knight hennessy scholarship 2026| Fully Funded

Knight Hennessy Scholarship is a transformative graduate level fellowship program at Stanford University, designed to develop a multidisciplinary community of future leaders. Named after Phil Knight (co-founder of Nike) and John Hennessy (former Stanford President), it is the largest fully endowed, university-wide graduate fellowship in the world. The program seeks to empower scholars to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders who can address the world’s most complex challenges, from climate change and healthcare to social justice and technological ethics.

Each year, the Knight Hennessy selects a cohort of up to 100 scholars who receive full funding for their graduate studies at Stanford. These scholars are chosen not just for their academic excellence, but for their independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and civic mindset. Being a Knight-Hennessy Scholar is about more than financial support; it is an invitation to join the King Global Leadership Program, which offers workshops, storytelling training, and “KHeystone Projects” to build the skills necessary for large scale positive change.

The Knight Hennessy selection process is distinct because it runs parallel to Stanford’s standard graduate admissions. To become a scholar, you must be admitted to both the Knight Hennessy program and your specific Stanford graduate degree program. This dual track approach ensures that the community is composed of experts across all seven of Stanford’s schools including Law, Business, Medicine, Education, Humanities, and Engineering creating a unique environment where a neuroscientist might collaborate with a policy expert and a poet. also check: Coca Cola Scholarship 2027

Scholarship Summary

Scholarship Benefits

Knight Hennessy Scholarship provides a comprehensive financial and professional support package for up to three years of graduate study:

• Full Tuition Coverage: Direct payment of tuition and associated university fees for the duration of the fellowship (up to 3 years).
• Living Stipend: A generous allowance to cover room and board, books, instructional materials, and local transportation.
• Travel Grant: An annual travel stipend intended to cover one economy-class round-trip ticket to and from Stanford.
• Relocation Allowance: A one-time “settling-in” grant for newly enrolling scholars to help with the costs of moving to Palo Alto.
• Leadership Programming: Full access to the King Global Leadership Program, featuring retreats, “McMurtry Leadership Lectures,” and mentorship opportunities.
• Diverse Community: Residence and engagement within Denning House, the program’s dedicated home on the Stanford campus.
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Eligibility Criteria

The program is uniquely open and does not have restrictions based on age, field of study, or university of origin:

• Stanford Admission: You must apply to, be accepted by, and enroll in a full-time Stanford graduate degree program. This includes JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MPP, MS, or PhD programs.
• Degree Recency: For the 2026/2027 application cycle, you must have earned your first bachelor’s degree in January 2019 or later.
  • Military Exception: If you served in the military, the eligibility window is extended by two years (January 2017 or later).
• Citizenship: Applicants from any country are welcome. There are no citizenship requirements.
• Undocumented Students: Individuals with DACA status or who are otherwise undocumented are fully eligible to apply.
• First-Time Graduate Students: You are eligible if you are adding a second graduate degree at Stanford, provided you meet the bachelor’s degree recency requirement.
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Required Documents

The Knight Hennessy application requires a high degree of introspection and personal narrative:

• Online Application: Includes biographical information and activities.
• Resume: A one-page resume highlighting your intellectual, personal, and professional background.
• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts from all colleges or universities attended for one year or more.
• Standardized Test Scores: Only if required by your specific Stanford graduate program (e.g., GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT).
• Two Recommendation Letters: These should focus on your leadership potential and character rather than just academic performance.
• Essays and Short Answers: * One primary essay (“Connect the dots: How have your life influences shaped you?”).
  • Three short answer responses covering your goals, experiences with differing perspectives, and “improbable facts” about yourself.
• Video Statement: (By invitation only) A 2-minute video where you “teach something” to your fellow cohort members.

Deadline

Because you must apply to both the scholarship and Stanford University, there are two distinct deadlines to track:

Step by step Application Process

1. Determine Your Fit: Research Stanford’s graduate programs to ensure you meet the specific departmental requirements for the degree you wish to pursue.
2. Start the KHS Application: Create an account on the Knight-Hennessy portal. Note that you do not need an admission offer from Stanford to start the KHS application.
3. Request Recommendations Early: Identify two people who can speak to your leadership and character. Ensure they understand that the KHS recommendation is different from a standard academic one.
4. Draft Your Narrative: The “Connect the Dots” essay is the heart of the application. It requires deep reflection on your personal journey rather than a list of achievements.
5. Submit KHS Application: Finalize and submit your KHS materials by the October deadline. Do not wait until the final hour, as the system can be busy.
6. Apply to Stanford Graduate Program: Complete the separate application for your intended degree program (e.g., Stanford Law School, GSB, or a specific PhD department) by their respective deadlines.
7. Video and Interview: If selected as a semi-finalist, record your video statement in January. If selected as a finalist, you will be invited to Stanford for Immersion Weekend in late winter.
8. Final Selection: Scholarships are awarded to those who are admitted by both the Stanford department and the Knight-Hennessy selection committee.
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