Study at Stanford for Free with the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship

What if you could attend any graduate program at Stanford, fully funded, and be part of a diverse, global community of next-gen leaders? Yep. This is real. If your dream includes changing the world, gaining a Stanford education, and being mentored into a bold, values-driven leader. Say hello to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program.

Key Info

University: Stanford University
Level: Graduate (Master’s, PhD, MBA, MD, JD, MFA, etc.)
Scholarship: Fully funded (tuition, living expenses, travel, and more)
Extras: Exclusive leadership training, global networking, and community experiences
Application Deadline (KHS): October 8, 2025, 1:00 PM PT
Start Date: Fall 2026
Apply here: https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu

What exactly is the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program?

KHS isn’t just about funding. It’s a multidisciplinary, multicultural graduate scholarship program at one of the world’s top universities—Stanford. Each year, up to 100 scholars from across the globe are selected to pursue any full-time graduate degree at Stanford, with all expenses covered.

You’ll join a cohort of changemakers, including neuroscientists, lawyers, educators, and climate researchers, each with unique experiences but united by one goal: to lead with purpose and improve the world.

And no! There’s no typical KHS scholar. They don’t look for perfect resumes. They seek bold thinkers, ethical leaders, and deeply civic-minded individuals.

“Sounds incredible… but am I eligible?”

You likely are, if you meet these two baseline conditions:

1. You’re applying to (or already admitted to) a Stanford graduate program

To be a Knight-Hennessy Scholar, you must apply to both:

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program and
A full-time Stanford graduate program (e.g., MA, MS, PhD, MBA, JD, MD, etc.)

You can apply:

As a new applicant to both KHS and your Stanford program
If you’ve already deferred a Stanford offer to 2026
As a current first-year Stanford PhD student
As a current Stanford grad student adding a second degree

Not eligible if:

You’re in the Honors Cooperative Program, JSD, MLS, or coterminal degrees
You’re adding a master’s to your current Stanford PhD in the same discipline

2. Your bachelor’s degree is recent

You must have earned your first undergraduate degree in January 2019 or later (or January 2017 or later if you served in the military).
Still in college? You're eligible if you'll graduate by September 2026.

What makes a future Knight-Hennessy Scholar stand out?

No cookie-cutter formula. But here’s what they’re looking for:

1. Independence of Thought

They love curious, open-minded people who think deeply, explore widely, and create solutions, not just follow them.
Ask yourself:

Do I chase ideas that scare and excite me?
Do I thrive in ambiguity and think across disciplines?

2. Purposeful Leadership

It’s not about titles. They want people who’ve made a real impact, and want to do more.
Ask yourself:

Have I led people through complexity with integrity?
Do I bounce back stronger from setbacks?

3. Civic Mindset

You’ll thrive at KHS if you care about something bigger than yourself.
Ask yourself:

Do I seek to serve and uplift others?
Am I humble, empathetic, and driven to make a positive contribution to the world?

You’ll reflect these traits throughout your written application, video statement, and if shortlisted, during the Finalist Experience.

“Okay, I’m in. How do I apply?”

Let’s break it down:

Step 1: Apply to Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Deadline: October 8, 2025, 1:00 PM PT
One deadline for all fields and applicants
You’ll submit your leadership statement, video, and more

Step 2: Apply separately to your Stanford graduate program

Deadlines vary by program. Check your department!
If applying to the MBA, you must apply in Round 1

If you're dreaming of joining a world-class academic program and building lifelong bonds with future global leaders, without financial worry, this could be your next big step.