Stanford University Scholarships For 2025. If you are interested in studying at a top university in the USA with a fully funded scholarship, then you should read this article carefully. The purpose of this article is to explain in detail about Stanford University Scholarships, their benefits, and the application process in detail.
There are three Stanford University Scholarships 2025-2026 that are fully funded for international students. Scholarships are available for Masters and PhD studies. Full tuition fees, a traveling allowance, a living allowance, and academic expenses are covered by these scholarships.
Knight Hennesy Scholars is one of the most distinguished scholarship programs in the world. A Knight-Hennessy Scholar program at Stanford University will attract the most promising future leaders from a wide range of disciplines and regions. Here, you will gain a global perspective through multidisciplinary education, leadership development, and global engagement. QS World Universities Rankings 2019 ranked Stanford University #2 out of the top universities in the world. The Stanford University is offering 100 fully-funded scholarships for international students hoping to pursue a Masters, Ph.D., MS, MBA, MFA, MD, or JD degree at the university.
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program encourages applications from all countries. Since Knight-Hennessy Scholars are expected to have a global impact, that’s not surprising. Knight-Hennessy Scholars’ admission process is designed with the goals of enabling you to better understand yourself, allowing us to better understand you, and empowering you to present your best case for admission – all while enabling a memorable experience for you. Our scholars are expected to come from about one third of countries in the U.S. and two thirds of countries outside of the U.S. The numbers will fluctuate over time, since our goal is to admit the very best students, no matter where they are from.
Stanford University was established in 1885. Located in the heart of the city, it is a space for exploration, discovery, innovation, expression, and discourse. The Stanford University has changed with the world over the last 125+ years, often leading the way with new ideas and discoveries. There are many top universities in the world, including Stanford University. The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship Program attracts talent to the United States. Through their platform for purposeful leadership development, they curate a multidisciplinary community of scholars and empower you to effect large-scale positive change.
Summary of Scholarships
- Study Level: Masters, PhD
- Institution(s): Stanford University
- Study at: USA
- Opportunity Focus Areas: Scholarships are available for graduate degrees in arts, engineering, education, humanities, and social sciences, as well as professional degrees in business, law, and medicine. You can find all the programs available here.
- Program Period: The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program funds up to the first three years of your graduate education, and if your degree program exceeds three years — such as an MD or PhD program, or a Stanford dual- or joint-degree program — then your Stanford home department will cover the rest of your education in accordance with its standard funding commitment for that program.
- Deadline: October 8, 2025 and International Deadline: November 3, 2025. (See here for more information)
Coverage of scholarships
Scholarships from Stanford University provide the following benefits to recipients:
- The stipend is intended to cover the cost of one round-trip economy airline ticket annually to and from Stanford.
- A stipend to cover living and academic expenses (such as room and board, books, supplies, instructional materials, local transportation, and reasonable personal expenses).
- Tuition and associated fees are covered directly by a fellowship (based on the standard departmental enrollment level).
- Knight-Hennessy Scholars generally do not cover subscriptions or lab equipment that your home department at Stanford pays for its students.
Please note:
The Knight-Hennessy Scholar program also provides supplemental funds to assist scholars in their academic pursuits (for example, funding for participation in conferences).
Eligibility Criteria for Stanford University Scholarships
To be considered for the Stanford University Scholarships, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Language Requirement
- English proficiency is mandatory.
Eligible Countries
- The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is open to applicants from all countries worldwide.
Academic Qualification
- You must have earned your first/bachelor’s degree in 2018 or later if you plan to enroll in 2025.
- You are eligible if you apply within four years of earning your degree and begin your program within five years of graduation.
Intellectual and Personal Traits
- You should demonstrate intellectual curiosity, a sharp and open mind, and the ability to think creatively and independently.
- You must be comfortable in uncertain situations and capable of holding unique or opposing viewpoints.
Application Requirements
- You must complete the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application and also fulfill the complete application process for your chosen Stanford graduate program.
- This includes submitting any required standardized tests (such as the GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT) and, if applicable, an English proficiency test.
Personal Qualities
- Applicants should be ambitious, self-motivated, and resilient, with a strong sense of self-awareness.
- You should show humility, kindness, and respect for others, and be willing to work in inclusive and diverse environments.
English Language Proficiency
- Fluency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking English is required.
- The minimum TOEFL scores accepted by most Stanford graduate programs are:
- 100 (iBT)
- 600 (PBT)
- While all programs accept the TOEFL, the MBA program also accepts IELTS and PTE scores. You can check specific score requirements on the program’s official page.
Graduate Program Admission
- In addition to applying for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program, you must also:
- Apply to a full-time Stanford graduate program.
- Be accepted and enrolled in a Stanford graduate program such as:
- DMA, JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MPP, MS, or PhD.
- Note: There are no restrictions based on the field of study, and priority is given to students planning to study at Stanford for at least two years.
How to Apply for Stanford University Scholarships?
To apply for the Stanford University scholarships, follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Create an Online Application Account
Start by creating an account here to access the online application portal.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
Complete and submit the online application for admission. This will include your personal details, academic background, and an overview of your interests and activities.
Step 3: Submit the Required Documents
You’ll need to prepare and upload the following documents:
- Academic Transcripts: Submit unofficial or self-reported transcripts from each college or university you attended for at least one academic year. If you’re unable to submit unofficial transcripts, you may use the provided self-report template. Ensure your transcript includes the degree awarded and the date it was conferred, if applicable. Transcripts from study-abroad programs are not required if credits appear on your main transcript.
- Resume/CV: Provide a resume that reflects your educational background, personal growth, and professional achievements. Use the guideline of one page per decade of post-secondary experience.
- Two Letters of Recommendation: These letters should come from people who know you well and can comment on your qualifications. Learn more here.
- Essay (Max 1,750 Words Total): Write two essays that answer the following:
- How have your life experiences influenced who you are today?
- What is your life’s mission, and how will Stanford and the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program help you achieve it?
- Two Short Answer Questions:
- Share eight unexpected or surprising facts about yourself.
- List three current goals you are actively working on (excluding Stanford admission or the Knight-Hennessy scholarship).
- Video Story: Record a video up to two minutes long, where you share something meaningful. Shorter videos are perfectly acceptable just be authentic.
- In-Person Assessment: If selected, you’ll be invited to attend an in-person assessment as part of the evaluation process.
Important Notes:
- All application materials must be submitted in English through the online portal.
- Submissions via email or postal mail are not accepted.
- Use the latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for the best experience.
- You can view a sample PDF of the application for the Autumn 2025 intake for reference purposes only.
FAQs About Stanford University Scholarships 2025-2026
Do I need to apply separately for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program and the Stanford graduate program
Ans: Yes, you must submit two separate applications one for Knight-Hennessy and one for your chosen Stanford graduate program. Both must be submitted by their respective deadlines.
Can I apply if I don’t have TOEFL scores yet?
Ans: You can start your application but must provide valid English proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE) as required by your program before the final deadline.
What fields of study are covered under this scholarship?
Ans: All graduate-level fields including law, medicine, engineering, arts, business, and more are covered. The program does not limit applicants based on academic discipline.
Conclusion
If you aim to study at one of the best universities in the USA with fully funded support, the Stanford University Scholarships 2025-2026 provide an incredible opportunity. From full tuition and living expenses to travel and academic enrichment, this scholarship is your gateway to academic and professional success. Apply early and take the first step toward a global future.
