Are you a visionary leader with a passion for positive change, dreaming of pursuing a world-class graduate education in the United States? The Stanford University Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program for the 2026 intake offers an unparalleled opportunity to turn those dreams into reality.
This fully funded scholarship is designed to cultivate a diverse community of future global leaders, providing not just financial support, but also an enriching intellectual and leadership development experience at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions.
Eligibility Criteria For The Stanford University Knight Hennessy Scholarship
While there isn’t a rigid “typical” candidate, the selection committee meticulously looks for individuals who demonstrate three core qualities:
- Independence of Thought: Are you a curious, analytical, and open-minded individual? Do you possess the intellectual acumen to think critically, generate original ideas, and embrace diverse perspectives? This criterion speaks to your ability to challenge assumptions and contribute fresh insights.
- Purposeful Leadership: Beyond academic excellence, are you a driven and ethical leader? Do you show resilience in the face of challenges, inspire others, and strive to achieve meaningful, positive change? The program seeks individuals who are not just leaders, but leaders with a clear sense of purpose and a desire to make an impact.
- Civic Mindset: Are you a collaborative and empathetic individual committed to serving others and the greater good? Do you demonstrate humility, integrity, and a genuine passion for contributing positively to society? This criterion emphasizes your dedication to community and a desire to improve the world around you.
In addition to these core attributes, there are specific baseline eligibility requirements:
- Admission to a Stanford Graduate Program: This is paramount. You must apply to and be accepted into a full-time, degree-granting graduate program at Stanford University. This includes, but is not limited to, Master’s (MA, MS, MFA, MPP), MBA, JD, MD, DMA, or PhD programs, as well as joint and dual degrees. The Knight-Hennessy scholarship is supplementary to your Stanford graduate admission.
- Bachelor’s Degree Conferred: You must have earned your first bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) in January 2019 or later.
- For U.S. military active or veteran applicants: This eligibility window is extended by two years, meaning your degree must have been earned in January 2017 or later for the 2026 intake.
- Newly Enrolling Students: Generally, you should be a newly enrolling student in a graduate program at Stanford. However, current Stanford PhD students who started their PhD in 2025 and will be in their second year in 2026 are also eligible to apply.
Application Process For The Stanford University Knight Hennessy Scholarship
Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:
- Dual Application Requirement: You must submit two separate applications:
- One to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program.
- One to your desired Stanford graduate degree program(s).
- Both applications are assessed by separate committees, but your acceptance to a Stanford graduate program is a prerequisite for being selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar.
- Online Application: The Knight-Hennessy application is submitted entirely online. Ensure all materials are in English. It’s recommended to use an up-to-date web browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
- Key Application Components: The Knight-Hennessy Scholars application typically requires:
- Online Application Form: This includes personal and academic information, detailed explanations of your activities, experiences, and interests. Do not simplify sections that might overlap with your resume; use this opportunity to provide more context.
- Resume/CV: A concise overview of your academic and professional achievements.
- Transcripts and Test Scores: Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. For standardized tests (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS/PTE for English proficiency), you must meet the requirements of your Stanford graduate program. KHS follows the graduate program’s test score policies.
- Letters of Recommendation: Typically two letters are required. Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and civic mindset with specific examples.
- Essays and Short-Answer Responses: These are critical for demonstrating your alignment with the scholarship’s criteria. Craft compelling narratives that highlight your experiences, aspirations, and how you embody the KHS values.
- Video Statement: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a video statement in January. This is an opportunity to showcase your personality and articulate your vision.
- In-Person Assessment (Immersion Weekend): Finalists are invited to an “Immersion Weekend” at Stanford in early March for interviews and engagement activities. Attendance is generally mandatory to be considered for selection.
- No Application Fee for KHS: There is no application fee for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program itself, but you will be responsible for any application fees required by your specific Stanford graduate degree program.
Benefits Of The Stanford University Knight Hennessy Scholarship
As a Knight-Hennessy Scholar, you will receive:
- Comprehensive Financial Coverage:
- Full Tuition and Required Fees: All academic costs at Stanford are covered.
- Living Stipend: A generous stipend to cover essential living expenses such as housing, meals, books, academic supplies, local transportation, and reasonable personal costs.
- Travel Stipend: An annual economy-class round-trip airfare to and from Stanford.
- Relocation Stipend: A one-time payment for newly enrolling scholars to help with relocation and/or technology purchases.
- Academic Enrichment Funds: Second and third-year scholars can apply for supplemental funds for activities like conference travel.
- Duration of Funding: The scholarship typically covers up to three years of graduate study. For longer programs like MD or PhD degrees, Stanford’s home departments usually provide funding for the remaining years, consistent with their standard commitments.
- Unparalleled Leadership Development: The program is designed to cultivate global leaders. Scholars participate in a robust leadership development program that complements their academic studies, including:
- Workshops and Seminars: Focused on ethics, collaboration, and social impact.
- Mentorship Opportunities: Access to Stanford faculty, alumni, and external leaders.
- Global Networking: Opportunities to connect with a diverse community of peers, innovators, and policymakers worldwide.
- Collaborative Projects: Encouragement to engage in interdisciplinary projects that address real-world challenges.
- Vibrant Community: You become part of a unique, multidisciplinary, and multicultural community within Denning House, the hub for Knight-Hennessy Scholars. This fosters lifelong friendships, intellectual exchange, and collaborative problem-solving.
Deadline For The Stanford University Knight Hennessy Scholarship
The deadline for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application for the 2026 cohort is October 8, 2025, at 1:00 PM Pacific Time.
Conclusion
The Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholarship for the 2026 intake represents a monumental opportunity for exceptional individuals worldwide. This fully funded program goes far beyond covering tuition; it encompasses living expenses, travel, and dedicated funds for academic enrichment, ensuring that financial barriers do not impede your pursuit of knowledge and impact.
By meticulously evaluating applicants based on their independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and civic mindset, the Knight-Hennessy program seeks to cultivate a truly diverse and dynamic cohort of future global leaders. The rigorous application process, which requires simultaneous applications to both the scholarship and your chosen Stanford graduate program, is designed to identify those with the intellect, drive, and commitment to make a significant difference in the world.