International Basics
Stanford Summer Session offers a variety of programs for students interested in taking undergraduate and graduate courses at Stanford University during the Summer Quarter. International students are welcome to apply to any of the programs offered, which include the Summer Session for undergraduate and graduate university students, the Stanford Summer International Honors Program for international students from specific partner educational institutions, and the High School Summer College program for high school students in grades ten through twelve. We appreciate the contributions our international students make to the summer community at Stanford.
The following information will assist students as they make their plans for Summer 2013:
- All international students (non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents) are required to have an F-1 Student Visa in order to enroll at Stanford for the Summer Quarter. The University will sponsor the I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status) which is the first step in the process of obtaining an F-1 Student Visa.
- Students should not plan on entering the country using a B-1/B-2 Tourist Visa or a WT/WB Waiver if the intention is to enroll in courses for academic credit. Students should contact the Summer Session Office if they have questions about their visa status.
- International students sponsored by Stanford for an I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status) need to enroll in a minimum of 8 units of study. The Summer Session Office will monitor enrollment throughout the quarter to ensure compliance.
- Most international students who already attend a U.S. educational institution, and who will return to that institution in the fall, are able to attend Summer Session using their current F-1 Student Visa. In these cases, the 8 unit minimum enrollment requirement will not apply.
Prior to Applying Online:
- Use the Programs tab to access the list of Summer Session programs. Select the option that provides the best fit, based on age and year in school.
- Read through the Program Overview page and use the “Related Links” menu on the left side of the screen to learn as much as possible about the program of choice.
- Review the "How to Apply" web page prior to applying. Specific information for international applicants is explained there in detail.
IMPORTANT:
- All Summer Session students are expected to take their courses for academic credit. No courses may be audited.
- All international students obtaining a Stanford sponsored I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status) are required to enroll in a minimum of 8 units.
- International students requiring a Stanford sponsored I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status) may enroll in courses after receiving their Stanford ID number, but are required to verify receipt of their F-1 Student Visa by Thursday, June 20 at 11:59 p.m. PST to remain in good standing for the Summer Quarter (Canadian citizens excluded). Students may verify their F-1 visa status by forwarding a photocopy or scan of their valid F-1 visa stamp to the Summer Session Office.
Students are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible to avoid delays in processing their I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status) and obtaining their F-1 Student Visa.