PhD Comparative Literature at Stanford University

Programme overview

The Comparative Literature PhD program is designed for students with a broad linguistic background, a breadth of interest in different literatures, and curiosity about the problems of literary scholarship and theory (including the relation of literature to other disciplines). The program is designed to encourage familiarity with the major approaches to literary study prevailing today. The PhD program also provides pedagogical training and experience in teaching language and literature.

Faculty: School of Humanities and Sciences | Department: Comparative Literature | Duration: 135 units minimum | Study mode: full-time | Location: Stanford, CA, United States

What you will study

Programme load is 135 units minimum. Requirements are organised into: Program Requirements; Advancement to Candidacy; University Oral Examination; Dissertation; Language Requirement.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University-level graduate admission (Graduate Admissions): a U.S. bachelor's degree or international equivalent, transcripts for every institution attended, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and TOEFL/IELTS scores unless exempt (U.S. citizens and permanent residents, native English speakers, or applicants with English-medium degrees). Each graduate programme sets its own GRE policy (required, optional or not considered). Programme-specific criteria are set by the department.

Tuition is charged for Autumn, Winter and Spring quarters (Summer quarter also billed separately). Graduate programmes such as PhD and Master's in Computer Science admit for Autumn entry only; Education PhD and Master's programmes begin September 20, 2027.

The graduate application fee is $125, nonrefundable. Deadlines are set by each programme: Computer Science PhD December 8, 2026; Education PhD November 16, 2026.

Apply through the official page: https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/apply

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