Are you a visionary leader ready to tackle the world’s most complex challenges? The Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) program at Stanford University could be your next step. This prestigious graduate scholarship is designed to cultivate a new generation of leaders who are visionary, courageous, and collaborative.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview for applicants, covering what the scholarship offers, who they’re looking for, key eligibility requirements, and the generous financial support available.
What is the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program?
Knight-Hennessy Scholars is a multidisciplinary and multicultural graduate scholarship program at Stanford University. Each year, a new cohort of up to 100 scholars joins this diverse community, spanning all seven of Stanford’s graduate schools. The program complements your graduate studies with unique leadership development experiences, preparing you for leadership roles in academia, industry, government, and non-profits.
Scholars learn together, collaborate on impactful projects, and build lifelong friendships within a community that includes a breadth of backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, and aspirations.
What Makes a Knight-Hennessy Scholar?
The KHS program seeks individuals who demonstrate three core characteristics, and it’s important to note that no single candidate is expected to be equally strong across all criteria. Evidence for these traits is gathered from your entire application, and if invited, your video statement and the Finalist Experience.
1. Independence of Thought: KHS looks for visionary thinkers who are curious, open-minded, analytical, and eager for cross-cultural perspectives. You should be someone who seeks out new knowledge, can make sense of ambiguous situations, and is genuinely excited to creatively address global challenges.
2. Purposeful Leadership: Ideal candidates are courageous leaders who are ethical, resilient, and decisive. You should be driven to achieve meaningful results and motivated to inspire others to create positive change on a large scale.
3. Civic Mindset: The program values collaborative community members who are humble, empathetic, trustworthy, and passionate about contributing to the greater good. This includes acting in service of others, being considerate of different perspectives, and embracing diversity.
Are You Eligible to Apply?
KHS encourages applications from citizens of all countries and has no restrictions based on age, field of study, or career aspiration. There are two main eligibility requirements for the 2026 cohort:
• Requirement 1: Admission to Stanford: You must apply to, be accepted by, and enroll in a full-time Stanford graduate program (e.g., DMA, JD, MA, MBA, MD, MS, PhD). This can be done by applying to KHS and your degree program concurrently, or if you have already deferred admission to a Stanford program for 2026. Current first-year Stanford PhD students are also eligible to apply. Note that some programs, like the Master of Liberal Arts and coterminal graduate studies, are not eligible.
• Requirement 2: Undergraduate Degree Date: You must have earned a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in January 2019 or later. This window is extended by two years for applicants who have served in the military (January 2017 or later). Having an additional graduate degree does not change this requirement; eligibility is based on your first bachelor’s degree.
Application Process and Key Deadlines
To become a Knight-Hennessy Scholar, you must submit two separate applications:
1. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Application: The deadline is October 8, 2025, at 1:00 PM Pacific Time for the 2026 cohort.
2. The Stanford Graduate Degree Program Application: Application deadlines vary by program. It is your responsibility to check the specific deadline for your desired program.
◦ Special Note for MBA Applicants: If you are applying to the Stanford MBA Program, you must submit your application by the Round 1 deadline to be eligible for KHS.
Unparalleled Financial Support
The KHS program provides generous funding for up to three years of graduate study, covering the degree program you are enrolling in at the time of your selection.
Here’s what the funding package includes:
• Full Tuition and Fees: A fellowship is applied directly to cover your tuition and associated costs.
• Living Stipend: A stipend is provided for living and academic expenses, including room and board, books, supplies, and local transportation.
• Travel Stipend: You will receive a travel stipend for one annual economy-class trip to and from Stanford.
• One-Time Relocation Stipend: New scholars receive a stipend to help with moving costs and/or technology purchases.
• Academic Enrichment: In your second and third years, you can apply for supplemental funds for activities like conference travel.
For degree programs longer than three years (such as an MD or PhD), KHS provides funding for the first three years, after which your graduate program provides funding consistent with its standard commitment.
Important Note on Taxes: Fellowship stipends are considered taxable income. KHS does not provide reimbursement for taxes, so applicants should budget accordingly.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you see yourself in the description of a Knight-Hennessy Scholar, this is your opportunity to join a dynamic community dedicated to creating a better future.
• Application Deadline: Mark your calendar for October 8, 2025.
• Learn More: Register for a live information session or watch a recorded one to hear directly from current scholars and get more details about the program.
Start your application today and take the first step on your journey to becoming a global leader at Stanford University.