Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University
Fully-endowed leadership development program for graduate students across all seven schools at Stanford University. Provides up to three years of financial support covering tuition, stipends, and travel expenses.
Quick Facts
Status
Applications OpenFunding
Fully FundedDeadline
October 6, 2026, 1:00 pm Pacific Time
Country
United StatesAbout the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University
Knight-Hennessy Scholars is a multidisciplinary leadership development program for graduate students at Stanford University. Scholars from around the globe receive up to three years of financial support to pursue graduate studies at any of Stanford's seven schools while engaging in experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders.
All scholars are Stanford University graduate students who join Knight-Hennessy Scholars in addition to enrolling in a graduate degree program. Scholars participate in up to three years of programming that complements their graduate studies and prepares them to take on leadership roles in academia, industry, government, nonprofits, and the community at large.
Each year, up to 100 future global leaders join a diverse community of scholars from across disciplines, nationalities, perspectives, and backgrounds. Scholars learn together, collaborate on impactful projects, and develop lifelong friendships.
Scholars receive a fellowship for up to three years of tuition, depending upon their degree length. In addition, scholars receive a stipend for living and academic expenses, and a travel stipend for one annual trip to and from Stanford.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Multidisciplinary cohort representing all seven schools at Stanford University
Multicultural community featuring scholars from around the globe with diverse perspectives and backgrounds
Comprehensive financial support including tuition, living stipends, and travel allowances for up to three years
Dedicated leadership development programming designed to prepare scholars for complex global challenges
What the Scholarship Covers
Eligibility Requirements
5 requirements
Documents Checklist
7 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Submit a separate, concurrent application to Knight-Hennessy Scholars alongside your application to a full-time Stanford graduate degree program.
Complete the online application, upload your resume, transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters, and submit your short answers and essay by the deadline.
Participate in the evaluation processes, which may include submitting a video statement if selected.
Attend the Finalist Experience if invited.
Gain admission and enroll in both your Stanford graduate degree program and Knight-Hennessy Scholars.
Application Timeline
October 6, 2026, 1:00 pm Pacific Time
Application Deadline
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Ensure your first bachelor's degree falls within the required timeframe of January 2020 or later, unless you qualify for the military service extension.
Remember that you must submit two separate applications: one for Knight-Hennessy Scholars and one for your specific Stanford graduate degree program.
Review the specific eligibility rules if you are a current Stanford graduate student or applying for a joint degree program.
Reflect carefully on the three core criteria of independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and civic mindset before writing your essays.
Note that KHS does not offer deferrals, so you must reapply if you defer your graduate program enrollment.
Important Links & Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions - click any to expand
The scholarship covers full tuition and associated fees, a living and academic expense stipend, a travel stipend for an annual trip to and from Stanford, a relocation stipend for new scholars, and potential supplemental funds for academic enrichment.
If you earned your first bachelor's degree in 2019 or earlier, you are not eligible to apply for the 2027 cohort, unless you served in your country's military, which extends the eligibility window by two years to January 2018.
No. Knight-Hennessy Scholars does not defer scholar offers. If you are selected and unable to enroll, you must reapply for admission for the year you intend to enroll.
Ready to Apply?
Head to the official portal and start your application today.
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