Knight Hennesy Scholarship For 2026. If you would like to study at a top USA university with full scholarships, then this opportunity may be of interest to you. The purpose of this article is to explain what the Knight Hennesy Scholarship is as well as its benefits and process for applying.
The Knight Hennesy Scholarship 2026-2027 is a fully funded scholarship for international students. There are scholarships available for Masters and PhD studies. Typically, these scholarships cover the full cost of tuition, a travel allowance, a living allowance, and academic expenses.
The Knight Hennesy Scholars Program is one of the top scholarship programs in the world. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program will attract future leaders from a variety of disciplines and geographical regions to Stanford University. A global perspective is achieved through multidisciplinary education, leadership development, and international experiences. Top Universities has ranked Stanford University as #2 in their QS World Universities Ranking 2022. The Stanford University is offering 100 scholarships for international students to study for a Masters, Ph.D., MS, MBA, MFA, MD, and JD at Stanford University.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars applications are encouraged from citizens of all countries. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is expected to have a global impact, so that’s natural. With Knight-Hennessy Scholars, your admission process is designed with the goal of allowing you to know yourself better, enabling us to get to know you better, and empowering you to make your best case for admission – all while making your admission experience a positive one. Approximately one-third of our scholars will be from the United States, and about two thirds will be from countries other than the United States. Because our goal is to admit the world’s best students, regardless of location, those numbers may fluctuate from year to year.
Founded in 1885, Stanford University is the oldest university in the United States. A place for learning, discovery, innovation, expression, and discourse. Over the past 125+ years, Stanford has evolved with the world, often leading the way with new ideas and discoveries. One of the top universities in the world is Stanford University. Knight-Hennessy Scholarship Program in the United States attracts a great deal of talent. A multidisciplinary community of scholars, an opportunity for leadership development that empowers you to make a large-scale positive impact in the world are some of the things they provide.
Summary of Scholarships
- Study Level: Masters, PhD
- Institution(s): Stanford University
- Study at: USA
- Opportunities Focus Areas: The scholarship program supports graduate (PhD) studies in arts, engineering, education, humanities, or social sciences, as well as professional degrees in business, law, and medicine. You can find all the available programs here.
- Program Period: The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program funds up to the first three years of your graduate education, and if you choose a degree program that lasts more than three years like an MD or PhD then your Stanford home department will fund the remaining portion of your education in accordance with its standard funding commitment.
- Deadline: The KHS application for the 2026 cohort will be available on June 1, 2025 (For more details, click here).
Coverage of scholarships
The Knight Hennesy Scholarship provides the following benefits to the recipient:
- An annual travel stipend intended to cover one economy class ticket to and from Stanford.
- A stipend to cover living and academic expenses (including room and board, books, academic supplies, instructional materials, transportation, and reasonable personal expenses).
- The fellowship is applied directly to tuition (at the standard departmental enrollment level) and fees.
- The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program typically does not cover costs that your home department at Stanford pays for its students, such as subscriptions or laboratory supplies.
Please note: The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program also provides supplemental funding for academic pursuits (e.g. conference travel expenses).
Eligibility Criteria for Knight-Hennessy Scholarship
To be considered for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Language Requirement: English is the required language of instruction.
- Eligible Countries: Applicants from all countries worldwide are welcome to apply.
- Educational Background: You must have received your first/bachelor’s degree in 2019 or later if you plan to enroll at Stanford in 2026. Applications are accepted if submitted within four years of earning your degree and enrollment occurs within five years.
- Intellectual Traits: Candidates should demonstrate strong intellectual ability, a genuine curiosity for learning, creativity, and the capacity to handle complex or uncertain situations. Independent thinking and holding unique or dissenting opinions are also valued.
- Application Requirements: You must complete the full Knight-Hennessy Scholars application, along with the graduate program application at Stanford. This includes submitting scores from any required standardized tests such as the GMAT, GRE, LSAT, or MCAT, as well as an English proficiency test if applicable.
- Personal Attributes: Ideal candidates are ambitious, motivated to grow, and willing to take risks. They should be resilient, self-aware, and bounce back from challenges. The program values humility, kindness, inclusivity, and a strong sense of community support and collaboration.
- English Proficiency: You must be proficient in English across listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The minimum TOEFL score for most Stanford graduate programs is 100 on the iBT or 600 on the PBT. Stanford’s MBA program also accepts the IELTS and PTE click here.
- Stanford Graduate Program Admission: In addition to applying to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program, you must apply to and be admitted to a full-time graduate degree program at Stanford University. Eligible degrees include, but are not limited to: PhD, DMA, JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MPP, MS. Note: Preference is given to candidates who will spend at least two years at Stanford.
How to Apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship?
Follow these step-by-step instructions to apply for the prestigious Knight-Hennessy Scholarship:
Step 1: Create Your Account
Start by creating an account here and begin your online application.
Step 2: Fill Out the Online Application Form
Complete and submit the online application. You’ll need to provide your:
- Personal information
- Academic background
- Details about your interests and activities
Step 3: Submit the Required Documents
You’ll need to upload the following:
a. Transcripts
- Submit unofficial or self-reported transcripts from each college or university you attended for one academic year or more.
- If you can’t upload an unofficial transcript, use the self-reported transcript template.
- Your transcript should include any degrees earned and the date they were awarded.
- You do not need transcripts from study-abroad programs if those credits appear on your main transcript.
b. Resume
- Include a professional resume highlighting your education, achievements, and experiences.
- Keep it to one page for every 10 years after high school.
c. Two Letters of Recommendation
- You’ll need two strong recommendation letters. Learn more about the requirements here.
d. Essay (Max 1,750 words in total)
Your essays should address the following:
- What life experiences and influences have shaped you?
- How will you pursue your purpose in life, and how will Stanford and the Knight-Hennessy experience help?
e. Short Answer Questions
- List eight surprising facts about yourself.
- Share three goals you’re actively working on (Note: You can’t mention getting into Stanford or being selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar).
f. Video Story
- Submit a video of up to 2 minutes. It can be shorter.
- Use this video to share something meaningful about yourself.
g. Attend an In-Person Assessment
If shortlisted, you may be invited to an in-person assessment as part of the selection process.
Important Notes:
- All application materials must be submitted online and in English.
- Do not send documents via email or postal mail.
- Use an updated version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for the best experience.
- Want a preview? View a sample application for autumn 2026 here (PDF).
FAQs about the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship
Can I apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship if I haven’t yet been admitted to a Stanford graduate program?
No. You must apply separately and be admitted to a full-time Stanford graduate program in addition to completing the Knight-Hennessy application. Both applications can be done simultaneously, but acceptance into the Stanford program is essential.
Are there specific academic fields eligible for the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship?
Yes. The scholarship supports graduate studies in a wide range of fields, including arts, education, engineering, humanities, social sciences, as well as professional degrees in business (MBA), law (JD), and medicine (MD). You can apply to any eligible full-time graduate program offered at Stanford.
What are the language requirements for the scholarship?
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. Most Stanford programs require a minimum TOEFL score of 100 (iBT) or 600 (PBT). Some programs also accept IELTS or PTE scores. Make sure to check the specific language requirements of your intended Stanford graduate program.
Conclusion
The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship is a golden opportunity for ambitious students worldwide to study at Stanford University with full financial support. With its focus on academic excellence, leadership, and global impact, this prestigious program empowers scholars to lead change across the world. Don’t miss your chance—start preparing your application today for the 2026 cohort!
