Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University

Applications are now open for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University, a prestigious opportunity to pursue graduate studies. This program is open to all fields of study across Stanford’s seven schools, including programs like DMA, JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MPP, MS, or PhD. The application deadline is October 8, 2025, at 1:00 PM Pacific Time.

The scholarship is fully funded, covering tuition, fees, and living expenses for up to three years. Citizens and residents of all countries are eligible to apply, with no restrictions on age, field of study, or career aspirations, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria (bachelor’s degree earned in January 2019 or later, or January 2017 for military service members). There is no application fee for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application, though Stanford graduate program applications may require a fee. Check more MS and PhD positions

Key Details

• Program: Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University
• Funding: Fully funded (tuition, fees, and living expenses) for up to 3 years
• Fields of Study: Any full-time Stanford graduate program (e.g., DMA, JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MPP, MS, PhD)
• Application Deadline: October 8, 2025; Stanford program deadlines vary
• Application Fee: None for KHS; Stanford graduate programs may require a fee
• Cohort Size: Up to 100 scholars annually

What is the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program?

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is designed to foster a multidisciplinary and multicultural community of graduate students at Stanford. Each year, up to 100 scholars are selected to join a diverse cohort from all seven Stanford schools (e.g., Business, Law, Medicine, Engineering, and more). Scholars receive:

• Leadership development through workshops, mentorship, and experiential learning.
• A vibrant community of scholars from varied academic, cultural, and professional backgrounds.

Financial Support

Knight-Hennessy Scholars receive funding for up to three years for any graduate degree(s) at Stanford, based on the degree program listed in the initial admission letter. Funding includes:

• Tuition Fellowship: Covers tuition and associated fees.
• Living Stipend: Supports room and board, books, academic supplies, instructional materials, local transportation, and reasonable personal expenses.
• Travel Stipend: Covers one annual economy-class round-trip ticket to/from Stanford.
• Additional Funding:
  • Newly Enrolling Scholars: One-time relocation stipend to offset moving or technology costs.
  • Second and Third-Year Scholars: Supplemental funds for academic enrichment (e.g., conference travel), subject to approval.

Also check: University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) for Master’s Degree 2026

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the 2026 cohort, you must meet two key requirements:

1. Admission to a Stanford Graduate Program

You must apply to, be accepted by, and enroll in a full-time Stanford graduate degree program (e.g., DMA, JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MPP, MS, or PhD). You must meet at least one of the following four conditions:

• You are applying separately but concurrently to KHS and a full-time Stanford graduate degree program such that you will start both in the same year.
• You have already been offered and deferred admission to a full-time Stanford graduate degree program, and will apply to KHS such that you will start both in the same year.
• You are a current Stanford graduate student who will apply to add a second full-time Stanford graduate degree program, such that you will start both KHS and the new program in the same year.
• You are a current Stanford PhD student in your first year of enrollment, and will apply to KHS such that you will start KHS in your second year of PhD enrollment.  

Note: The following programs are not eligible:

• Honors Cooperative Program
• Master of Liberal Arts
• Doctor of Science of Law (JSD)
• Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
• Stanford coterminal graduate studies
• Current Stanford PhD students adding an MA/MS in their current discipline

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2. Undergraduate Degree Date

You must have earned a U.S. bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in January 2019 or later. Exceptions:

• Military service members: Degree earned in January 2017 or later.
• Current college students: Eligible if you will earn your degree by September 2026.

There are no restrictions on:

• Age, nationality, or field of study.
• College or university attended.
• No endorsements are required from institutions.

Eligible Graduate Courses

• Graduate School of Business
• Graduate School of Education
• School of Engineering
• School of Humanities and Sciences
• School of Law
• School of Medicine
• Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability

Also Check: National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic (Fully Funded)

Selection Criteria

The program seeks candidates who demonstrate:

1. Independence of Thought

• Intellectual curiosity and clear thinking.
• Openness to new perspectives and experiences.
• Creative problem-solving in ambiguous situations.

2. Purposeful Leadership

• Achieves impactful results with courage and resilience.
• Inspires and includes others to drive change.
• Makes ethical, value-driven decisions.

3. Civic Mindset

• Humble, empathetic, and trustworthy.
• Committed to serving others and the greater good.
• Embraces diverse perspectives and strives to improve the world.

These qualities are evaluated through your application, video statement (if invited), and the Finalist Experience.

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Application Process

You must submit two separate applications:

1. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Application (Deadline: October 8, 2025, 1:00 PM Pacific Time)
2. Stanford Graduate Program Application (Deadline varies by program, no later than December 2, 2025)

Key Application Components

1. Online Application Form

• Provide personal, academic, and contextual details about your activities, experiences, and interests.
• Fully respond to prompts to give a complete picture beyond your resume.

Application Steps

• Step 1: Create your concurrent KHS application and your Stanford graduate degree program application(s) as early as possible. You do not need to complete the application at once; you may save your progress and return as needed.
• Step 2: Enter your recommenders’ information in your applications as early as possible. This allows your recommenders ample time to submit their letters.
• Step 3: Complete the various sections of the application, saving your progress as you go. Allow yourself ample time to prepare materials that may take longer to prepare, such as essays or personal statements.
• Step 4: Submit the online applications by their respective deadlines. Note: You will not be able to edit your KHS application once you submit it, with the exception of test scores, recommenders, your resume, and your intended Stanford graduate degree program(s).
• Step 5: If your Stanford graduate program(s) requires test scores and you receive new scores after submitting your KHS application, update test scores for Knight-Hennessy Scholars through your application status page. 

Additional Instructions

• For reference only, here is a PDF sample of the application for the 2026 cohort admission cycle.

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2. Resume

• Submit a one-page resume highlighting your experiences, interests, and academic record in reverse-chronological order.
• Ensure legibility with an appropriate font size.

3. Transcripts & Test Scores

• Transcripts: Upload unofficial transcripts (or use the self-reported transcript form) for institutions attended for one year or longer. Include degree conferral details if applicable.
• Test Scores: Follow the requirements of your Stanford graduate program. If tests are required, submit scores by the later of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars or program deadline. No minimum score is required for Knight-Hennessy Scholars.

4. Recommendation Letters

• Submit two recommendation letters from individuals who know your qualifications well and can provide specific examples of your achievements.
• Register recommenders early via the online application. Letters are due by the application deadline, but you can submit your application if letters are pending.
• Choose recommenders who can speak to your independence of thought, leadership, and civic mindset. Avoid family members.

5. Short Answers & Essay

• Short-Answer Questions:
  • Describe your short- and long-term academic and professional goals (250 words).
  • Share experiences of engaging with diverse perspectives, acting with courage, and falling short of expectations (250 words combined).
  • List eight improbable (unlikely but true) facts about you (150 words combined).
• Essay: Reflect on “How have the influences in your life shaped you?” (550 words). Focus on who you are, not just what you’ve done, and make it personal and unique.

Also check: Rosa Luxemburg Foundation (Doctoral Scholarship Opportunities)

Application Timeline

• June 1, 2025: Knight-Hennessy Scholars application opens.
• October 8, 2025: Knight-Hennessy Scholars application deadline.
• January 2026: Video statement invitations sent (rolling basis).
• January 28, 2026: Finalists notified.
• March 17, 2026: Scholars announced.
• Stanford Program Deadlines: Vary by program (e.g., MBA Round 1 for Knight-Hennessy eligibility). Check with your program.