Are you an ambitious student with a vision to lead and create a global impact? The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship Program 2026 in the USA provides an unparalleled opportunity for both international and U.S. students to pursue graduate studies at Stanford University.
This highly prestigious program not only covers all academic and living expenses but also invests deeply in leadership development, cross-disciplinary education, and lifelong community building.
Knight-Hennessy Scholarship Program 2026
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) program is Stanford University’s flagship scholarship initiative designed to shape a new wave of leaders across the globe. Launched in 2016, this fully funded program supports students from all backgrounds to pursue any graduate degree offered by Stanford, including JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MS, DMA, and PhD programs.
Each year, up to 100 exceptional individuals are selected to join a diverse cohort of scholars. With full financial backing, tailored mentoring, and access to Stanford’s rich intellectual ecosystem, Knight-Hennessy Scholars are expected to become leaders in fields ranging from law and education to engineering and medicine.
Knight-Hennessy Scholarship Program 2026 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | United States of America |
| Study Destination | Stanford University |
| Scholarship Type | Graduate Degree (All Fields) |
| Funded By | Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program |
| Eligible Applicants | International and U.S. Students |
| Degree Levels | JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MS, DMA, PhD |
| Scholarship Value | Fully Funded (Tuition, Living, Travel, Enrichment) |
| Application Deadline | October 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM Pacific Time |
| Number of Scholarships | Up to 100 |
What Is the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship All About?
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is more than a scholarship; it is a leadership development initiative focused on preparing future global leaders. Scholars participate in the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP), a core element of the KHS experience that focuses on:
- Personal leadership development
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Communication and decision-making
- Community service and social impact
Students admitted to the program not only receive financial aid but also benefit from immersive workshops, coaching, and exposure to real-world challenges. By fostering curiosity, courage, and empathy, KHS prepares its scholars to create meaningful, lasting change.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship has a broad eligibility scope. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Open to applicants from all countries.
- Degree Requirement: A U.S. bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution earned in 2018 or later.
- Stanford Graduate Program: Must apply separately and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program for 2026.
- New Enrollment: Candidates must be applying to Stanford as new students.
- Language Proficiency: Fluent in English; applicants must meet Stanford’s language requirements.
- Leadership Potential: Demonstrated capacity for leadership, independent thought, and civic-mindedness.
- Academic Readiness: Strong performance in previous academic programs.
Note: While there is no minimum GPA requirement, admitted scholars typically have an exceptional academic and leadership profile.
Scholarship Benefits
The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship offers a comprehensive financial and developmental support package, including:
- Full Tuition Coverage: For the entire duration of your Stanford graduate program.
- Living Stipend: Covers housing, food, books, and personal expenses.
- Round-Trip Airfare: Annual economy-class ticket for travel to and from Stanford.
- Academic Enrichment Funds: Support for conferences, travel, or study-related projects.
- Wellness Resources: Access to healthcare, counseling, and recreation facilities.
- Global Scholar Network: Lifelong connection to an interdisciplinary and multicultural community.
This financial support ensures scholars can pursue their education without financial limitations, allowing them to fully engage in both academic and extracurricular pursuits.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit a complete set of documents for both the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application and their chosen Stanford graduate program. Required materials include:
- Completed Online Application
- Academic Transcripts
- Standardized Test Scores (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, etc., as required by the program)
- One-Page Résumé or CV
- Two Recommendation Letters
- Two Personal Essays (combined word limit: 1,750 words)
- Two Short-Answer Questions
- Video Story (optional but strongly encouraged)
- In-Person Immersive Assessment (if shortlisted)
All documents should be submitted via the Knight-Hennessy online portal. The essay and video components are used to evaluate personality, motivation, and communication skills beyond academic performance.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply
Here’s a detailed guide to applying for the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship Program 2026:
Visit the Official Website
Go to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars portal at https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu to review eligibility, program information, and application instructions.
Create an Account
Register and create a profile on the application portal.
Apply to a Stanford Graduate Program.
You must submit a separate, complete application to one of Stanford’s graduate programs. Both applications must be submitted by their respective deadlines.
Prepare Application Materials
Carefully draft your essays and résumé, secure recommendation letters, and complete standardized tests required for your graduate degree program.
Complete the KHS Application
Fill out the online Knight-Hennessy application form and upload all required documents.
Submit by the Deadline
Ensure all materials are submitted before October 8, 2025, at 1:00 PM Pacific Time.
Participate in Final Assessment
If selected as a finalist, you will be invited to participate in the Immersive Evaluation Experience, typically held at Stanford.
Why Study at Stanford University?
- Global Prestige: Stanford is consistently ranked among the top three universities globally.
- Innovation and Research: Home to Silicon Valley, Stanford leads in cutting-edge research across technology, medicine, business, and the humanities.
- Interdisciplinary Focus: Scholars are encouraged to collaborate across departments and solve real-world problems.
- Diverse Community: Stanford attracts students from over 90 countries, promoting cultural exchange and global understanding.
- Career Trajectory: Graduates are recruited by top employers, international agencies, and academic institutions.
Being a Knight-Hennessy Scholar means joining a transformative movement toward leadership, service, and global responsibility.
For full details and to apply, visit: https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship 2026 fully funded?
Yes. It covers full tuition, a living stipend, travel, and academic enrichment costs.
Can international students apply?
Absolutely. The program is open to applicants from any country.
Do I need to be accepted to Stanford before applying?
You must apply separately to a Stanford graduate program, but both applications can be completed concurrently.
What types of graduate programs are eligible?
All full-time graduate programs at Stanford are eligible, including master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees.
What’s the GPA requirement?
There is no formal GPA cutoff. However, successful applicants typically have excellent academic records.
Are standardized test scores required?
Only if required by the Stanford program you are applying to.
Is the video submission mandatory?
No, but it is strongly encouraged as it provides additional insight into your personality.
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