The Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) program 2026

Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program – Stanford University

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) program at Stanford University is a prestigious, fully funded graduate fellowship designed to develop a community of future global leaders.

Scholars receive funding to pursue a full-time graduate degree at Stanford, along with leadership training, mentorship, and a lifelong network. For more opportunities in the United States, explore fully funded scholarships in USA for international students.

Eligibility Requirements

There are two baseline eligibility requirements to apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program.

Requirement 1: Admission to Stanford

You must apply to, be accepted by, and enroll in a full-time Stanford graduate degree program, including but not limited to DMA, JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MPP, MS, or PhD programs. You must meet at least one of the following conditions:

• You are applying separately but concurrently to KHS and a full-time Stanford graduate degree program, starting both in the same year.

• You have already been offered and deferred admission to a full-time Stanford graduate degree program and will start both in the same year.

• You are a current Stanford graduate student applying to add a new full-time Stanford graduate degree program, starting both KHS and the new program in the same year.

• You are a current Stanford PhD student in your first year of enrollment and will start KHS in your second year of PhD enrollment.

Certain Stanford graduate programs are not eligible for KHS, including the Honors Cooperative Program, Master of Liberal Arts, Doctor of Science of Law (JSD), Master of Legal Studies (MLS), coterminal degrees (unless applying to a different program), and current PhD students adding an MA or MS in their PhD discipline.

Requirement 2: Undergraduate Degree Date

You must have earned your first U.S. bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university of recognized standing in January 2020 or later. For military applicants, the eligibility window is extended by two years, requiring a degree date of January 2018 or later. Current college students are eligible if they will earn their first degree by September 2027.

For similar prestigious opportunities, check the latest scholarships in USA for all nationalities.

Application Deadlines

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars application deadline is October 6, 2026, at 1:00 PM Pacific Time. This deadline is the same for all applicants, regardless of the Stanford graduate program to which you are applying.

In addition, applicants must submit a separate application to their desired Stanford graduate degree program.

This application must be submitted by the earlier of two dates: the degree program's application deadline for KHS applicants or December 1, 2026. If your degree program has a deadline after December 1, 2026, you must submit your graduate program application by December 1, 2026 to remain eligible for KHS.

For applicants applying to the Stanford MBA Program, the application must be submitted by the Round 1 deadline to align with the KHS admission timeline.

Applicants who have already been offered and deferred admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program for 2027, or who are current Stanford PhD students starting their second year in 2027, only need to submit the KHS application and do not need to reapply to their graduate program.

Financial Benefits

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program provides full funding for up to three years of graduate study at Stanford. The financial package includes:

• Full Tuition and Fees: Coverage for the standard cost of tuition and associated academic fees.

• Living Stipend: A generous stipend to cover housing, food, and other living expenses.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Travel Allowance: Funding for travel to and from Stanford, including one round-trip ticket each year.

• Academic Support: Funding for research, conferences, and other academic activities.

For a broader view of funding options, refer to financial aids for students in North America.

Program Components

In addition to financial support, Knight-Hennessy Scholars participate in a unique leadership development program that includes:

• King Global Leadership Program: A structured curriculum designed to develop leadership skills through workshops, seminars, and experiential learning.

• Mentorship: Access to a network of mentors, including Stanford faculty and industry leaders.

• Community: A diverse cohort of scholars from around the world, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and lifelong connections.

• Gatherings: Regular events, including retreats, speaker series, and social activities.

Application Process

To apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program, you must:

1. Review Eligibility: Confirm that you meet both eligibility requirements.

2. Prepare Your KHS Application: Submit the online KHS application, which includes your resume, transcripts, test scores (if required), recommendation letters, short answers, and essays.

3. Apply to Stanford Graduate Program: Submit a separate application to your desired Stanford graduate degree program by the appropriate deadline.

4. Submit Both Applications: Ensure both applications are submitted on time. The KHS application deadline is October 6, 2026, and the graduate program deadline is December 1, 2026 (or earlier, depending on the program).

5. Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews as part of the selection process.

For a comprehensive list of study opportunities in the United States, see the list of all open scholarships in USA.

Final Thoughts

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program offers an unparalleled opportunity to pursue graduate education at Stanford University while developing leadership skills and joining a global network of changemakers.

With full funding and a comprehensive leadership curriculum, this program is ideal for exceptional individuals committed to making a positive impact on the world. Start preparing your applications early to meet the October 6, 2026 and December 1, 2026 deadlines.

Apply Now for Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program