Introduction
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University is one of the most prestigious and generous graduate scholarship programs in the world. Launched in 2016 through a $750 million endowment, the program supports up to 100 outstanding students from around the globe each year to pursue graduate degrees across all Stanford schools. With a focus on developing visionary leaders who are committed to solving complex global challenges, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program offers full financial coverage, leadership development, interdisciplinary learning, and access to a vibrant global network. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the eligibility, benefits, application process, and what it takes to become a Knight-Hennessy Scholar at Stanford University in 2025
About Stanford University
Stanford University, located in California’s Silicon Valley, is one of the world’s leading research universities. Founded in 1885, it consistently ranks among the top three institutions globally for innovation, academic excellence, and graduate employability. Stanford is home to schools of Business, Law, Medicine, Engineering, Education, Humanities and Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Sustainability. It has produced Nobel Laureates, tech billionaires, social entrepreneurs, and global policymakers. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is Stanford’s flagship initiative to attract the world’s brightest graduate students and empower them to become agents of progress and peace
What Is the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program?
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is a fully funded scholarship that supports up to 100 students each year to pursue graduate degrees at Stanford University. It is open to students from all countries and across all academic disciplines. The program was created to prepare scholars for leadership in a rapidly changing, globally connected world. Scholars receive funding for tuition, living expenses, and academic costs. They also participate in the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP), which offers personalized coaching, interdisciplinary workshops, and immersive experiences to develop transformative leadership skills. The program emphasizes humility, service, innovation, and ethical decision-making
Key Benefits of the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship
Covers full tuition and associated fees for any graduate program at Stanford
Provides a living stipend to cover room, board, books, and personal expenses
Includes a travel stipend for an annual round-trip ticket to and from Stanford
Offers leadership development, personal coaching, and global experiential learning
Enables scholars to participate in the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP)
Access to exclusive mentoring by Stanford faculty and alumni
Freedom to explore interdisciplinary study and research
Provides funding for summer experiences and service projects
Creates lifelong membership in the global Knight-Hennessy Scholar community
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: Must apply to a full-time graduate program at Stanford for enrollment in 2025
Must have earned a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) between January 2018 and August 2025
Must demonstrate a strong record of academic excellence and leadership potential
Must be fluent in English and meet the requirements for the Stanford graduate program of choice
Applicants must not have already completed a graduate degree at Stanford unless applying for a new program
Both U.S. and international students are eligible
Who Should Apply?
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program seeks applicants who demonstrate: Independence of thought and original thinking
Purposeful leadership driven by humility and service
Civic-mindedness and global awareness
Resilience and emotional intelligence
Commitment to collaboration and ethical values
Academic excellence with a record of achievement
A desire to effect meaningful change in their community or field
Which Programs Are Eligible?
All Stanford graduate programs are eligible under the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship, including: MBA at Stanford Graduate School of Business
JD at Stanford Law School
MD at Stanford School of Medicine
PhD programs across all departments
Master’s degrees in Education, Engineering, Humanities, and Sciences
Dual and joint degree programs such as MBA/MPP or JD/MA
Interdisciplinary programs such as MS in Sustainability Science, MSx for experienced professionals, and more
Applicants must apply separately and be admitted to their graduate program of choice in addition to applying for Knight-Hennessy Scholars
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Determine Program Eligibility
Ensure the graduate program you want to apply to at Stanford is eligible and that you meet both the Knight-Hennessy and departmental requirements
Step 2: Apply to Stanford Graduate Program
Apply directly to your Stanford graduate program of choice by its respective deadline. The application is separate from the Knight-Hennessy application
Step 3: Create a Knight-Hennessy Application
Register and complete the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application online at kh.stanford.edu. The application includes: Personal and academic background
Two recommendation letters
Short answer questions and two essays
A one-minute video introduction
Resume or CV
Transcripts and test scores if required by the program
Step 4: Finalist Interview
Shortlisted applicants are invited to Stanford for Immersion Weekend, which includes interviews, leadership assessments, and interactions with faculty and scholars
Step 5: Admission Decisions
Final selections are announced in March 2025. Admitted scholars will receive offers from both Stanford and the Knight-Hennessy Program
Important Deadlines
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Application Deadline: October 9, 2024
Stanford Graduate Program Application Deadline: Varies by department (usually October–December 2024)
Immersion Weekend for Finalists: February 2025
Admission Offers: March 2025
Program Begins: September 2025
What Is the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP)?
All Knight-Hennessy Scholars participate in the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP), a transformative curriculum designed to develop values-based leadership. Components of the program include: Workshops on complex systems and decision-making
Seminars with global leaders and innovators
Retreats focused on resilience, empathy, and ethical leadership
Team-building and collaborative problem-solving exercises
Service and global immersion projects
KGLP is tailored to complement the scholar’s field of study and ensure they graduate not only as subject matter experts but as capable, conscious global leaders
Stanford’s Commitment to Diversity
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Scholars are selected from every continent and across all academic disciplines. The program has a strong representation of women, first-generation college graduates, and students from low-income backgrounds. Cultural exchange, equity of opportunity, and global understanding are core values of the program. Stanford’s supportive campus environment allows scholars to thrive regardless of background
Is There an Age Limit?
No, there is no age limit to apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program. However, applicants must have received their first undergraduate degree within seven years of applying. For the 2025 cohort, that means degrees earned in 2018 or later. Exceptions may apply for military service or similar interruptions
What Makes a Strong Application?
A strong Knight-Hennessy application goes beyond grades and test scores. Top applicants: Tell a compelling personal story with clarity of purpose
Show a pattern of leadership, initiative, and community impact
Demonstrate adaptability and lifelong learning
Present thoughtful, introspective essays that reflect values and future goals
Align academic ambitions with broader societal benefit
Convey curiosity, courage, and humility
Do You Need to Take GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT?
Yes, if your Stanford graduate program requires standardized tests, you must submit them as part of your graduate program application. The Knight-Hennessy application does not have separate test requirements. Scores must be submitted directly to the Stanford department and should not be older than five years
Can You Apply for Other Scholarships?
Yes, applicants are allowed to apply for external scholarships or departmental awards at Stanford. However, the Knight-Hennessy award typically takes precedence due to its full funding package. Scholars are not allowed to combine conflicting sources of major funding unless pre-approved by the university
Can the Scholarship Be Deferred?
No, the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship cannot be deferred. If you are admitted but cannot attend in 2025, you must reapply in a future year. All scholars must enroll in their graduate program in the fall following their admission
Does the Program Fund Short-Term or Online Courses?
No, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is only for full-time, in-person graduate degree programs at Stanford University. It does not cover part-time, certificate, or online programs
Do Scholars Get Research Opportunities?
Yes, Knight-Hennessy Scholars have full access to Stanford’s extensive research ecosystem. Scholars can work with faculty on interdisciplinary research, innovation labs, entrepreneurship centers, and global development initiatives. Many scholars publish papers, present at conferences, and engage in world-class academic inquiry
Can You Live on Campus?
Yes, all Knight-Hennessy Scholars are provided housing on or near the Stanford campus. The stipend is designed to fully support a comfortable cost of living in the Bay Area. Scholars are integrated into a close-knit residential community and participate in regular events, networking dinners, and collaborative workshops
What Are the Long-Term Benefits?
Global recognition as part of an elite leadership community
Mentorship from top scholars, entrepreneurs, and public servants
Career support and access to Stanford’s alumni network
Strong foundation for roles in international development, policy, science, business, or academia
Empowerment to pursue ambitious goals with social or global impact
What Are the Risks or Challenges?
Highly competitive: Only 1%–2% of applicants are accepted
Requires deep introspection and clarity of purpose
Demands active participation in leadership development programs
Students must balance graduate studies with KGLP commitments
Admitted scholars must maintain excellent academic standing and ethical behavior
Life After the Program
Knight-Hennessy alumni go on to: Lead NGOs, tech startups, or global organizations
Win prestigious fellowships like Rhodes, Schwarzman, and Fulbright
Enter public service in their home countries
Become professors, authors, and public intellectuals
Work in global health, energy, justice reform, sustainability, or education reform
They remain lifelong ambassadors of the values they developed at Stanford and contribute to a more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable future
Final Thoughts
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University is more than just a scholarship—it is a life-transforming journey that empowers exceptional students to lead boldly, serve ethically, and innovate fearlessly. With full funding, access to one of the world’s best universities, and a world-class leadership curriculum, the opportunity is unmatched. If you are a driven individual who seeks not only personal success but global impact, the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship could be your gateway to change. Start preparing early, be authentic in your application, and align your dreams with a vision that benefits the world.