Knight-Hennessy Scholars

About this scholarship

Knight-Hennessy Scholars is Stanford University's flagship graduate fellowship, building a diverse, multidisciplinary community of emerging leaders from across the university's seven schools. Scholars receive up to three years of funding that covers full tuition and associated fees, a stipend for living and academic expenses, and an annual travel stipend for one economy round-trip to Stanford, plus access to a dedicated leadership development program. Around 80–90 scholars are selected each year (87 in the 2026 cohort), and there are no restrictions based on country, age, field of study, or career aspiration — citizens of all nations are encouraged to apply. Candidates must apply to, be admitted to, and enrol in a full-time Stanford graduate program (such as an MA, MS, MBA, MD, JD, MFA, MPP, or PhD) in addition to submitting the Knight-Hennessy application, which includes essays, short answers, a resume, transcripts, and recommendations. A recency rule applies to the first bachelor's degree (earned in January 2020 or later for the 2027 cohort, with a two-year extension for military service). Selection looks for independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Eligibility

• Open to citizens and residents of any country
• Earned your first bachelor's degree recently (Jan 2020 or later for the 2027 cohort; +2 years for military service)
• Apply to, be admitted to, and enrol in a full-time Stanford graduate program
• Submit the Knight-Hennessy application and your Stanford program application
• Meet both the KHS deadline and your program's application deadline