Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University

The program is built around three core pillars: independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and civic mindset. Scholars participate in leadership development programming that complements their graduate coursework, collaborating with peers from diverse academic disciplines, cultural backgrounds, and professional experiences.

Financial support covers full tuition and associated fees for up to three years, depending on the length of the degree program. In addition to tuition coverage, scholars receive a living and academic stipend, a relocation stipend for newly enrolling students, and a travel stipend covering an economy-class ticket for one annual trip to and from Stanford.

Applicants must meet two baseline requirements: they must gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate degree program, and they must have earned their first bachelor's degree in January 2020 or later. Military service members receive a two-year extension to this undergraduate degree window, requiring a degree earned in January 2018 or later.

The admissions process requires two separate, concurrent applications: one submitted to Knight-Hennessy Scholars through their online portal and another submitted independently to the chosen Stanford graduate degree program. Certain programs, such as the Master of Liberal Arts and the Doctor of Science of Law, are excluded from eligibility.