Stanford University, one of the world’s most prestigious and innovative academic institutions, continues to offer one of the most generous and visionary fellowships for graduate students worldwide through the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program. Launched in 2016 with a $750 million endowment, this highly competitive and fully funded fellowship is designed to develop a diverse and interdisciplinary community of future global leaders. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (KHS) aims to empower exceptional students from all over the world to pursue graduate studies at Stanford while equipping them with transformational leadership training, multidisciplinary collaboration opportunities, and a lifelong network of changemakers. In 2025, the program continues its mission of preparing scholars to address complex global challenges through innovation, integrity, and inclusion. Whether you’re applying for a master’s, PhD, MBA, JD, MD, or dual-degree program, this fellowship offers full financial support and unparalleled personal development resources. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program 2025, including its objectives, benefits, eligibility requirements, application process, and insider tips for crafting a compelling application
What Is the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program?
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is a fully funded graduate-level scholarship at Stanford University that supports up to 100 outstanding students from around the world each year. The program brings together a multidisciplinary cohort of scholars from different cultures, backgrounds, and academic disciplines to study any graduate program offered at Stanford. It is named after Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike and Stanford alumnus, and John Hennessy, former president of Stanford and founding director of the program. Unlike traditional scholarships, KHS is more than just financial aid; it is a leadership development platform that offers academic funding, co-curricular training, mentorship, and access to an elite global network. Scholars live and collaborate at Denning House, a dedicated facility that serves as the heart of the community and a hub for leadership activities, cross-disciplinary learning, and innovation
Core Vision and Objectives of the KHS Program
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program was founded on a bold vision: to develop a new generation of ethical, empathetic, and bold leaders who will forge positive change in the world. The program is guided by three key pillars:
- Leadership Development: KHS trains scholars to be principled, visionary leaders capable of navigating and addressing global challenges
- Multidisciplinary Education: The program fosters collaboration across fields such as science, engineering, law, medicine, education, and business to promote creative solutions
- Global Impact: By selecting scholars from all regions and backgrounds, KHS ensures a diverse and inclusive environment that reflects the complexity of today’s world
These pillars are embedded in every aspect of the program, from curriculum and community engagement to mentorship and post-graduate pathways
Full Financial Benefits for Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Knight-Hennessy Scholars receive an exceptionally comprehensive financial package that covers every aspect of graduate study and living expenses at Stanford. The benefits include:
- Full tuition and associated fees for any Stanford graduate degree program
- A stipend for living expenses, including housing, meals, academic supplies, books, and local transportation
- Travel grant for one round-trip airfare per year between Stanford and the scholar’s home country
- Additional supplemental funding for professional development, conferences, and leadership training
- Dedicated funds for academic enrichment, such as attending global events, research initiatives, or policy forums
- Full access to Stanford health insurance and services
- Customized leadership and communication workshops, networking sessions, and innovation labs through the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP)
The total estimated value of the scholarship exceeds $300,000 over the course of a typical two to five-year graduate program, depending on the degree pursued
Who Is Eligible to Apply for Knight-Hennessy 2025?
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program has a broad and inclusive eligibility policy aimed at attracting global talent. To qualify for the 2025 intake, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Apply to and be admitted into any full-time graduate degree program at Stanford University (including JD, MBA, MA, MS, MFA, PhD, MD, MPP, etc.)
- Have earned a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) between January 2018 and September 2025
- Be highly proficient in English, both spoken and written, though no official test score is required unless required by the graduate department
- Demonstrate a track record of leadership, resilience, and civic engagement
- Have strong academic excellence as reflected in transcripts, publications, and honors
- Must be willing to fully participate in KHS leadership training and community events during their studies
There are no nationality, age, field of study, or citizenship restrictions. Students from all academic and socioeconomic backgrounds are encouraged to apply
Fields of Study Covered Under the Fellowship
KHS is open to all Stanford full-time graduate programs, allowing applicants to choose from over 125 fields, including:
- Business (MBA)
- Law (JD, JSM, JSD)
- Engineering (MS, PhD in Electrical, Civil, Computer, Mechanical, etc.)
- Education (MA, PhD)
- Medicine (MD, PhD in Biosciences)
- Environmental Sciences and Sustainability
- Humanities and Social Sciences (History, Political Science, Economics, etc.)
- Public Policy and International Relations
- Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Computer Science
- Design, Fine Arts, and Communication
Students may pursue dual or joint degrees, such as MBA/MD, JD/PhD, or MA/MS across schools, provided they are accepted by both the academic program and the KHS selection committee
The King Global Leadership Program (KGLP): A Unique Feature of KHS
All Knight-Hennessy Scholars participate in the King Global Leadership Program, a signature co-curricular initiative designed to complement academic study with leadership development. The KGLP includes:
- Leadership Labs focused on decision-making, negotiation, influence, and emotional intelligence
- Workshops with global leaders, CEOs, government officials, and Nobel laureates
- Problem-solving challenges in interdisciplinary teams
- Communication and storytelling training for public engagement
- Global study trips and site visits to understand policy and innovation firsthand
- Fellow-to-fellow mentorship and peer coaching sessions
- Ethics, empathy, and values-based leadership discussions
The goal of KGLP is to mold scholars into transformative leaders capable of creating sustainable, ethical, and inclusive solutions to world problems
Step-by-Step Application Process for Knight-Hennessy Scholars 2025
Applying for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is a two-part process. Applicants must independently apply to both Stanford University’s graduate department and to the KHS Program. Here’s a breakdown:
Step 1: Research and Select a Stanford Graduate Program
Decide which Stanford program you wish to pursue. Understand its curriculum, requirements, deadlines, and how it aligns with your career goals
Step 2: Apply Separately to Stanford and KHS
You must submit two applications—one to your chosen Stanford graduate program and one to KHS via the dedicated portal. These must be submitted before their respective deadlines
Step 3: Prepare Application Materials for KHS
The KHS application includes:
- Biographical and background information
- Resume (1–2 pages max)
- Academic transcripts
- Short answer questions about your goals and perspectives
- Two recommendation letters focused on your leadership, integrity, and character
- Two original essays (600–750 words each)
- Optional video introduction (maximum 2 minutes)
- Invitation-only final interview (for shortlisted candidates)
Step 4: Submit by Deadlines
The KHS deadline for the 2025 cohort is typically in October 2024. Most Stanford graduate program deadlines fall between October and December 2024. You must meet both deadlines to be considered
Step 5: Final Interview and Selection
Shortlisted candidates are invited to attend an immersive Finalist Experience at Stanford (in-person or virtual), which includes interviews, group activities, and leadership assessments. Final decisions are announced by spring 2025
Tips for a Winning Application
- Be authentic and self-aware—tell your story, not what you think the committee wants to hear
- Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, not just high grades
- Highlight your impact—what change have you made in your community or field?
- Show evidence of collaboration, resilience, and purpose
- Prepare and rehearse your optional video statement carefully—it’s a chance to show personality
- Secure strong recommendations from people who know your leadership qualities
- Start early to allow time for multiple reviews and edits
Successful applicants are not only high achievers but visionaries committed to making a difference
What Happens After Selection?
Once selected, KHS scholars begin their journey with:
- An orientation to Stanford and the Knight-Hennessy community
- Enrollment in their chosen graduate program
- Participation in the KGLP and community-building events at Denning House
- Academic coursework, research, and professional development
- Global leadership exposure through events, field visits, and project incubators
KHS provides individualized support, mentoring, and flexibility, ensuring each scholar thrives both academically and personally during their time at Stanford
Alumni Impact and Global Network
KHS alumni go on to become:
- Founders of social enterprises and startups
- Policy advisors in governments and international organizations
- Professors, researchers, and medical innovators
- Legal reformers, human rights activists, and environmental leaders
- Cross-sector collaborators solving global challenges
With a growing alumni network spread across over 70 countries, Knight-Hennessy Scholars remain actively engaged through reunions, mentorship circles, and collaboration grants long after graduation
Why You Should Apply for KHS 2025
If you’re a visionary leader with academic excellence, a service mindset, and global aspirations, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program 2025 offers you a transformative opportunity. It is more than a scholarship—it is a community, a launchpad, and a lifelong commitment to inclusive leadership. Whether your passion lies in entrepreneurship, law, medicine, sustainability, or the arts, this fellowship equips you with the tools to lead boldly and ethically in any domain. By investing in your education, leadership, and global connections, KHS can help you realize your full potential and accelerate the positive change you want to create in the world. The future needs bold, diverse, and compassionate leaders. If that’s you, KHS is waiting