Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) program is an interdisciplinary, multicultural graduate fellowship that aims to develop leaders who will make a good difference in the world. Every year, it chooses up to 100 high-achieving students from various backgrounds and nationalities and awards them complete financing to pursue any graduate degree at Stanford University. Aside from financial assistance, the program provides a distinct leadership development experience, cultivating a thriving community of academics who learn, contribute, and grow together.

Started in 2016 with a big donation from Nike co-founder Phil Knight and named after Stanford's 10th president, John L. Hennessy, the program focuses on thinking for yourself, leading with purpose, and being involved in your community.

Programs Offered

Knight-Hennessy Scholars can choose any full-time graduate program at Stanford University that fits their interests. This includes programs like:

• Business: MBA
• Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences: Master's & PhD
• Education: MA, MS, & PhD (like Policy and Education Data Science)
• Engineering: Master's & PhD
• Humanities & Sciences: Master's & PhD
• Law: JD
• Medicine: MD
• Public Policy: MPP
• Arts: DMA, MFA

Many students also go for joint or dual degrees, taking advantage of Stanford's mix of fields.

Benefits

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program provides great support so that scholars can concentrate fully on their studies and leadership growth.

Full Funding: Here’s what the program covers for up to three years:

• Full tuition fees
• A stipend to help with living and school costs, like housing, food, books, supplies, local travel, and some personal expenses
• A travel allowance for one trip to and from Stanford each year
• Health insurance
• A relocation stipend

Leadership Development: Scholars take part in a rigorous leadership program that supplements their graduate studies. This offers:

• Workshop, lecture, and experiential learning options
• Annual weekend retreats for leadership and community building
• "McMurtry Leadership Lectures" feature famous world leaders
• "KHeystone Projects," scholar-led cooperation on regional or global challenges
• Global travel/study tours provide exposure to different cultures and perspectives

Community Vibes: Scholars join a lively and diverse group, making lasting friendships and working together. The Denning House on Stanford's campus is the main hub for the program, where everyone can connect and share experiences.

Mentorship and Support: Scholars get guidance and coaching to help them shape their ideas and tackle important challenges.

Global Impact Fund: The program also has grants of up to $100,000 available for scholars who are dedicated to making a difference with their non-profits that aim to improve lives and create real change.

Eligibility Criteria

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is open to applicants from all over the world, including Pakistan, and from any area of study. You won’t find any age limits, specific college requirements, or rules about your career goals.

Main eligibility requirements:

Admission into a Stanford Graduate Program: This is the most important requirement. You must apply, be approved, and then enroll in a full-time Stanford graduate degree program. This includes, but is not limited to, Master's (MA, MS, MBA, MFA and MPP) and Doctoral (PhD, JD, MD, DMA) degrees from all seven Stanford schools (Business, Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Sciences, Law, Medicine).

• Important Note for Pakistani Applicants: You must apply independently to both the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program and your preferred Stanford graduate degree program. Admission to your Stanford graduate program is required before being selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar.

Undergraduate Degree Date: To participate in the 2026 cohort, you must have completed your first bachelor's degree in January 2019 or later. This means that if you completed your first bachelor's degree before January 2019, you are probably ineligible.

• Military Service Exception: For applicants who have served in the military, the eligibility period is extended for two years (January 2017 or later for the 2026 cohort).
• Current students: If you are currently an undergraduate student, you are eligible if you will have completed your first degree by September of your anticipated enrollment year (September 2026 for the 2026 cohort).

Equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor's Degree: If you've got a degree from a school outside the U.S., like in Pakistan, you'll need to have something that's equal to a U.S. bachelor's degree from a well-known college or university. The folks at Stanford University's Office of Graduate Admissions handle these requirements.

How to Apply

To apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program, you need to submit two applications: one for KHS and another for your selected graduate program at Stanford.

Here are the steps for applicants from Pakistan:

• Choose Your Program: Pick a full-time graduate program at Stanford and check what they need for admissions and their deadlines.
• Check KHS Eligibility: Make sure you meet the KHS eligibility requirements, especially regarding your undergraduate degree.
• Prepare Your Applications:
  • Knight-Hennessy Scholars Application (No Fee):
    • Fill out the online form, include your resume or CV, transcripts, and test scores if needed.
    • Get 2 recommendation letters that talk about your leadership skills, independence, and community involvement.
    • Write short answers and an essay that reflects your personal growth.
    • Be ready for a video statement and an interview if you’re selected.
  • Stanford Graduate Program Application (Fee required):
    • This will have its own requirements, like personal statements, different recommendation letters, transcripts, test scores, and essays specific to that program.
• Keep Track of Deadlines: Make sure to stick to the KHS deadline and the various deadlines for your chosen Stanford program. Both need to match up.
• Submit Both Applications: You can only be considered for KHS if you’re accepted into a Stanford graduate program.

FAQs