The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship is a prestigious international award for graduate students at Stanford University. This program develops a multidisciplinary community of future global leaders who tackle complex challenges through collaboration. The scholarship supports students from all seven schools at Stanford, including Law, Medicine, Engineering, and Humanities.
Recipients of the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship join the King Global Leadership Program, which offers specialized training and mentorship. This program focuses on building leadership skills through workshops, guest speakers, and community projects. Scholars live and work together in a diverse environment that encourages intellectual curiosity and civic engagement.
Funding for this scholarship is extensive and covers the full duration of most graduate programs. The foundation selects approximately 100 scholars each year based on their leadership potential and academic excellence. To secure this award, you must demonstrate a strong commitment to serving the public good and a desire to lead positive change at a global scale.
Learn Here to What are Stanford University Scholarships (Fully Funded)?
Knight-Hennessy Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Graduate degree (Master’s, PhD, MD, JD, MBA, etc.)
- Location: Stanford University, California, United States
- Institution(s): Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
- Program Period: Up to 3 years of funding
- Course offered: All full-time graduate programs at Stanford University
- Deadline: October 7, 2026 (Annual deadline)
Scholarship Coverage
The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship provides full financial support for your graduate studies at Stanford. This coverage includes full tuition and associated fees for your specific degree program. You receive a living stipend to cover room, board, books, and personal expenses. The award also includes a travel stipend for one economy-class ticket to and from Stanford each year. Additionally, newly enrolling scholars receive a one-time relocation stipend to assist with moving costs or technology purchases.
Eligibility Criteria
There are 3 primary eligibility criteria for the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship: Stanford admission, undergraduate degree recency, and leadership potential.
- Admission to Stanford: You must apply to, be accepted by, and enroll in a full-time Stanford graduate program.
- Degree Recency: You must have earned your first bachelor’s degree in January 2019 or later to join the 2026 cohort.
- Citizenship: There are no citizenship restrictions, so residents of all countries may apply.
- Selection Qualities: You must demonstrate independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset through your application materials.
- Exclusions: The scholarship does not fund the Master of Liberal Arts, Doctor of Science of Law (JSD), or coterminal programs.
Application Process
The application process involves two separate submissions that you must complete these seven steps simultaneously.
- Apply to a Stanford Graduate Program: You must submit a separate application to your chosen department at Stanford by their specific deadline.
- Submit the KHS Online Application: You must complete the Knight-Hennessy online portal, which includes personal information and academic history.
- Prepare a One-Page Resume: You must provide a concise resume that highlights your educational background, professional experience, and service activities.
- Upload Academic Transcripts: You must submit unofficial transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended.
- Write Essays and Short Answers: You must respond to reflection questions and a personal essay that describe your life experiences and future goals.
- Provide Recommendation Letters: You must secure 2 letters of recommendation that assess your leadership and personal character.
- Submit a Video Statement: You must record a brief video introduction, if the selection committee invites you to the next stage of review.
Deadline
The national deadline for the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship is October 7, 2026, at 1:00 PM Pacific Time. Note that your specific Stanford graduate program may have an earlier deadline in late September or early October. You must ensure both applications are submitted by their respective cutoff dates to remain eligible.
