A major chosen after university-wide admission
Stanford says you apply to the university as a whole, and the majors you indicate do not bind you in any way.
Undergraduate · Stanford
Stanford Aeronautics and Astronautics: an engineering major chosen after admission
Stanford says you apply to the university as a whole, not to a particular major, and Aeronautics and Astronautics is a B.S. major in the School of Engineering. Stanford describes a programme that builds from engineering fundamentals, mathematics and science to aerospace design and laboratory work. For an A-level or IB applicant, the useful questions are what the major teaches, how it differs from Engineering Physics and what Stanford says about testing. This guide makes no claim of a separate application to Aero/Astro.
Official information · read 1 November 2026, no entry-year label
What Stanford says about Stanford Aeronautics and Astronautics
Taken from Stanford's Explore Majors pages for Aeronautics and Astronautics and Engineering Physics and Stanford Undergraduate Admission's First-Year, Testing and International pages, read on 1 November 2026. The pages carry no entry-year label, so for a 2028-entry application every statement below is evidence for the previous cycle and may change; check Stanford's pages for the 2028-entry details.
A Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Stanford says completion leads to the Bachelor of Science in Engineering, and the School of Engineering is listed for the major.
Engineering fundamentals, then aerospace depth
Courses include engineering fundamentals, mathematics and the sciences, plus dynamics, mechanics of materials, fluids engineering and heat transfer.
Hands-on projects are encouraged
Stanford strongly encourages students to join Stanford SSI or Stanford Flight Club for hands-on project experience.
The SAT or ACT is required
Stanford says ACT or SAT scores are required and sets no minimum. It has no preference for a specific curriculum, naming A-Level and IB.
Official sources
- Stanford Undergraduate Admission: First-Year Applicantsadmission.stanford.edu
- Stanford Explore Majors: Aeronautics and Astronauticsmajors.stanford.edu
- Stanford Explore Majors: Engineering Physicsmajors.stanford.edu
- Stanford Undergraduate Admission: Testingadmission.stanford.edu
Read on 1 November 2026 on Stanford's Explore Majors pages for Aeronautics and Astronautics and Engineering Physics and Stanford Undergraduate Admission's First-Year, Testing and International pages, which describes 2027 entry. The pages carry no entry-year label. The Stanford Bulletin's requirement lists, the department website, the Mechanical Engineering major page (which redirected to a login page), deadlines and financial aid were not read and are not stated.
The major
What Stanford says Aeronautics and Astronautics teaches
Stanford's major page says the programme's mission is the principles and techniques needed for success and leadership in the conception, design, implementation and operation of aerospace and related engineering systems. Students apply fundamental knowledge in laboratory experiments and aerospace system design problems. The major prepares students for work in aircraft and spacecraft engineering, space exploration, telecommunication, teaching, research and military service. This guide does not list the required courses, which sit in the Stanford Bulletin.
Is it the right major?
Aero/Astro, Engineering Physics or Mechanical Engineering
Stanford lists these as separate majors, so the choice is made after admission. Avandy's comparison is general.
Aeronautics and Astronautics fits if
your interest is aerospace systems from the start, with design problems and laboratory work.
Engineering Physics fits if
you want a firm foundation in physics and mathematics with engineering design. Stanford lists Aerospace Physics as one specialty area.
Mechanical Engineering is a separate major
This guide did not read its page, so it does not describe it.
Admission and testing
A Stanford application, an SAT or ACT and A levels or the IB
Stanford says ACT or SAT scores are required and that there are no minimum test scores required to be admitted. It does not have a preference for a specific curriculum, naming A-Level, IB, AP and national curricula, and asks international applicants to complete the coursework needed for a bachelor's degree programme in their home country. Aeronautics and Astronautics is not a separate application. This guide states no score.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not Stanford's.
Is aerospace the question you want to work on?
The major page is framed around aerospace and related systems.
Are you comfortable choosing the major after arrival?
Stanford says indicated majors do not bind you.
Can you plan the SAT or ACT with your A levels or IB?
Stanford says ACT or SAT scores are required.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Stanford's pages carry no entry-year label, so nothing on them is confirmed for 2028 entry. Use them to understand the structure of the application, then check Stanford's own pages for the 2028-entry details.
The requirements and descriptions on the pages read on 1 November 2026, which carry no entry-year label
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Stanford has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
Deadlines, fees, financial aid and any department prerequisites not quoted here: not stated
This guide has not read them. Check Stanford for the values that apply to your application year.
What to do now
Read the major page and the Stanford Bulletin entry, and plan the SAT or ACT alongside your A levels or IB.
Support
Independent support with planning your own application
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with Stanford University or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. Support here is limited to understanding the requirements and planning the applicant's own work; Avandy does not write or edit essays, does not submit any materials and has no partnership with Stanford University. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
Can I apply directly to Stanford Aeronautics and Astronautics?
No. Stanford says you apply to the university as a whole, not to a particular major, department or school.
Which degree does the major lead to?
Stanford says completion leads to the Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
How is it different from Engineering Physics?
Stanford describes Engineering Physics as for students with an aptitude for both engineering and physics, with specialty areas that include Aerospace Physics.
Do I need the SAT or ACT?
Stanford says ACT or SAT scores are required, and that there are no minimum test scores required to be admitted.
Do A levels and the IB count?
Stanford says it does not have a preference for a specific curriculum, naming A-Level, IB, AP and national curricula.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are Stanford's wording with no entry-year label. Check Stanford's pages again when Stanford publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about Stanford Aeronautics and Astronautics
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their mathematics and physics, their interest in aerospace design and their SAT or ACT plan, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.