Stanford GSB admits students to the Stanford LEAD Online Business Program, which does not awared a Stanford MBA. This is a 12-month executive program designed for mid-career professionals with 5+years of work experience, offering you the same faculty and quality of education as in Stanford Graduate School of Businessʼs full-time MBA program but in a flexible online format that includes self-paced learning combined with live, virtual classroom experiences taught by the same GSB faculty who teach in the top-ranked full-time MBA program. Curriculum is centered on strategic leadership, innovation, and data-driven decision-making, with real-world business topics, plus optional on-campus immersions on Stanford’s California campus.
It pulls a unique cohort from 90+ countries and, although tuition is steep ~INR 16L, the program grants a Stanford GSB Professional Certificate. LEAD is no substitute for the traditional two-year residential MBA program at Stanford, but it does offer access to the latest in Stanford business frameworks and insights from Silicon Valley, and 85% of graduates report substantial career advancement. A distinguishing feature of the program is it does not require a GMAT/GRE score, yet the admissions process places a strong emphasis on professional accomplishments and leadership potential.
Those interested in a real online MBA product would not be able to find it at Stanford, as the institution does not currently have its own online MBA program — this certificate course is the closest thing you can get to a Stanford-level MBA. The program is distinguished by its emphasis on innovation leadership and global peer network, but prospective students should be aware it does not have the formal accreditation of a degree-awarding MBA program.
Stanford Online MBA Highlights
| Attribute | Details |
| Established | 1925 |
| Mode of learning |
Predominantly on-campus full-time
|
| Degree Type |
MBA
|
| Official Website | |
| Average Package |
~INR 1,16,12,500
|
| Average Fees |
INR 82,38,011
|
| Affiliated |
Triple AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS accreditation implied
|
| Course Duration | 2 years |
| Popular Specialization |
Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Strategy, Social Innovation, Data Analytics
|
| Course Language | English |
Why Choose a Stanford Online MBA?
A 12-month, self-paced program (see this note about deferring your start for a year), it consists of 8 courses (which includes foundational modules in critical thinking and financing innovation, a leadership module, and five electives) from the crème de la crème of Stanford faculty. It is taught on the GSB’s online platform using a mixture of recorded lectures, live sessions, group work, time with faculty and peers and one-on-one coaching. LEAD comes at (~INR16 Lakhs) and is delivered online, requiring around 5–10 hours per week LEAD allows working professionals to build their strategic, innovative and leadership skills while remaining on-the-job. Participants will also earn a Stanford GSB Professional Certificate, 24 Continuing Education Units, and ongoing access to a global peer network and a community of over 1,800 LEADers.
| Top Online MBA Colleges | |
| Symbiosis Online MBA | |
| ISB Online MBA | |
Stanford Online MBA Admission
Stanford University provides online business education options, including the year‑long Stanford LEAD certificate program a leadership-focused, fully online program for a traditional full-time two-year MBA, admission open on 1 June 2025, and close by 7 April 2026. Applicants must apply through the official Stanford GSB admissions portal at gsb.stanford.edu. The program fee is payable via credit/debit card. The total cost of attendance is about INR 1,11,78,783—this includes roughly INR 70,49,902 in tuition, plus living expenses, insurance, and other fees. Stanford GSB offers robust semester-wise placement support, and top employers like McKinsey, Google, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, and Apple actively recruit from the MBA class, with approximately 88% of graduates receiving job offers within three months.
Eligibility Criteria
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You must hold a recognized bachelor’s degree. It can be in any field, and a 3-year Indian degree is accepted.
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A valid GMAT or GRE score is mandatory. There’s no minimum, but strong applicants usually score high.
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If English isn’t your native language, you’ll need to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores
Stanford Online MBA Specializations
| Specialization | Approx. Fees (₹) | Duration |
Avg. Package (INR LPA)
|
| General Management | INR 93,63,145 | 2 Years | INR1.17 Cr+ |
| Entrepreneurship | INR 89,63,125 | 2 Years | INR1.18 Cr+ |
| Finance | INR 1,13,32,115 | 2 Years | INR1.36 Cr+ |
| Technology & AI | INR 1,02,47,115 | 2 Years | INR1.35 Cr+ |
| Social Impact | INR 82,63,115 | 2 Years | INR1.10 Cr+ |
Curriculum Structure of Stanford Online MBA Syllabus (2 Years / 4 Semesters)
| Semester | Core Subjects | Specialization Subjects | Credits |
| 1 | • Management Principles • Business Economics • Accounting for Managers • Organizational Behavior • Business Communication |
– | 24 |
| 2 | • Marketing Management • Financial Management • HR Management • Operations Management • Business Analytics |
• Specialization Elective 1 | 26 |
| 3 | • Strategic Management • Business Law • Research Methodology |
• Specialization Elective 2 • Elective 3 |
28 |
| 4 | • International Business • Entrepreneurship |
• Specialization Elective 4 • Capstone |
30 |
How to Apply for Stanford Online MBA Admission
1. Ensure you meet the program’s criteria—usually a bachelor’s degree and significant work experience.
2.Fill out the online form, upload transcripts, résumé, essays, and recommendation letters.
3.Pay the application fee (around $275) and submit your application before the deadline.
4. If shortlisted, attend an interview. Final admission decisions follow shortly after.
Documents Required
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Class 10th certificate & mark sheet (Secondary education)
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Class 12th certificate & mark sheet (Higher secondary)
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Bachelor’s degree certificate and mark sheet
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Government-issued ID proof
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Date of birth proof
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Passport-size photograph
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Current resume/CV
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Personal essay/statement
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One professional recommendation
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Video interview responses
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What’s in the app?
The application consists of 3 components: an online form, a 500-word essay about your impact area of interest, and a one-minute video interview consisting of 2 responses—one from Stanford LEAD faculty, and one from an alum.
2.How will I know when my application has been received and when a decision is to be taken?
You should hear back from us within 24 hours after submission. Applications are accepted year-round and you will be notified of an admission decision within 4 weeks.
3.Do students need to take the GMAT/GRE or an English language test?
No, GMAT, GRE, TOEFL or IELTS are not required for LEAD. Admission is based on the strength of your work experience, essays, recommendation and video interview.
4.What kind of certificate will I receive after completing the course?
When you finish the 12-month program, you receive a Stanford GSB Professional Certificate and 24 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). You’re also given lifetime access to the LEAD global alumni community.
5.How easy is it to get in? And when can you apply?
It is a selective program and is reviewed on a rolling basis. Spots go fast, so make sure to apply early — especially since LEAD only has two cohorts per year.
Dr. Himani Bhardwaj is an esteemed educationist, researcher, and digital learning advocate with a deep passion for helping students achieve their academic and professional goals. With over a decade of experience in higher education and career guidance, she founded studyonlinemba.info — a dedicated platform that guides aspiring professionals toward the best online MBA programs and universities in India.