Applications are now open for the prestigious Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University for the 2027 academic year.
The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship is one of the most competitive and fully funded graduate scholarship programs in the world. It is designed to support talented students from all countries who wish to pursue graduate studies at Stanford University in the United States.
The program provides comprehensive funding for up to three years, covering tuition costs, living expenses, academic expenses, and travel support. Beyond financial assistance, scholars gain access to leadership development opportunities and a global network of future leaders.
Stanford University Knight Hennessy Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United States of America
- Study Destination: United States of America
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Scholarship Coverage: Fully Funded
- Benefits: Full Tuition | Monthly Stipend | Academic Expenses | Travel Allowance
- IELTS Requirement: Not Required by the Scholarship Program
- Application Deadline: October 6, 2026
Stanford University Knight Hennessy Scholarship Details
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program offers graduate students the opportunity to pursue any eligible graduate degree at Stanford University while participating in a unique leadership development experience.
In addition to academic excellence, the program focuses on cultivating visionary leaders who are prepared to address complex global challenges.
Scholars participate in the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP), which includes:
- Leadership workshops
- Global immersion experiences
- Collaborative projects
- Seminars and lectures from leading experts
- Personal and professional development opportunities
Recipients join a diverse community of scholars from around the world, creating lifelong professional and academic networks.
Stanford University Knight Hennessy Scholarship Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the following requirements to be considered:
- Apply for and gain admission to a full-time graduate degree program at Stanford University
- Apply separately to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
- Hold a bachelor’s degree earned in January 2020 or later
- Demonstrate leadership potential, independence, and commitment to positive impact
- Show strong academic achievement and intellectual curiosity
Applicants must also meet at least one of the following conditions:
- Apply simultaneously to both a Stanford graduate degree program and the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program, beginning both in the same academic year
- Have deferred admission to an eligible Stanford graduate program and plan to begin both the degree and scholarship in the same year
- Be a current Stanford graduate student adding a second eligible graduate degree program
- Be a first-year Stanford PhD student applying to join Knight-Hennessy Scholars in the second year of PhD enrollment
Knight Hennessy Scholarship Duration and Reward
Successful applicants will receive:
- Full funding for tuition and associated university fees
- A living stipend to cover accommodation, meals, and personal expenses
- Funding for academic and educational expenses
- Annual travel allowance for an economy-class flight to and from Stanford
- Leadership training through the King Global Leadership Program
- Access to a global community of scholars, mentors, and professionals
Funding is generally available for up to three years of graduate study, depending on the degree program.
How To Apply for Stanford University Knight Hennessy Scholarship (Step by Step)
- Visit the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application portal.
- Review all eligibility requirements and application instructions.
- Apply for admission to an eligible Stanford University graduate program.
- Complete and submit the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application separately.
- Upload all required supporting documents before the deadline.
- Submit both applications within the designated application period.
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for further evaluation and interviews.
- Successful applicants will receive admission and scholarship offers from Stanford University.
📋 Required Documents
- Valid Passport
- Academic Transcripts
- Letters of recommendation as specified by the scholarship guidelines
- Personal Statement
- Current résumé or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Completed Application Form
- Bachelor's Degree Certificate or Proof of Graduation
- Standardized Test Scores if Required by the Chosen Stanford Graduate Program
- Completed Knight-Hennessy Scholars Application Form
- Stanford Graduate Program Application
- Short-answer responses required by the program