The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program 2026 offers an extraordinary opportunity for graduates from all over the world to pursue advanced degrees at Stanford University, one of the leading research institutions globally. Designed to nurture future leaders, the program brings together a community of emerging scholars from diverse backgrounds, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, global understanding, and civic engagement. This prestigious Fully Funded Scholarship is aimed at individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to creating meaningful impact in the world.

Program Details

• Host Country: United States of America

• Program Location: Stanford University, California

• Program Dates: Begins in Fall 2026

• Program Themes or Focus Areas: Leadership, Innovation, Global Collaboration

Benefits

• Full tuition and associated fees for any graduate degree at Stanford

• Living stipend covering accommodation, academic materials, local transport, and personal expenses

• Annual economy-class return airfare to and from Stanford

• One-time relocation allowance

• Additional funding for conferences and academic enrichment

• Special summer grant for research or additional learning opportunities

Check: HISA Youth Fellowship 2025 | Fully Funded Global Leadership Program in the UK

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to all nationalities, ethnicities, genders, and ages

• Applicants must apply and be accepted into a full-time Stanford graduate program (e.g., JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MS, DMA, PhD, or joint/dual degrees)

• Must be a newly enrolling student at Stanford

• Must have earned a bachelor’s degree in January 2018 or later (January 2015 or later for U.S. military applicants)

• Must demonstrate:

  • Independence of thought

  • Purposeful leadership

  • Civic mindset

• TOEFL required for most graduate programs; IELTS and PTE also accepted for MBA

How to Apply

1. Apply separately to both:

   • The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

   • Your chosen Stanford graduate degree program

2. Indicate your Stanford program of choice in your Knight-Hennessy application

3. Submit all required materials online in English via the official portal

4. Use the latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for best results

Required Documents

• Completed online application form

• Academic transcript

• Standardized test scores (as required by Stanford program)

• One-page resume

• Two letters of recommendation

• Two personal essays

• Two short-answer responses

• A video introduction

• Participation in an in-person assessment (if shortlisted)

Application Deadline

Application Deadline: October 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM Pacific Time

Check: DAAD Helmut Schmidt 2026 | Fully Funded Master’s in Germany