Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University
A fully-endowed, multidisciplinary leadership development program providing up to three years of financial support for graduate students across all seven schools at Stanford University.
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 come from around the globe and receive up to three years of financial support to pursue graduate studies at any of Stanford's seven schools.
Scholars participate in programming that complements their graduate studies and prepares them to take on leadership roles in academia, industry, government, nonprofits, and the community at large. A new cohort of up to 100 scholars joins each year, adding to a diverse community across disciplines, nationalities, perspectives, and backgrounds.
Scholars receive a fellowship for up to three years of tuition, depending upon 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.
Applicants must apply separately and concurrently to both the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program and a full-time Stanford graduate degree program. There are no restrictions based on age, college or university, field of study, or career aspiration.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Multidisciplinary cohort representing all seven schools at Stanford University
Multicultural community featuring scholars from around the world with diverse backgrounds and perspectives
Comprehensive financial support covering tuition, living expenses, and travel
Dedicated leadership development programming spanning up to three years
Opportunities to collaborate on impactful projects and build a global network
What the Scholarship Covers
Studying in United States
Applies to study at Stanford University in California, USA.
Eligibility Requirements
5 requirements
Documents Checklist
6 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Apply separately and concurrently to both the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program and your chosen full-time Stanford graduate degree program
Submit the online application, resume, transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters, and short answers and essays by the application deadline
Undergo evaluation processes by the program
Participate in the video statement and Finalist Experience if invited
Receive final admission and scholar selection results
Application Timeline
October 6, 2026
Application Deadline
Applications close at 1:00 pm Pacific Time
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Ensure you submit separate applications for both Knight-Hennessy Scholars and your specific Stanford graduate degree program
Check specific departmental deadlines for your Stanford graduate program, as they may differ from the KHS deadline
Demonstrate independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset throughout your application materials
Review the exact undergraduate degree date eligibility windows, especially if you have military service
Prepare your transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters well in advance of the October deadline
Important Links & Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions - click any to expand
The scholarship provides a fellowship for tuition and associated fees, a stipend for living and academic expenses, a travel stipend for one annual trip to and from Stanford, a relocation stipend for new scholars, and access to supplemental funds for academic enrichment.
You must have earned your first bachelor's degree in January 2020 or later for the 2027 cohort. If you served in the military, the eligibility window is extended 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.
Full-time graduate degree programs across all seven Stanford schools are eligible, including DMA, JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MPP, MS, and PhD programs, with a few specific exceptions like the Master of Liberal Arts and JSD.
Ready to Apply?
Head to the official portal and start your application today.
Apply on Official Website →More Scholarships to Explore
Other opportunities you may qualify for
US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor PhD Program
United States · Higher Education Commission
HEC Pakistan's flagship channel for sending Pakistani PhD scholars to top-ranked US universities. Funding tier depends on the university's QS ranking - full funding at QS Top-50 institutions, partial tuition support at QS 51-100. You secure your own admission first; HEC funds the placement.
📅Deadline: Typically around April 30 (varies by annua…
Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Stanford University)
United States · Stanford University
One of the most competitive graduate scholarships in the world, fully funding any Stanford graduate degree (master's, PhD, JD, MD, or MBA) for up to three years, alongside a dedicated leadership development program. Open to applicants of any nationality.
📅Deadline: Early October (annual, e.g. around October…
Harvard College Financial Aid (International Students)
United States · Harvard College
Harvard has no separate named scholarship for international undergraduates. Instead, it admits all applicants need-blind regardless of citizenship and commits to meeting 100 percent of demonstrated financial need through grants, not loans, for every admitted student.
📅Deadline: CSS Profile due around February 1 (Regular…
Deadline: October 6, 2026, 1:00 pm Pacific Time