Knight-Hennessy Scholarship
Imagine studying at one of the world’s most prestigious universities—with all expenses fully covered, access to world-class mentorship, and the opportunity to join a diverse community of global changemakers. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, the Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholarship 2026 makes that dream a reality.
Applications are now open for this competitive and fully funded scholarship program, which empowers future leaders from all over the world to pursue graduate degrees at Stanford University—without worrying about financial barriers. Whether you’re applying for a master’s, PhD, JD, MBA, MD, or other graduate program, the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship covers tuition, living stipends, academic expenses, and even round-trip airfare.
But it’s not just about the funding. As a Knight-Hennessy Scholar, you’ll participate in the King Global Leadership Program, where you’ll develop critical leadership skills, collaborate across disciplines, and tackle real-world challenges alongside a tight-knit cohort of talented peers.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program—from the benefits and eligibility requirements to the step-by-step application process. If you’re a driven, visionary leader who wants to make a meaningful impact in the world, this scholarship might be the next big step in your journey.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Host | Stanford University, California, USA |
| Program Type | Graduate scholarship (MA, MS, MBA, MPP, MFA, DMA, JD, MD, PhD, dual/joint degrees) |
| Funding Level | Fully funded (up to 3 years): tuition & fees, living/academic stipend, annual economy flight, relocation grant, enrichment funding |
| Duration of Funding | Up to 3 years (varies by degree): see fund details below (knight-hennessy.stanford.edu, Doctors Online Ethiopia, Scholarships Future) |
| Cohort Size | Up to ~100 scholars selected annually |
| Application Opens | June 1, 2025 |
| KHS Application Deadline | October 8, 2025, 1:00 pm Pacific Time |
| Stanford Degree Deadline | Varies by department; latest generally Dec 2, 2025 |
| Eligibility Criteria | October 8, 2025, 1:00 pm Pacific Time |
| Key Selection Themes | Independence of Thought, Purposeful Leadership, Civic Mindset |
| Benefits | Full tuition/fees, generous stipend, annual flight, relocation funds, enrichment grants, access to King Global Leadership Program & global network |
| Application Components | First bachelor’s degree earned Jan 2019 or later (up to 2021–22 intake); all nationalities; applicants must also apply to a Stanford grad program |
| Funding Coverage | Knight‑Hennessy app (résumé, transcripts, 2 rec letters, essays, video pitch), plus Stanford grad school app—both required |
| Community & Training | King Global Leadership Program, cohort-based retreats, mentorship & seminars, global alumni network |
Detailed Overview
1. About Knight‑Hennessy Scholars (KHS)
- Founded in 2016, named after Phil Knight (Nike co-founder) and John Hennessy (Stanford’s 10th president) (Wikipedia).
- Aims to cultivate multidisciplinary global leaders who commit to innovation, civic engagement, and problem-solving.
- Typical cohort: ~100 scholars globally, representing Stanford’s seven graduate schools (knight-hennessy.stanford.edu).
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2. Funding and Benefits
- Tuition & Fees: Fully covered for the length of your degree, typically 3 years (Doctors Online Ethiopia).
- Living Stipend: Covers housing, food, books, personal expenses, and local transport (Scholarship Roar).
- Airfare: One round-trip economy-class ticket per academic year (scholarshipscholar.com).
- Relocation Support: One-time grant addresses moving & initial costs (scholarshipscholar.com).
- Enrichment Funds: Available for conferences, research, and leadership activities (Doctors Online Ethiopia).
- Leadership Training: Access to the King Global Leadership Program, workshops, mentorship, and retreats (Doctors Online Ethiopia).
3. Funding Duration by Degree
| Degree | Quarters Funded (KHS) | Years of Funding |
|---|---|---|
| MA, MS, MBA, etc. | 6 quarters | 1–2 years—full coverage (knight-hennessy.stanford.edu, habeshanjobs.com) |
| JD | 9 quarters (3 years) | Fully funded for 1–3 years |
| MD | Up to 11 quarters | KHS covers first 3 years; Stanford funds years 4–5 |
| PhD, DMA | Up to 12 quarters (3 years) | KHS covers 1–3 years; Stanford funds years beyond |
| MD/PhD (MSTP) | Up to 12 quarters | Similar model as MD/PhD |
4. Eligibility Criteria
- Undergraduate Degree Timeline: Degree must be earned in 2019 or later (up to Jan 2019; up to Jan 2017 for military service exceptions) (Doctors Online Ethiopia).
- Simultaneous Admission Required: Must apply and be accepted into a full-time Stanford graduate program starting autumn 2026 (knight-hennessy.stanford.edu).
- Citizenship: Open to all countries; no nationality restrictions (Doctors Online Ethiopia).
- Early-stage PhD Applicants: First-year Stanford PhD students (beginning 2025) applying in their second year for KHS intake 2026 are allowed (knight-hennessy.stanford.edu).
5. Key Selection Criteria
- Independence of Thought: Intellectual curiosity, critical reasoning, and innovative mindset.
- Purposeful Leadership: Initiative, courage, capacity to inspire & scale impact.
- Civic Mindset: Commitment to community, collaboration, and ethical responsibility (knight-hennessy.stanford.edu).
Timeline to Apply For Knight-Hennessy Scholarship
- June 1, 2025—KHS application portal opens.
- October 8, 2025, 1 pm PT – Deadline for KHS application
- Varies—Stanford graduate program deadlines (e.g., MBA Round 1) vary; some close early 2025
- By late January 2026, video interview invites begin; finalists are notified by January 28, 2026.
- By mid-March 2026, scholarship offers were issued (March 17).
- Autumn 2026—Scholars enroll at Stanford.
Application Steps
Step 1 – Apply to Stanford Graduate Program
Identify your desired graduate degree (e.g., engineering, law, or medicine) and submit your application via Stanford’s departmental portal by the department deadline (often late 2025).
Step 2 – Apply to Knight‑Hennessy Scholars Program
Via the KHS portal (opens June 1), submit a résumé, academic transcripts, two recommendation letters, short essays, Stanford admissions details, and a potential video statement.
Important: Both applications are required and evaluated separately—acceptance to both is mandatory.
How to Strengthen Your Application
- Craft a compelling story showcasing independent thinking, leadership in action, and civic engagement.
- Align aspirations with Stanford faculty/labs and the King Global Leadership Program.
- Highlight interdisciplinary potential and social impact.
- Obtain strong recommendation letters that validate your leadership and intellectual independence.
- Prepare for the video interview, focusing on the three pillars.
Final Takeaway
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is a rare, fully funded opportunity for global leaders to study at Stanford with comprehensive support—tuition, stipend, airfare, leadership training, and a global peer network.
If:
- You’ve earned your first bachelor’s degree in or after Jan 2019,
- You seek admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program (MA, MS, MBA, etc.), and
- You possess leadership drive, civic passion, and innovative thinking—
…then this program is a perfect fit. Set a calendar reminder for June 1, 2025, polish your Stanford and KHS applications, and prepare to apply by October 8, 2025.
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