What happens when the world’s brightest minds gather in one place to learn, innovate, and lead? The answer is found at Stanford University, through the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program 2026 — one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships in the world.
This extraordinary program nurtures a new generation of global leaders — individuals who are not just academically gifted, but also visionary, courageous, and committed to solving humanity’s toughest challenges.
At Stanford, Knight-Hennessy Scholars are empowered to design the future — with access to world-class education, groundbreaking research, and a vibrant community of change-makers from every continent.
If you’re driven by purpose, innovation, and impact — this is where your next chapter begins.
About the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
Established in 2018 through a historic endowment, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (KHS) supports outstanding graduate students from all fields — whether in engineering, business, law, medicine, humanities, or education.
The program is anchored at Stanford University, California, USA — one of the world’s leading centers of research, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.
It combines full financial support with unparalleled leadership training through the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP), designed to cultivate ethical, visionary, and collaborative leaders who can navigate global challenges.
Scholarship Benefits
The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship is one of the most comprehensive funding packages available for graduate education:
🎓 Full tuition coverage for any graduate degree at Stanford
💰 Living and academic stipends covering accommodation, meals, and personal expenses
✈️ Annual travel grant for one economy-class ticket to and from Stanford
📚 Additional research or conference funding (on an approval basis)
🌍 Participation in the King Global Leadership Program — an elite leadership curriculum focusing on personal development, multidisciplinary learning, and global citizenship
Fields of Study
Knight-Hennessy Scholars can pursue any full-time graduate program offered at Stanford, including:
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PhD, DMA, JD, MBA, MD, MFA, or MS/MA programs
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Joint or dual degrees (e.g., JD/MBA, MD/PhD, MS/PhD, etc.)
Applicants are encouraged to select programs that align with their long-term vision and leadership aspirations.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program 2026, candidates must:
✅ Hold a bachelor’s degree earned in 2019 or later (or equivalent).
✅ Be admitted to a full-time graduate program at Stanford University.
✅ Demonstrate leadership potential, independence of thought, and civic purpose.
✅ Show excellence in academics, innovation, and community engagement.
✅ Be proficient in English (proof may be required by Stanford departments).
There are no restrictions by nationality, age, or field of study — it’s open to all disciplines and all countries.
Application Process
The application involves two separate submissions — one to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program and one to the Stanford graduate department of your choice.
🧭 Steps to Apply:
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Apply online for admission to your chosen graduate program at Stanford.
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Complete the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application via the official portal.
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Submit required materials: academic transcripts, resume, recommendation letters, short essays, and a personal video statement.
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Shortlisted applicants are invited for virtual or in-person interviews.
🗓️ Application Deadline: October 9, 2025 (for enrollment in Autumn 2026)
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program isn’t just about academic funding — it’s about shaping leaders who will influence systems, policies, and progress on a global scale.
Scholars are immersed in a multidisciplinary ecosystem that fosters creativity, collaboration, and purpose-driven innovation — right in the heart of Silicon Valley, where technology meets humanity.
Through mentorship, leadership seminars, and global networking, every scholar gains the insight and resilience to become an agent of transformation in their communities and beyond.
Official Application Portal
🔗 Visit the Official Knight-Hennessy Scholars Portal – Stanford University
