For ambitious students dreaming of graduate study at Stanford, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) program represents more than just funding, it’s an invitation to join a global community of visionary leaders.
But with an acceptance rate that rivals the university itself, navigating the application process requires strategy, clarity, and precision.
What is the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship?
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is a fully funded graduate fellowship at Stanford University.
Founded on the belief that solving the world’s complex challenges requires collaboration, the program brings together a multidisciplinary and multicultural community of scholars.
Unlike traditional scholarships that focus solely on academic metrics, KHS looks for three specific qualities: independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.
Scholars receive up to three years of funding to pursue any full-time graduate degree at Stanford.
Beyond the financial support, scholars participate in the King Global Leadership Program, a structured curriculum of workshops and experiences designed to prepare them for leadership roles in government, business, and nonprofits.
Knight Hennessy Scholarship Coverage
The financial package is comprehensive, designed to allow scholars to focus entirely on their studies and leadership development.
What is covered?
- Tuition and Fees: Full coverage of tuition and associated fees for your degree program.
- Living Stipend: A stipend for living and academic expenses (room, board, books, supplies, local transport).
- Travel Stipend: An economy-class ticket for one annual trip to and from Stanford.
- Relocation: A one-time stipend for newly enrolling scholars to help with moving costs.
- Academic Enrichment: Second and third-year scholars may apply for supplemental funds for conferences or research travel.
How long does funding last?
Funding is provided for up to three years.
- Master’s Degrees: Typically covered in full (1–2 years).
- MD/PhD Degrees: KHS funds the first three years. Funding for years 4+ is typically picked up by the specific department’s standard funding commitment.
Eligibility Criteria for the 2026 Cohort
Before you start drafting essays, you must confirm you are eligible. KHS has no quotas based on citizenship, age, or field of study, but it has strict baseline requirements.
1. The “Two-Admission” Requirement
You must be admitted to both the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program and your specific Stanford graduate degree program.
- You must apply to both separately.
- If you get into Stanford but not KHS, you can still attend Stanford.
- If you get into KHS but not Stanford, you cannot be a scholar.
2. Undergraduate Degree Date
For the 2026 cohort, you must have earned your first U.S. bachelor’s degree (or its international equivalent) in January 2019 or later.
- Military Exception: If you served in the military, you must have earned your degree in January 2017 or later.
- Current Students: You are eligible if you will earn your first degree by September 2026.
3. Ineligible Programs
You cannot apply for KHS if you are pursuing:
- Honors Cooperative Program
- Master of Liberal Arts
- Doctor of Science of Law (JSD)
- Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
- Coterminal graduate study (current Stanford undergraduates)
2026 Application Timeline
The application process runs on a strict schedule. Note that you must manage two concurrent timelines: one for KHS and one for your degree program.
| Milestone | Date |
| KHS Application Opens | June 1, 2025 |
| KHS Application Deadline | October 8, 2025 (1:00 PM Pacific Time) |
| Stanford Degree Deadline | Varies (Typically early Dec 2025)* |
| Video Statement Invites | Rolling basis (January 2026) |
| Finalists Notified | January 28, 2026 |
| Immersion Weekend | Early March 2026 (Dates TBA) |
| Scholars Notified | March 17, 2026 |
Note: If you are applying for the MBA program, you must usually apply by the Round 1 deadline to align with KHS.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Step 1: Choose Your Graduate Program
Browse Stanford’s graduate offerings. Remember, KHS does not influence your admission to the degree program.
You must meet all the academic criteria for your chosen department (GRE/GMAT scores, specific prerequisites, etc.).
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
The KHS application is distinct from your grad school app. You will need:
- Online Application: Biographical and demographic info.
- Resume: One page per decade of experience. Focus on impact, not just responsibilities.
- Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are accepted for the application; official ones are needed if admitted.
- Test Scores: Only if required by your graduate program.
- Recommendation Letters: You need two letters specifically for KHS. These should address the three criteria (Independence of Thought, Purposeful Leadership, Civic Mindset). Do not reuse generic grad school letters.
Step 3: Write the Essays
The essay prompts change slightly year to year, but generally ask you to connect the dots between your past experiences and your future goals.
- The Big Essay: Usually around 600 words. Focus on why you do what you do. Connect your personal history to your professional ambition.
- Short Answers: These test your specific fit for the program’s values. Be authentic.
Step 4: The Video Statement
If you pass the initial screen, you will be invited to submit a short video statement in January. This is not an interview; it’s a chance to show your personality.
Don’t over-produce it, recording on a smartphone is perfectly acceptable.
Strategies for a Winning Application
Define Your “Why”
Stanford is full of smart people. KHS wants people who are smart and driven by a larger purpose. Why does the world need you to solve the problem you care about?
Coach Your Recommenders
Your recommenders need to know about the specific KHS criteria.
Provide them with the “Advice for Recommenders” link from the KHS website so they know to highlight your leadership and civic engagement, not just your grades.
Don’t Copy-Paste
Your KHS application and your Stanford degree application are read by different people. However, your narrative should be consistent.
Don’t present yourself as a corporate financier in one app and a non-profit activist in the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an application fee for Knight-Hennessy?
No, the KHS application is free. However, nearly all Stanford graduate degree programs require an application fee.
Can I apply if I am an international student?
Yes. The program is explicitly multicultural and encourages applications from all countries. About two-thirds of scholars typically come from outside the United States.
What if I am already a Stanford graduate student?
If you are a first-year PhD student, you can apply to start KHS in your second year.
If you are already enrolled in another master’s program, you generally cannot apply unless you are applying for a second degree program to start in 2026.
How competitive is the scholarship?
It is extremely competitive. While official acceptance rates aren’t always published, the program typically selects around 100 scholars from thousands of applications globally.
Start Your Journey
If you are ready to challenge yourself and join a community dedicated to the greater good, start your application today.
[Apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship].
Emily Carter is an academic writer with 7+ years of experience in education research, specializing in scholarships, admissions, and student calculators. She creates clear, reliable and helpful content to support students in making informed academic decisions.
