The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program 2026 represents one of the most prestigious and competitive academic opportunities globally, offering fully funded graduate education at Stanford University in the United States of America. Designed to empower a new generation of global leaders, the program attracts highly motivated individuals from around the world who are committed to leadership, innovation, and service to humanity.

With a focus on academic excellence, purposeful leadership, and a deep-rooted civic mindset, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program nurtures a community of thinkers and change-makers determined to address the world’s most pressing challenges. By creating a collaborative and interdisciplinary ecosystem, Stanford provides scholars with the tools to lead with courage, empathy, and vision.

This opportunity is ideal for early-career professionals, recent graduates, and aspiring leaders from all backgrounds who seek to combine rigorous academic training with practical impact. As a Knight-Hennessy Scholar, you will not only join a world-renowned university but also become part of a dynamic, lifelong network dedicated to driving positive change.

Program Details

Host Country:
United States of America

Program Location:
Stanford University, California

Program Dates:
Begins in Fall 2026 (aligned with Stanford University’s academic calendar)

Program Themes or Focus Areas:

• Leadership

• Innovation

• Global Collaboration

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars experience is far more than just financial support—it is a transformative journey. Scholars participate in the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP), a core component that includes workshops, conferences, mentorship, and immersive learning modules designed to shape them into principled and visionary leaders.

The KGLP promotes reflection, ethical decision-making, cross-cultural understanding, and resilience. Whether pursuing a PhD, MBA, JD, or another graduate degree, scholars receive the tools to bridge disciplines and bring systemic change to their fields and communities.

Benefits

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

• Living stipend to cover housing, food, academic supplies, local transportation, and other personal expenses

• Annual economy-class round-trip airfare between the scholar’s home country and Stanford

• One-time relocation stipend to assist with initial moving expenses

• Supplementary funding to attend academic conferences and pursue enrichment opportunities

• Summer research or training grant for immersive learning beyond the classroom

• Participation in the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP)

• Access to Stanford’s world-class faculty, resources, and innovation hubs

• Networking with a global cohort of scholars, alumni, and mentors

The program enables recipients to focus fully on their studies and professional development without the financial burden that often accompanies graduate education. This level of support allows scholars to make the most of Stanford’s vast opportunities in research, entrepreneurship, and global leadership.

Eligibility Criteria

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program 2026 is open to applicants from any country, background, and academic discipline. Candidates must fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

• Applicants of all nationalities, ethnicities, genders, and ages are encouraged to apply

• Must apply and be accepted into a full-time graduate program at Stanford University, such as:

  • Doctoral Programs (PhD, DMA)

  • Master’s Programs (MA, MS, MBA, MFA)

  • Professional Programs (JD, MD)

  • Joint or Dual Degree Programs

• Must be enrolling as a new student; current Stanford students applying for a new graduate program may also be eligible

• Must have earned a bachelor’s degree no earlier than January 2018

  • U.S. military applicants may have earned their degree as early as January 2015

• Must demonstrate:

  • Independence of thought

  • Purposeful leadership

  • Civic mindset

• Must meet English language proficiency requirements, typically demonstrated through the TOEFL (required by most graduate programs), IELTS, or PTE (accepted for MBA)

Applicants should note that admission to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is separate from Stanford University’s graduate school admissions process. You must apply and gain admission to both.

How to Apply

To be considered for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program 2026, candidates must complete two separate applications:

1. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program Application

2. Stanford University Graduate Program Application

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Choose your Stanford graduate program (e.g., PhD in Engineering, MBA, JD in Law, MA in Education).

2. Review the specific application requirements for your chosen graduate program on Stanford’s official website.

3. Submit your Knight-Hennessy application online, indicating your selected Stanford program.

4. Submit your graduate program application to Stanford University through their separate online portal.

5. Upload all required documents for both applications.

Knight-Hennessy Application Requirements:

• Completed application form (submitted via the Knight-Hennessy online portal)

• Academic transcripts from all postsecondary institutions

• Standardized test scores (as required by your chosen Stanford program)

• One-page resume or curriculum vitae

• Two letters of recommendation

• Two personal essays addressing your life story and leadership goals

• Two short-answer responses on values and interests

• A video introduction (90 seconds max)

• Participation in an in-person assessment (for shortlisted applicants)

Important Technical Notes:

• All materials must be submitted in English

• Use the latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for optimal performance

• Only complete applications submitted before the deadline will be considered

Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the process early, as gathering transcripts, recommendations, and preparing multiple applications takes significant time and effort.

Application Deadline

October 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM Pacific Time

Both the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application and the Stanford graduate program application must be submitted by this deadline. Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.