The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program 2026 offers one of the most prestigious and fully funded graduate fellowships in the world. Based at Stanford University in California, USA, this program provides up to three years of financial support for top graduate students who wish to make a lasting impact through leadership, innovation, and service.
Each year, the program selects up to 100 scholars from around the globe, representing diverse disciplines and backgrounds. These scholars pursue graduate degrees across any of Stanford’s seven schools while also participating in the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP)—a unique experience that nurtures independent thinking, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.
This opportunity goes beyond academics. It connects high-potential changemakers from all over the world and equips them to address the world’s toughest challenges with compassion, courage, and creativity.
Quick Overview of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
- Host Country: United States of America
- Host University: Stanford University
- Deadline: October 8, 2025 (1:00 PM Pacific Time)
- Programs: All full-time graduate programs at Stanford (MA, MBA, JD, MD, MS, MFA, MPP, PhD, etc.)
- Value: Full tuition, living stipend, travel grant, and leadership training
- Age Limit: No age limit, but a bachelor’s degree must be earned in 2019 or later
- Eligibility: Citizens of any country applying to a full-time graduate program at Stanford
Perks of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University
- Full tuition and associated fees for your Stanford graduate degree
- A living stipend for housing, meals, and personal expenses
- Travel stipend for one round-trip ticket to and from Stanford each year
- Access to the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP)
- Free leadership development sessions, workshops, and global networking
- Multicultural, multidisciplinary scholar community
- Paid expenses for Finalist Immersion Weekend at Stanford
Benefits of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program in the USA
- Study at one of the world’s leading universities with full financial support.
- Gain leadership skills through KGLP that enhance your ability to create change.
- Join a powerful, lifelong network of scholars from around the world.
- Participate in cross-sector workshops, mentorship, and training.
- Develop character, humility, and civic awareness while growing as a visionary leader.
Exclusions of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program 2026
- Not available for the Honors Cooperative Program, Master of Liberal Arts, or certain Law programs (e.g., JSD, MLS)
- Coterminal degree students at Stanford are not eligible
- Only students who earned their first degree in January 2019 or later can apply (or 2017 for military service members)
- Knight-Hennessy offers no admission deferrals
Eligibility Criteria for the Knight-Hennessy Scholarships at Stanford University
To apply, you must:
- Apply separately to both Knight-Hennessy Scholars and a full-time Stanford graduate program
- Earn your first bachelor’s degree between January 2019 and September 2026
- Be applying to start Stanford graduate studies in Fall 2026
- Demonstrate independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset
- Be fluent in English and meet the admission requirements of your Stanford program
There are no restrictions based on nationality, field of study, or undergraduate institution.
Important Dates of the Knight-Hennessy Scholarships Program 2025
- Application Opens: June 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: October 8, 2025 (1:00 PM PT)
- Video Statement Invitation (for selected applicants): January 2026
- Finalist Notification: January 28, 2026
- Immersion Weekend at Stanford: March 6–7, 2026
- Final Scholar Selection Notification: March 17, 2026
- Stanford Graduate Program Deadlines: Vary by program (Check department websites)
How to Apply to the Knight-Hennessy Scholarships in the US
- Go to the Knight-Hennessy Application Portal
- Also, apply separately to a full-time Stanford graduate program
- Prepare and upload the following:
- Resume (1 page)
- Academic transcripts
- Test scores (if required by your program)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Short answers and one essay
- If invited, submit a 2-minute video
- If selected as a finalist, attend Immersion Weekend at Stanford
- Await admission decisions from both Knight-Hennessy and your Stanford program
Required Documents of Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
- One-page Resume
- Official or unofficial academic transcripts
- Standardized test scores (as required by your Stanford program)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Short-answer responses (3 questions)
- Essay (550 words on your life’s journey)
- Video Statement (if invited)
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
For more information and to apply, visit the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program page.
