Fully Funded to Stanford: Apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship 2026

Are you looking to pursue a graduate degree at Stanford University in Fall 2026? If so, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (KHS) offers one of the most prestigious and fully funded graduate scholarships in the world. This transformational initiative is designed to educate and empower the next generation of global leaders through rigorous academic training, leadership development, and a vibrant, multicultural community.

In this comprehensive post, we’ll explore who’s eligible, what the program offers, how to apply, important dates—including when applications open and close—and practical tips to help your application shine.

Program Overview

Established in 2016 through generous philanthropic support, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program supports up to 100 graduate students each year, enabling them to pursue diverse full-time graduate degrees at Stanford.

This is not just a scholarship—it’s a fully immersive experience that spans academic funding, leadership training, mentorship, global networking, and a deep commitment to positive social impact.

When Applications Open and Close

• Application Opens: June 1, 2025

• Application Deadline: October 8, 2025, at 1:00 PM Pacific Time (UTC −7)

Mark these dates clearly: the window to apply is limited, and submitting your application late will mean missing this once-in-a-year opportunity.

Degrees and Programs Covered

Degree Levels

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program supports:

• Master’s degrees, such as MA, MBA, MPP, MS, MFA, etc.

• Doctoral and professional degrees, including PhD, MD, DMA, JD, and combined degrees where at least one component is graduate-level.

Fields of Study

Eligible disciplines span nearly every graduate school at Stanford, including:

• Business & Management: MBA, MSx, Management Science & Engineering

• Law & Public Policy: JD, LLM, JSM, MPP

• Medicine & Health Sciences: MD, PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Epidemiology

• Engineering & Technology: Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical, Civil & Environmental

• Humanities & Social Sciences: History, Sociology, Political Science, Education, Linguistics

• Natural Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Sciences

• Arts & Creative Fields: MFA in Fine Arts, Music, Design

• Interdisciplinary Programs: Sustainability, International Relations, Data Science

Applicants are encouraged to explore Stanford’s full array of graduate offerings to identify the program(s) that best align with their academic and career goals.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the 2026 Knight-Hennessy cohort, you must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Admission to a full-time graduate program at Stanford
   You must apply to—and be accepted by—a Stanford graduate degree program. If you are already enrolled in Stanford graduate studies (e.g., in your first year of a PhD) or have a deferred offer, you may still apply under certain conditions.

2. Bachelor’s degree obtained in January 2019 or later.
   You must have completed your first degree by January 2019 (or earlier if you have U.S. military service).

3. No restrictions on nationality or discipline
   The program is open to applicants from all countries and covers all academic disciplines offered at Stanford.

4. Stanford graduate program deadlines
   While the Knight-Hennessy application deadline is fixed, you must also meet the separate deadlines of your intended graduate program—these may differ by school or department and are often earlier. For MBA applicants, Round 1 submission is required to be eligible.

What the Program Covers

Knight-Hennessy Scholars offers comprehensive support, including:

• Full tuition and associated graduate fees

• Annual living stipend for housing, food, and personal expenses

• Travel stipend for one round-trip home journey per year

• Coverage of books, academic supplies, relocation costs, and health insurance

• Leadership development—workshops, mentorship, McMurtry Leadership Lecture series, and community programming

• One of the largest, fully endowed graduate scholarships worldwide

Plus, access to a global network of scholars and alumni—built to foster collaboration, innovation, and civic engagement.

Selection Criteria: What Knight-Hennessy Seeks

The KHS admissions process evaluates applicants based on three core attributes:

1. Independence of Thought
   A clear sense of curiosity, creativity, and intellectual initiative.

2. Purposeful Leadership
   Evidence of leading by guiding others with ethics, empathy, and resilience.

3. Civic Mindset
   Demonstrated concern for the greater good and commitment to making a positive impact.

Your application materials—essays, recommendation letters, and resume—should reflect these traits clearly and authentically.

Application Process Overview

To join the Class of 2026, here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to do:

• The Knight-Hennessy Scholars application includes essays, short answers, a resume, transcripts, recommendations, and possibly test scores if required by your graduate program.

• Stanford graduate degree application(s) for your selected program(s). You need to apply to both concurrently.
  

• Submit the Knight-Hennessy application by October 8, 2025, at 1 PM PT.

• Submit your Stanford program application(s) according to that program’s specific deadline.
  

• KHS may invite you to record a brief video statement early (rolling invitations begin in January).

• Finalists are typically invited in late January 2026.

• Offer letters are generally extended by mid-March 2026.

Why Knight-Hennessy Is a Unique Opportunity

• Rigorous financial support ensures all your education, living, and professional development needs are covered.

• Interdisciplinary cohort: You’ll collaborate with talented peers pursuing diverse fields—enhancing learning through multiple perspectives.

• Leadership focus: Workshops, seminars, mentorship, and quarterly McMurtry lectures from global luminaries.

• Global, multicultural campus: Scholars come from various backgrounds, united by purpose and innovation.

• A strong alumni network: Lifelong connections with global changemakers across industries.

Timeline Summary

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Start early: Give yourself time for reflection, drafting, and feedback.

• Seek strong recommenders: Choose people who can speak deeply about your leadership, character, and vision.

• Tell your story: Your essays should reveal who you are and why your goals matter—not just what you’ve done.

• Reflect the three pillars: Ensure your materials highlight independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and civic mindset.
• Draft carefully: Tailor content separately for the KHS and your chosen program—for alignment without duplication.

Final Thoughts

If you plan to begin graduate studies at Stanford in Fall 2026, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that blends world-class academic training with leadership development, global collaboration, and full financial support. Armed with clarity, preparation, and purpose, you can craft a compelling application that captures what makes you a future global leader.

• Where to Apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship 2026

  1. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Application Portal – https://apply.knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/apply

  2. Knight-Hennessy Admission Information – https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/admissionDeadline: October 8, 2025, at 1:00 PM Pacific Time