The Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholarship 2026 provides an exceptional opportunity for international students to pursue fully funded graduate studies at Stanford University, one of the world’s leading universities. This prestigious scholarship covers tuition, a living stipend, and travel support, enabling scholars to focus entirely on academics, leadership development, and making a global impact.
If you are a future leader with a vision for change, this scholarship can help you realize your ambitions.
What is the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship?
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) program is designed to cultivate a community of future global leaders. Each year, up to 100 outstanding students are selected from around the world to receive full funding for any full-time Stanford graduate degree, including:
Master’s programs
PhD programs
MBA programs
MD programs
Scholars also participate in the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP), which offers immersive experiences, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration to develop leadership skills.
Scholarship Benefits
The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship is fully funded and includes:
Full tuition and fees for any Stanford graduate program
Living stipend to cover housing, meals, books, and academic supplies
Annual travel grant for one economy-class round-trip ticket to Stanford
Leadership and professional development through workshops, networking events, and seminars
This comprehensive support allows scholars to thrive academically and personally without financial stress.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholarship 2026 must meet one of the following:
Applying concurrently to KHS and a full-time Stanford graduate program starting in 2026
Deferred a previous Stanford graduate admission and now seeking KHS starting in 2026
First-year Stanford PhD student applying to join KHS in the second year
Applying to add a second full-time Stanford graduate program alongside KHS
Academic requirement: Undergraduate degree completed after January 2018.
Additional notes:
Open to students from all countries and academic disciplines
No restrictions on age or citizenship
Application Timeline & Deadline
Application opens: Summer 2025
Application closes: October 2025 (exact dates to be confirmed on the official website)
Applicants must carefully check deadlines for both the KHS program and their chosen Stanford graduate program, as they may differ.
Why Choose the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship?
The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship offers more than funding—it builds leaders:
Leadership Development: Participate in the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP) with workshops, lectures, and projects
Diverse Cohort: Collaborate with scholars from across the globe and various disciplines
Flexibility: Combine the scholarship with any Stanford graduate program of your choice
Lifelong Network: Access a global community of innovative and forward-thinking leaders
Life at Stanford University
Stanford, located in Silicon Valley, California, provides a vibrant academic and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Scholars can engage in:
Interdisciplinary research projects
Start-up incubation and innovation hubs
Collaborations with world-class faculty
Active student life with global events and communities
With full funding, Knight-Hennessy Scholars can fully immerse themselves in these opportunities.
How to Apply
Visit the Knight-Hennessy Scholars official website and register.
Apply separately to your chosen Stanford graduate program.
Submit the Knight-Hennessy application, including:
Academic transcripts
Resume/CV
Two recommendation letters
Short essays and personal statements
Optional video story
Ensure both applications are completed before the respective deadlines.
FAQs
Q1: Can international students apply?
Yes, the scholarship is open to applicants from all countries and academic backgrounds.
Q2: What does the scholarship cover?
It covers full tuition, a living stipend, travel expenses, and leadership development programs.
Q3: Are there any restrictions on age or citizenship?
No, there are no age or citizenship restrictions.
Q4: Can I combine this scholarship with any Stanford graduate program?
Yes, KHS can be combined with any full-time Stanford graduate program.
Apply Now: Knight-Hennessy Official Website
Study Location: United States
Degree Level: All Stanford graduate programs
Funding: Fully funded – Tuition, stipend, and travel
Deadline: October 2025 (TBC)