. Please review our English Language Proficiency requirements for Visiting International Students on our website.

How to apply

For more information on the application process, please visit our Visiting International Students page under Programs.