Program Snapshot
Stanford University’s Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) Program is described in the source as one of the world’s most prestigious fully funded graduate scholarships. Alongside full financial support for Stanford graduate study, the program emphasizes leadership development and participation in a multicultural community.
Study Level Covered
KHS is available for Stanford graduate study through:
- Master’s programs (examples listed: MA, MBA, MPP, MS, MFA, etc.)
- Doctoral/professional doctoral programs (examples listed: PhD, MD, DMA, JD, etc.)
- Eligible Stanford dual-degree routes, where at least one program is graduate level
Fields of Study
According to the source, the scholarship is open to all academic disciplines offered by Stanford University’s graduate schools, with examples spanning areas such as business, law and public policy, medicine and health sciences, engineering, humanities and social sciences, natural sciences, arts, and interdisciplinary programs. Applicants must also satisfy admission requirements for the specific Stanford program they choose.
What the Scholarship Covers
The benefits listed include:
- Full tuition and associated fees for the Stanford graduate program
- A living stipend for room, board, and personal expenses
- Travel support for one annual trip to and from Stanford
- Leadership training plus community events and networking opportunities
- Lifelong alumni network membership
Program Experience (As Highlighted)
The source frames KHS as more than funding, emphasizing:
- A multidisciplinary cohort, selecting up to 100 scholars each year across Stanford’s seven schools
- A multicultural community welcoming students across countries, cultures, and identities
- Structured leadership development through experiential learning, mentorship, and workshops
Nationality Rules
The program has no nationality restrictions; applicants from any country can apply if they meet academic and degree-date requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
The source specifies two baseline requirements:
- Stanford admission/enrollment: You must apply to, be accepted by, and enroll in a full-time Stanford graduate degree program (examples listed: DMA, JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MPP, MS, PhD). The source also notes you may apply to KHS and Stanford in the same year, may have deferred Stanford admission to 2026, and first-year Stanford PhD students may apply to begin KHS in their second year.
- Bachelor’s degree timing: Your first/bachelor’s degree must be earned in January 2019 or later (or January 2017 or later with military service).
What Selection Focuses On
KHS selection looks for three qualities: Independence of Thought, Purposeful Leadership, and Civic Mindset.
Deadlines
- KHS application deadline: October 8, 2025, 1:00 PM Pacific Time (Closed)
- Stanford graduate program deadline: Varies by program (check your department)
- MBA rule noted: MBA candidates must apply by the Round 1 deadline to be eligible for KHS consideration
The source directs applicants to monitor the official website for updated deadlines.
Application Steps
The source describes the process as:
- Prepare the Knight-Hennessy application (essays, recommendation letters, and personal statements)
- Submit a separate Stanford graduate program application before that program’s deadline
- Join an information session or view a recorded session to better understand the process
