The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University is one of the most prestigious and competitive graduate fellowships in the world. Fully funded and globally recognized, the program attracts the brightest minds from across the globe and nurtures them into visionary leaders ready to tackle complex challenges across all sectors. For 2025, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Fellowship continues to offer full financial support to exceptional students pursuing graduate degrees at Stanford. This program combines rigorous academic study with transformative leadership development, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and immersive experiences that prepare scholars for global impact. Whether you are interested in business, law, engineering, education, policy, medicine, or the arts, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program provides an unparalleled platform to grow as both a scholar and a changemaker. This guide offers everything you need to know about the 2025 Knight-Hennessy application process, eligibility requirements, benefits, and how to increase your chances of selection
What Is the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program?
Launched in 2016, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is Stanford University’s flagship graduate scholarship initiative. It was founded by philanthropists Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike Inc., and John L. Hennessy, a former president of Stanford. The program selects up to 100 scholars annually from around the world to receive full funding for graduate studies at Stanford in any of its seven schools, including the School of Business, School of Law, School of Medicine, School of Engineering, Graduate School of Education, School of Humanities and Sciences, and School of Earth, Energy, and Environmental Sciences. The program not only covers tuition and expenses but also delivers a unique leadership development curriculum known as the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP), designed to prepare scholars to lead with empathy, innovation, and global perspective
Why Choose Stanford University?
Stanford University, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is one of the world’s leading research and academic institutions. With a culture of innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and academic excellence, Stanford is home to Nobel laureates, tech pioneers, global entrepreneurs, and leading public intellectuals. Being a Knight-Hennessy Scholar at Stanford gives you access to top-tier faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and a campus culture that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and creativity. Beyond academics, scholars benefit from Stanford’s proximity to major tech companies, venture capital firms, and policy think tanks, providing real-world exposure and career acceleration. The university’s commitment to inclusion, sustainability, and global problem-solving aligns strongly with the values of the Knight-Hennessy Program
What Does the Fellowship Cover?
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Fellowship is fully funded, meaning that all selected scholars receive comprehensive financial support throughout their graduate studies. The benefits include: full tuition and associated fees for any graduate degree program at Stanford, a living stipend to cover room, board, and personal expenses, an annual travel grant for one round-trip ticket to and from Stanford, academic enrichment funds for conferences, research trips, and workshops, access to professional development, leadership coaching, and global speaker series, funding for summer internships that align with scholars’ career goals. This financial coverage is renewable for the full duration of the degree program—typically 2 to 5 years—making it one of the most generous scholarships in the world
Who Is Eligible for the 2025 Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program?
To be eligible for the 2025 Knight-Hennessy Scholars Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria: must apply to and be accepted into a full-time graduate degree program at Stanford University (e.g., MBA, JD, MD, PhD, MS, MA, etc.), must have earned a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in 2018 or later for those applying in 2024 for 2025 enrollment, must demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership potential, and civic mindset, must meet the admission requirements of the Stanford graduate program of interest, must be proficient in English (TOEFL required for international applicants whose undergraduate instruction was not in English). There are no restrictions based on citizenship, nationality, age, gender, field of study, or career background. The program seeks applicants from all parts of the world who are intellectually curious, open-minded, and deeply committed to creating positive change
Selection Criteria: What Stanford Looks For
Applicants are evaluated on the basis of three primary selection criteria: 1) Independence of Thought – Scholars must show original thinking, intellectual curiosity, and a desire to seek knowledge beyond traditional boundaries, 2) Purposeful Leadership – Candidates should demonstrate leadership through actions, initiatives, and the ability to inspire others, 3) Civic Mindset – The program values individuals who are committed to improving the lives of others and have a track record of community service, advocacy, or public impact. While academic excellence is essential, the Knight-Hennessy selection process also prioritizes emotional intelligence, resilience, humility, and the potential to collaborate across disciplines. Strong communication skills, global awareness, and a well-defined vision for future contributions significantly increase the chances of success
Available Degree Programs
Knight-Hennessy Scholars can pursue any full-time graduate program at Stanford, including but not limited to: MBA – Stanford Graduate School of Business, JD – Stanford Law School, MD – Stanford School of Medicine, PhD – across various departments including Engineering, Humanities, Sciences, Education, MS and MA – in disciplines such as Computer Science, Economics, Sociology, Political Science, Public Policy, Energy Resources, MFA – in Art Practice, Film, and Creative Writing. Applicants must separately apply to the Stanford graduate program of their choice by the program’s official deadline and meet all admission requirements, in addition to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application
Application Timeline for 2025 Entry
Here is the general timeline for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application process for 2025: July 2024 – Knight-Hennessy application opens online, October 9, 2024 – Knight-Hennessy Scholars application deadline, December 2024 – Finalists announced and invited to Immersion Weekend, February 2025 – Immersion Weekend and final interviews, March 2025 – Final decisions released, September 2025 – Scholars begin classes at Stanford. Applicants must also ensure they apply to their chosen Stanford graduate program by its respective deadline, which varies by department. Both applications—the graduate school application and Knight-Hennessy application—must be submitted separately
How to Apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Fellowship
The application process consists of several parts: 1. Online Application Form – Includes personal information, academic history, and intended Stanford program, 2. Résumé/CV – A detailed account of education, work experience, leadership, and service, 3. Transcript(s) – Academic records from all institutions attended, 4. Two Recommendation Letters – One academic and one professional reference preferred, 5. Short-Answer Responses – Reflecting on personal background, values, and achievements, 6. Essays – Typically include a personal statement and a leadership essay outlining your vision, 7. Video Introduction – A short video to showcase personality and communication style, 8. Graduate Program Application – Must be submitted separately to Stanford University. All parts must be completed in English and submitted via the official online portal. Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed
Tips for a Strong Application
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is highly selective, so a strong application is essential. Here are some tips to stand out: Start early and familiarize yourself with both Stanford’s graduate school requirements and the Knight-Hennessy portal, Be authentic and reflect deeply on your values, motivations, and future goals, Use examples that demonstrate impact, resilience, and initiative, Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your leadership potential, Highlight cross-disciplinary interests and your desire to collaborate and grow, Prepare thoroughly for the video introduction—speak clearly, smile, and show your personality, Attend virtual info sessions and connect with current or former scholars for insight. Remember that the goal is not just to impress but to align with the program’s core values of integrity, curiosity, empathy, and global leadership
Life as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar
Knight-Hennessy Scholars become part of a close-knit and highly diverse community. Scholars live together at Denning House, a dedicated facility on the Stanford campus that hosts discussions, dinners, mentorship sessions, and networking events. They participate in the King Global Leadership Program, which includes weekly seminars, global speaker series, and skill-building workshops. The curriculum is not academic in the traditional sense but is focused on cultivating leadership, collaboration, cross-cultural communication, and ethical decision-making. Scholars also engage with Silicon Valley innovators, policy makers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders, gaining exposure that transcends academic boundaries. Many scholars work on start-ups, social impact initiatives, and research collaborations while studying
Global Impact of Knight-Hennessy Alumni
Knight-Hennessy alumni have gone on to achieve remarkable milestones across the globe. They have launched non-profits addressing poverty, built successful tech ventures, led government policy reforms, won international fellowships, published award-winning research, and taught at leading universities. The program cultivates leaders who return to their countries or move into global roles with the tools to make systemic change. Alumni continue to benefit from career support, lifelong learning, and access to Stanford’s alumni network and global partnerships. Whether in Africa, Asia, Europe, or the Americas, Knight-Hennessy alumni are shaping the future of education, health, governance, and sustainability
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply if I’m already enrolled in a Stanford graduate program? No. You must apply before you begin your Stanford graduate program
Is there an age limit? No, but your first degree must have been completed in 2018 or later for 2025 entry
Can I apply for more than one Stanford program? Yes, but you must meet the admissions criteria for each program separately
Is prior leadership experience required? Yes, demonstrated leadership is a key criterion
Do I need to take the GRE or GMAT? It depends on your chosen graduate program at Stanford
Are online degrees eligible? Yes, if they are from accredited institutions
Can I defer the Fellowship? No, deferrals are not permitted under this program
Can I work during the program? Scholars are expected to focus fully on their academic and leadership training, but some exceptions apply for internships
Final Thoughts: Your Path to Stanford Starts Here
The Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars Fellowship 2025 is more than just a scholarship. It’s a transformative leadership journey that connects the world’s brightest graduate students with the resources, mentors, and opportunities to lead change in any field. Fully funded and deeply impactful, the program empowers talented individuals from all corners of the globe to pursue their dreams at one of the world’s top universities. If you are a purpose-driven leader, ready to grow intellectually and professionally, and committed to serving a greater good, then the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program may be the door that changes everything. Begin preparing now, tell your authentic story, and take a bold step toward a future of meaningful leadership on a global stage