The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University offers full funding for up to three years of graduate study. It aims to develop a multidisciplinary community of future global leaders. The Knight Hennessy Scholarship at Stanford University selects up to 100 high-achieving students each year from around the world to pursue graduate studies across all seven Stanford schools. This fully funded scholarship fosters a diverse, multicultural community of future global leaders who bring a wide range of academic, cultural, and professional backgrounds.
Scholars engage in collaborative learning, tackling complex global challenges with innovative, interdisciplinary approaches while developing leadership skills and a strong civic mindset at Knight Hennessy Scholarship. The application deadline is October 8, 2025, at 1:00 PM Pacific Time.
University/Institutions
- Name: Stanford University
- Location: Stanford, California, USA
- Ranking: Consistently ranked among the top 5 global universities
- Programs: All full-time graduate programs, including JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MS, DMA, and PhD
- Duration: Up to 3 years
Study Areas
- Graduate School of Education
- School of Engineering
- School of Humanities and Sciences
- School of Medicine
- Doerr School of Sustainability
Knight Hennessy Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition and associated fees
- Stipend for living and academic expenses
- Room & Board
- Books & Supplies
- Personal Expenses
- Relocation Stipend
- Local Transport
- Annual travel stipend for an economy-class ticket to and from Stanford
- Access to leadership development programs and community events
Benefits Not Included
- Application fees for Stanford graduate programs (though waivers may be available)
- Expenses beyond the standard cost of attendance
Eligibilities for Knight Hennessy Scholarship
Requirement 1: Admission to Stanford
You must apply to and be accepted by a full-time Stanford graduate program. You must meet one of the following conditions:
- You are applying separately but concurrently to both Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) and a full-time Stanford graduate program for 2026.
- You have already deferred admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program and are applying to KHS to begin both in 2026.
- You are a current Stanford graduate student planning to add a second full-time graduate program, starting both in 2026.
- You are a first-year Stanford PhD student applying to start KHS in your second year of the PhD.
Ineligible Programs:
- Honors Cooperative Program
- Master of Liberal Arts
- Doctor of Science of Law (JSD)
- Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
- Coterminal master’s degrees for current Stanford undergraduates
- Stanford PhD students adding an MA or MS in the same field
Requirement 2: Undergraduate Degree Date
- You must have earned your first bachelor’s degree in January 2019 or later.
- Military applicants: Degree earned in January 2017 or later.
- Current students are eligible if they will graduate by September 2026.
Required Documents
- Online application
- Resume
- Academic transcripts
- Standardized test scores (if required by the chosen program)
- Two recommendation lettersShort-answer responses and personal essay
Knight Hennessy Scholarship Application Process
- Apply Separately: Submit applications to both the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program and your chosen Stanford graduate program.
- Prepare Materials: Gather and prepare all required documents.
- Submit Applications: Complete and submit both applications by their respective deadlines.
- Interviews: Finalists may be invited for interviews as part of the selection process.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Begin the application process well in advance to meet all deadlines.
- Be Authentic: Clearly articulate your goals, values, and motivations.
- Highlight Leadership: Provide concrete examples of your leadership experiences and impact.
- Seek Feedback: Have mentors or peers review your application materials.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students at Stanford (Approximate):
- Housing (on-campus or shared off-campus): $1,200 – $2,500
- Food and groceries: $400 – $700
- Transportation (public transit, occasional ride-sharing): $100 – $200
- Health insurance and medical costs: $200 – $400
- Books and academic supplies: $100 – $200
- Personal expenses (clothing, phone, entertainment): $200 – $400
Total Estimated Monthly Cost: $2,200 – $4,400
Why Choose This Opportunity?
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program offers more than financial support; it provides a platform for interdisciplinary learning, leadership development, and global networking. Being part of this community positions you to make significant contributions to your field and society.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I apply if I already have a graduate degree?
Yes, as long as your first bachelor’s degree was earned in January 2019 or later.
Q2: Is the scholarship open to international students?
Absolutely. The program encourages applications from all nationalities.
Q3: Do I need to apply separately to Stanford and the scholarship program?
Yes, separate applications are required for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program and your chosen Stanford graduate program.
Q4: What if my graduate program doesn’t require standardized tests?
If your chosen program doesn’t require tests, you don’t need to submit them for the scholarship application.
Q5: Can I defer my scholarship offer?
No, deferrals are not permitted for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program.
Official Link for More Details and Application
For comprehensive information and to apply, visit the official Knight-Hennessy Scholars website
