Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University: Fully Funded Graduate Opportunity

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program at Stanford University is one of the most competitive and prestigious fully funded graduate scholarships across the world. Established in 2016 through a major gift from Phil Knight (co-founder of Nike) and Stanford’s former president John Hennessy, the program supports future global leaders from all disciplines.

The program is open to students applying to full-time graduate degrees at Stanford, including Master’s, PhD, MBA, JD, and MD programs. What sets Knight-Hennessy apart is its dual focus on academic excellence and leadership development.

If you’re passionate about solving global problems and leading with purpose, this program offers a unique platform to learn, grow, and make an impact across sectors and borders.

Why Choose the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford?

A Fully Funded Graduate Experience

Being a Knight-Hennessy Scholar at Stanford University means you’ll receive full financial support for the duration of your graduate program. This includes tuition, a living stipend, academic materials, and even travel to and from campus.

You’ll also have access to world-class academic resources across all of Stanford’s graduate schools, from law and medicine to engineering and business. Whether you are building solutions in climate policy or reimagining education, this program gives you the space and support to do it.

Multidisciplinary Development

The program helps you grow through the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP). You’ll join leadership workshops, design thinking labs, and community-building events, all designed to help you lead with empathy, courage, and creativity.

This cross-disciplinary experience encourages collaboration with peers from different academic backgrounds and over 100 countries, making your learning more diverse and dynamic.

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Eligibility Criteria for Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

Who Can Apply?

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University is open to applicants from every part of the world. To be eligible, you must be applying to a full-time graduate degree program at Stanford University, and your undergraduate degree must have been earned within the last six years. For the 2025 intake, that means a bachelor’s degree awarded in January 2019 or later.

Importantly, your application to Knight-Hennessy is separate from your Stanford graduate program application. You must apply to both, and get admitted to your Stanford program, to be considered.

The program covers over 100 graduate degrees across all Stanford schools, including law, medicine, engineering, business, and education.

Ideal Candidate Qualities

Beyond academic excellence, Knight-Hennessy seeks individuals who possess strong leadership potential, a deep sense of civic duty, and independent thinking. Scholars are expected to be visionary, collaborative, and globally minded, with a clear commitment to making a positive difference.

How to Apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

Application Components

To apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program at Stanford University, you will need to complete two separate applications, one for the Knight-Hennessy program and another for your chosen Stanford graduate degree. Both must be submitted by their respective deadlines.

The Knight-Hennessy application includes:

• A current résumé or CV
• Academic transcripts
• Two recommendation letters
• Short-answer questions
• Two essays (your story and your goals)

You’ll also need to indicate which Stanford graduate program you’re applying to and confirm that your application to that program has been submitted.

Make sure to give yourself enough time to thoughtfully complete both applications, especially since some graduate programs have earlier deadlines than Knight-Hennessy.

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Special Requirements

In addition to the written materials, applicants may also submit an optional one-minute video introduction. This is your chance to showcase your personality, voice, and passion — a helpful way to stand out in a competitive pool.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for Immersion Weekend, which includes interviews and workshops before final selections are made.

Application Timeline and Important Deadlines

Timing is everything when applying to the program, so it’s important to stay organized and plan ahead. The application process usually opens in June each year, and the Knight-Hennessy deadline typically falls in early October. However, the deadline for your Stanford graduate program may vary by department, and in many cases, it’s earlier than the Knight-Hennessy deadline.

Here’s a general breakdown of the timeline:

June–September: Begin your Knight-Hennessy application and submit your Stanford graduate application.

October: Submit the Knight-Hennessy application (check the exact date each year).

January–February: Finalists are invited to attend Immersion Weekend.

March: Final selections are made and scholars are announced.

It’s best to start preparing months in advance so you have time to gather recommendation letters, polish your essays, and meet the varying deadlines.

Funding and Benefits of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

What the Scholarship Covers

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is fully funded, covering everything a graduate student might need to thrive at Stanford. This includes full tuition, a living stipend, books and academic supplies, local transportation, and a round-trip travel grant for one annual trip to and from Stanford.

Additionally, scholars may receive supplemental funding for things like attending conferences, professional development activities, and leadership programming. The financial support lasts for the full duration of your graduate program, up to three years for most degrees.

This level of funding allows scholars to focus fully on their academics and personal growth, without the stress of financial burdens.

Leadership Development and Community

What truly sets the Knight-Hennessy Scholars apart is the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP). This leadership development experience runs parallel to your academic studies and includes workshops, seminars, global study trips, and mentorship from industry leaders and Stanford faculty.

Scholars also become part of a diverse, tight-knit community of changemakers from around the world. It’s a space to collaborate, innovate, and grow alongside peers who are equally committed to solving global challenges.

Tips for a Successful Application

Applying to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program requires more than grades and test scores. To stand out, your application should reflect authenticity, purpose, and clarity. Use your essays to tell a genuine story, who you are, what drives you, and how you plan to lead change in your community or field.

Focus on specific experiences that highlight your leadership potential and your willingness to serve others. Whether it’s a volunteer project, a startup you built, or a tough decision you made, real-life examples resonate far more than generic statements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply before getting into Stanford?

Yes. You must apply to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University at the same time as you apply to your Stanford graduate program. However, you do not need to be admitted to Stanford before submitting your Knight-Hennessy application. Admissions decisions are made independently, but both applications must be completed on time.

Do I need a certain GPA or test score?

Knight-Hennessy Scholars doesn’t set a minimum GPA or test score requirement. Instead, they look at your academic history holistically, focusing on your ability to think critically, learn independently, and lead with intention. However, individual Stanford graduate programs may have their own academic or testing requirements, so be sure to check those separately.

Is it only for specific graduate programs?

No. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program supports over 100 graduate programs at Stanford, across all seven schools, including business (MBA), law (JD), medicine (MD), education, engineering, sustainability, and the arts. As long as it’s a full-time graduate program at Stanford, it qualifies.