Admissions

For admission to the ESoS PhD program, minimum expectations include: completion of an undergraduate degree, demonstration of potential for independent research, provision of a personal statement, and submission of three letters of recommendation. 

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional for both subplans, but the GEP subplan strongly encourages the GRE submission for full consideration.

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System Academic Test (IELTS). Review the English Proficiency Test requirements opens in a new tab on the Stanford Graduate Admissions website.

Both the EBS and GEP subplans are accepting PhD applications in Fall 2026 for the 2027-2028 academic year.