Study in the United States with full funding at one of the world’s top universities. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program at Stanford offers a fully funded path to a Stanford graduate degree, plus world-class leadership training.
International students are welcome. Stanford provides the required I-20 or DS-2019 documents to support your F-1 or J-1 student visa after admission. You focus on your application and your vision. The scholarship covers tuition, a living stipend, and enrichment funding.
--Advertisement--
This is a high-impact route into the 2026/2027 academic year if you want to lead change across business, health, technology, law, public policy, education, sustainability, and beyond.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) program combines a fully funded Stanford graduate degree with a leadership accelerator. Scholars join a tight-knit, cross-disciplinary community and take part in the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP), building skills in collaboration, creativity, and ethical decision-making.
Funding typically spans up to three years for eligible programs, with departments covering additional years where applicable. You get mentorship, immersive workshops, and access to Stanford’s vast research ecosystem. The result is a powerful launchpad for graduates committed to tackling global problems with courage and evidence-based solutions.
What the Scholarship Covers
KHS is a merit-based, fully funded award. Funding levels vary by program, but the package typically includes the following for the first three years of graduate study at Stanford.
Funding Component
What You Get
Tuition and Fees
Full tuition and mandatory Stanford fees for your graduate program
Living Stipend
Generous monthly stipend to cover housing, food, local transport, and personal expenses
Annual Travel Stipend
Funding for one round-trip economy ticket each year to and from Stanford
Academic Enrichment
Additional support for conferences, research travel, and leadership development activities
Duration
Up to 3 years of KHS funding. For programs that exceed 3 years (for example MD or PhD), departments or other fellowships typically fund the remaining years per Stanford policy
This opportunity is open to all nationalities. The program seeks future leaders from every region and background who can demonstrate purposeful leadership and a civic mindset.
All countries: No citizenship or residency restrictions.
Eligible degrees: You must be applying to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Examples include MBA, JD, MD, MS, MA, MPP, MSCS, MS&E, and PhD across Stanford’s seven schools.
Non-eligible formats: Part-time and executive formats, including the Honors Cooperative Program, are not supported.
Recency of bachelor’s degree: Apply within seven years of earning your first bachelor’s degree. As a guide:
For entry in 2026, your bachelor’s degree should be dated January 2019 or later.
For entry in 2027, your bachelor’s degree should be dated January 2020 or later.
Military exception: A nine-year window may apply for those with military service.
Requirements
Would You Like To Apply For This Opportunity?
Enter Your Email Address HERE & You Will Receive a Notification About Your Application Immediately.
Selection is highly competitive and centers on three core qualities: independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset. Expect to show evidence of impact, resilience, and integrity.
Dual applications: Submit a complete Knight-Hennessy application and a separate, complete application to your chosen Stanford graduate program.
Academic records: Official or unofficial transcripts for all post-secondary study.
Recommendations: Strong letters of recommendation that highlight leadership and academic potential.
Essays and short answers: Reflective prompts about your goals, values, and leadership journey.
Resume/CV: Current CV outlining achievements, leadership roles, and service.
English proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or other tests if required by your Stanford degree program.
Standardized tests: GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, or others if required by the department. KHS itself does not mandate specific tests beyond what your program requires.
Video component: A brief video introduction may be requested to bring your story to life.
Program eligibility: Admission to the Stanford graduate program is required for KHS to activate funding.
Lead with outcomes: Show measurable impact, not just roles. Use numbers and real examples.
Be interdisciplinary: Demonstrate range. Connect your field with policy, tech, health, education, or sustainability.
Stay authentic: Share what drives you. Clear purpose beats buzzwords.
Choose referees wisely: Ask people who have seen you lead under pressure and can write vivid, specific stories.
Apply early: Departmental deadlines vary. Early planning avoids avoidable misses.
How to Apply
Choose your Stanford degree: Review programs, prerequisites, and testing requirements on the Stanford Graduate Admissions pages. https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu
Prepare documents: Draft essays, update your CV, and request recommendations early. Align your KHS narrative with your Stanford program goals.
Submit both applications: File your KHS application by the KHS deadline and submit your Stanford program application by your department’s deadline. Both must be on time.
Track status and interview: Monitor your portals, respond to requests quickly, and prepare for potential interviews or finalist events.
Deadline
Application cycle: 2026/2027 academic year
Knight-Hennessy application: Expected in early October 2026 for 2027 entry. Visit the official website for the current deadline.
Stanford program deadlines: Departmental dates vary, typically from early December 2026 to mid-January 2027.
Plan backward from the earliest departmental deadline. Recommendation letters and test scores often take longer than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can international students apply?
A: Yes. All nationalities are eligible and encouraged to apply. Selection is merit-based and focuses on leadership potential and impact.
A: After you are admitted to a Stanford program, the university issues an I-20 for F-1 or a DS-2019 for J-1 student status as appropriate. Knight-Hennessy itself is a scholarship, not a work visa sponsor.
Q: How many years of funding will I receive?
A: KHS typically funds up to three years. If your Stanford degree exceeds three years, your department or other fellowships usually cover remaining years per Stanford policies.
Q: Do I need the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT?
A: Only if your Stanford degree program requires it. Knight-Hennessy does not impose extra tests beyond department requirements.
Q: Is the Knight-Hennessy application free?
A: Yes. There is no application fee for the KHS application. Your Stanford program application may have a fee.
Q: Can I apply if I already hold a graduate degree?
--Advertisement--
A: Yes, provided your first bachelor’s degree falls within the seven-year eligibility window for your intended entry year. Military service may allow a nine-year window.
Ready to aim high? Start your Knight-Hennessy Scholars application on the official portal and match it with a strong Stanford program application for 2026/2027. Explore details and apply here: Knight-Hennessy Scholars. Submit early to give your referees and test scores time to land before the deadlines.
