Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Stanford University

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Bachelor's degree earned within the last 7 years; applying to any Stanford graduate programme; open to all nationalities

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Fully funded graduate scholarship at Stanford with a multidisciplinary leadership programme. Candidates must also apply to a Stanford graduate programme separately.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Bachelor's degree earned within the last 7 years; applying to any Stanford graduate programme; open to all nationalities
2. Note the deadline. Early Oct (annual; the 2027 cohort application closed on 6 Oct 2026 at 1 pm Pacific - the 2028 cohort application opens in summer 2027; you must also apply to a Stanford graduate programme) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Online application, essays, CV, three references, transcripts, separate Stanford programme application.
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Application review → finalist interview and selection weekend → decision

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
3. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
4. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
5. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
6. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Knight-Hennessy Scholars?

Bachelor's degree earned within the last 7 years; applying to any Stanford graduate programme; open to all nationalities

What does Knight-Hennessy Scholars cover?

Full tuition, annual stipend, travel funds and leadership development programme at Stanford

When is the deadline for Knight-Hennessy Scholars?

Early Oct (annual; the 2027 cohort application closed on 6 Oct 2026 at 1 pm Pacific - the 2028 cohort application opens in summer 2027; you must also apply to a Stanford graduate programme) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Knight-Hennessy Scholars?

Host countries: United States.

What documents do I need for Knight-Hennessy Scholars?

Online application, essays, CV, three references, transcripts, separate Stanford programme application.

How are applicants selected for Knight-Hennessy Scholars?

Application review → finalist interview and selection weekend → decision

How much work is the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application?

High: essays + 3 references + Stanford programme application