Introduction

Dreaming of graduate study at one of the world’s most prestigious universities, without worrying about funding? The Knight‑Hennessy Scholars (KHS) Program at Stanford University is your golden ticket. It offers a fully funded package—covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and more—for diverse graduates pursuing Master’s, PhD, MD, MBA, JD, and other Stanford-level programs. In this guide, you’ll discover everything about the program—from eligibility to tips, timelines, and how to stand out.

History & Mission

The Knight‑Hennessy Scholars Program was launched in 2016 thanks to a major $400 million gift from Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike, complemented by philanthropic support from Stanford’s former President John Hennessy Wikipediaknight-hennessy.stanford.edu. The goal? To nurture a global community of leaders addressing complex global challenges through cross-disciplinary collaboration, civic engagement, and purposeful leadership.

Scholarship Overview

• KHS supports up to 100 scholars each year, representing diverse nationalities and disciplines. WikipediaOpportunities for Youth

• Scholars receive up to three years of financial support, regardless of degree length Wikipediaknight-hennessy.stanford.edu.

• The program emphasizes leadership training, mentorship, and experiential learning through initiatives like the KHeystone Project and Global Impact Fund grants Wikipediaknight-hennessy.stanford.edu.

Funding and Benefits

Scholars enjoy a comprehensive package:

• Full tuition and mandatory fees for any Stanford graduate degree Wikipediaknight-hennessy.stanford.edu

• A living stipend covering board, housing, books, local transport, and personal expenses

• Travel support including relocation and annual transport assistance

• Professional development funds for conferences and impact projects WikipediaOpportunities for Youth

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants must:

1. Apply concurrently to both KHS and a full-time Stanford graduate degree, such as PhD, MBA, JD, MD, etc.

2. Have earned a first bachelor’s degree in January 2019 or later (or January 2017 or later if served in the military) knight-hennessy.stanford.eduknight-hennessy.stanford.edu.

3. Hold equivalent recognized degrees from institutions outside the U.S.

4. Meet academic standards required by their chosen Stanford graduate program knight-hennessy.stanford.eduknight-hennessy.stanford.edu.

The program does not restrict by nationality, discipline, or region—no quotas or preference categories knight-hennessy.stanford.eduknight-hennessy.stanford.edu.

Eligible Candidates & Programs

You may apply if you will enroll in, or already have been accepted into, a full-time graduate program at Stanford, including:

• MBA (Graduate School of Business)

• JD (Law School)

• PhD, MA, MS, MPP (Humanities & Sciences, Education, Policy, etc.)

• MD (School of Medicine)

• MFA, DMA, and other professional degrees knight-hennessy.stanford.eduknight-hennessy.stanford.edu.

Application Process

Applying involves two coordinated but separate applications:

• Knight‑Hennessy Scholars application, due October 8, 2025 at 1:00 pm Pacific knight-hennessy.stanford.eduknight-hennessy.stanford.edu

• Stanford graduate program application(s), due per the program’s deadline (e.g., MBA Round 1)

• Required KHS materials include essays, resume, transcript, recommendations, and a video statement when requested knight-hennessy.stanford.edu

Selection Process & Key Dates

• Video Statement invitations sent on a rolling basis starting in January 2026

• Finalists notified by January 28, 2026

• Scholar offers issued by March 17, 2026 knight-hennessy.stanford.edu

Applicants are evaluated on leadership potential, civic impact, independence of thought, and alignment with Stanford’s values.

Who Should Apply

This scholarship suits you if you:

• Are a change-driven thinker, motivated by impact and purpose

• Desire to study at Stanford without financial constraint

• Value cross-disciplinary collaboration and global perspectives

• Can articulate a bold, future-focused vision for societal good

Leadership Development Components

Knight‑Hennessy Scholars participate in:

• McMurtry Leadership Lecture Series, featuring global thought leaders

• KHeystone Projects, offering grants of up to $100,000 for scholar-led social ventures

• A vibrant, multidisciplinary cohort community, housed at Denning House on the Stanford campus Wikipediaknight-hennessy.stanford.edu

Living and Studying at Stanford

As a scholar, you’ll immerse in Stanford’s world-class academic environment and live in Denning House, the dedicated KHS residential and event space.
You’ll have access to robust mentorship, peer collaboration, and resources that support your leadership development and graduate studies knight-hennessy.stanford.eduWikipedia.

Comparing Knight‑Hennessy with Other Scholarships

Unlike traditional awards like Rhodes or Marshall, Knight‑Hennessy is a young and forward-looking program offering:

• Multi-disciplinary graduate funding

• Generous living stipends and travel allowances

• Cohort-based leadership development

• Based in the innovation-rich environment of Stanford University

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Craft essays showcasing leadership, civic engagement, and global vision

• Prepare to coordinate two applications—one to KHS, another to your Stanford program

• Submit a compelling video statement when invited

• Request strong letters of recommendation aligned to both applications

Success Stories & Alumni Impact

Knight‑Hennessy alumni, such as Alma Cooper and Maike van Niekerk, reflect the program’s wide-ranging influence—from technology and social entrepreneurship to medicine, policy, and the arts—demonstrating real-world impact and leadership at scale Wikipedia.

Conclusion

The Knight‑Hennessy Scholars Program is more than a scholarship—it’s a leadership incubator at Stanford, empowering future changemakers with full funding and unparalleled opportunities. If you’re an exceptional graduate with ambition, vision, and commitment to societal betterment, this could be your pathway to transformative growth.

FAQs

Q1: Can I apply if I’m not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Knight‑Hennessy is global—open to applicants from any country or region. There’s no nationality restriction knight-hennessy.stanford.eduknight-hennessy.stanford.edu.

Q2: Are some programs ineligible for the scholarship?
Yes. Certain programs like the Honors Cooperative Program, Master of Legal Studies (MLS), and JSD are not eligible for KHS consideration knight-hennessy.stanford.edu.

Q3: Will tuition fees be covered?
Yes, tuition and associated fees are fully funded through the scholarship. The stipend covers living and academic expenses separately Wikipediaknight-hennessy.stanford.edu.

Q4: Can current Stanford graduate students apply?
Yes, if you’re in your first year of a Stanford PhD or starting a new graduate degree in 2026, you may apply. Otherwise, standing students are ineligible knight-hennessy.stanford.eduknight-hennessy.stanford.edu.

Q5: Can I defer my Knight‑Hennessy offer?
No. KHS does not allow deferral. If you defer enrollment in your Stanford program, you’ll need to reapply for KHS in the year you intend to enroll knight-hennessy.stanford.edu.

Interested in polishing your essays, preparing the video statement, or mapping a compelling leadership story? I’d love to help—just say the word!