About the Scholarship
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) programme at Stanford University offers one of the world’s most prestigious fully funded scholarships for graduate study. This scholarship supports talented future leaders across disciplines, enabling them to pursue master’s, PhD, or professional degrees at Stanford while engaging in a unique leadership development curriculum. Open to applicants worldwide, KHS promotes interdisciplinary learning, global collaboration, and social impact. It is ideal for those with a strong academic record, civic commitment, and leadership potential who aspire to address complex global challenges.
Scholarship Details
- Scholarship Name: Knight-Hennessy Scholars
- Institution/Provider: Stanford University
- Administering Organisation: Knight-Hennessy Scholars, Stanford
- Location: Stanford, California, USA
- Level of Study: Master’s, PhD, and Professional Degrees (e.g., JD, MBA, MD)
- Field of Study: All disciplines offered at Stanford
- Mode of Study: Full-time
- Duration: Full duration of the degree programme (up to 3 years)
- Start Date (Expected): September 2026
- Application Mode: Online
- Scholarship Type: Fully-funded, Merit-based
Supported Fields of Study
- Engineering
- Social Sciences
- Law
- Medicine
- Business
- Education
- Humanities
- Earth Sciences
- Interdisciplinary Programmes
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements
- Academic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree completed in January 2019 or later (or January 2017 for military service members)
- Nationality/Residency: Open to all nationalities
- Language Proficiency: English proficiency required as per Stanford’s requirements
- Age Limit: No age restriction
- Enrolment Status: Must apply separately to a full-time graduate programme at Stanford
Preferred Qualifications
- Academic excellence
- Demonstrated leadership and civic commitment
- Capacity for independent and innovative thinking
Not Eligible
- Applicants who are not applying to a Stanford graduate programme
- Applicants whose bachelor’s degree was earned before January 2019 (excluding military)
Scholarship Benefits
- Tuition Fees: Fully covered
- Monthly Stipend/Allowance: Provided for living and academic expenses
- Travel Grant: Annual round-trip airfare
- Accommodation Support: Included in stipend
- Health Insurance: Fully covered
- Books & Materials: Covered
- Additional Perks: Visa sponsorship, leadership training, access to global academic networks
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory academic progress
- Engage in leadership development and community activities
- Participate in all required KHS training events
Application Process
How to Apply
- Application Mode: Online
- Official Link: https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/admission/before-you-apply
Required Documents
- Online Application Form
- CV or Resume
- Academic Transcripts
- Personal Statement
- Letters of Recommendation
- Language Proficiency Test (if required)
- Passport or National ID
- (Optional) Video Statement
Important Dates
- Application Opens: June 2025
- Application Deadline: 8 October 2025, 1:00 p.m. PT
- Interview/Review Period: January–February 2026
- Result Announcement: March 2026
- Programme Start Date: September 2026
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: Stanford University
- Official Notification: Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University
- Apply Here: Apply to join the 2026 cohort
