Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
A fully-endowed, multidisciplinary leadership development program for graduate students at Stanford University. Scholars receive up to three years of financial support to pursue graduate studies at any of Stanford's seven schools.
Quick Facts
Status
Applications OpenFunding
Fully FundedDeadline
October 6, 2026, 1:00 pm Pacific Time
Country
United StatesAbout the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is a leadership development initiative for graduate students at Stanford University. It brings together a multidisciplinary and multicultural cohort of students from around the globe to engage in experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders.
All scholars must be enrolled in a full-time graduate degree program at one of Stanford's seven schools. The program provides funding for up to three years of graduate study, covering tuition, a stipend for living and academic expenses, and a travel stipend for one annual trip to and from Stanford.
The program is built on three core pillars: independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset. Scholars participate in programming that complements their graduate studies, including leadership development activities and collaborative projects, while residing in a diverse community.
The program does not have quotas based on discipline, program, or world region. It is open to citizens and residents of all countries, provided they meet the specific admission requirements for their chosen Stanford graduate degree program.
Funding is provided for the degree program listed in the initial admission letter. For programs exceeding three years, such as MD or PhD degrees, funding is based on the graduate program's standard commitment, which varies by department and school.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Multidisciplinary community of scholars from all seven Stanford schools
Leadership development programming that complements graduate studies
Full financial support for up to three years of graduate education
Access to a global network of peers and mentors
Opportunity to engage in collaborative projects and guest speaker events
What the Scholarship Covers
Eligibility Requirements
5 requirements
Documents Checklist
7 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Apply separately but concurrently to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program and a full-time Stanford graduate degree program
Submit the online KHS application by the stated deadline
Participate in the evaluation process if selected
Submit a video statement if invited
Participate in the Finalist Experience if invited
Application Timeline
October 6, 2026
Application Deadline
1:00 pm Pacific Time
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Apply concurrently to both the KHS program and your chosen Stanford graduate degree program
Ensure your bachelor's degree was earned within the required eligibility window
Review the specific funding commitments for your intended degree program, especially for PhD or MD tracks
Focus your application on demonstrating the three core criteria: independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and civic mindset
Check the specific eligibility status of your intended degree program, as some programs like the Honors Cooperative Program are ineligible
Important Links & Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions - click any to expand
No, Knight-Hennessy Scholars does not defer offers. If you are selected and cannot enroll, you must reapply for the year you intend to start.
Yes, you remain eligible as long as you earned your first bachelor's degree in January 2020 or later.
Yes, if you have been granted DACA status, do not hold formal citizenship in any country, or are otherwise undocumented, you are eligible to apply.
Ready to Apply?
Head to the official portal and start your application today.
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