Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program 2026 at Stanford University

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program 2026 is specifically designed to forge transformational leaders who possess a strong cross-cultural perspective, a bold vision for the future, and the capacity to inspire others through their actions and words. These scholars are unwaveringly committed to the greater good. They not only develop deep expertise in their fields but also gain invaluable exposure to a diverse range of disciplines and cultures within the Knight-Hennessy community.

By participating in this global leadership initiative, scholars enhance their capabilities for transformational leadership and actively collaborate to confront critical global challenges such as climate change, healthcare inequity, the future of education, and criminal justice reform.

Central to the program is the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP), which incorporates targeted workshops, powerful lectures, impactful projects, and transformative experiences to strengthen scholars’ leadership skills. Through KGLP, scholars are equipped to tackle essential global issues and seize emerging opportunities within climate change, healthcare, government and policy, and education.

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is not merely an addition to scholars’ academic journeys; it is a crucial cornerstone that amplifies their graduate studies. While gaining profound knowledge in their chosen fields, the program builds upon that expertise and positions them to become influential leaders.

As Knight-Hennessy Scholars, individuals master the art of communication, collaboration, and innovation alongside a diverse cohort of their peers. These vital connections dismantle traditional academic silos, paving the way for innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. Moreover, the KGLP significantly enhances their transformational leadership capacity, empowering them to inspire and challenge themselves and others to achieve ambitious goals.

This program has established a robust leadership model that drives its initiatives. This model underscores the critical importance of cross-cultural perspectives, bold visions, inspirational leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good.

Fully Funded DAAD Master’s Scholarships 2025–2026 in Germany

Financial Support for Cost of Attendance

As a Knight-Hennessy Scholar, you receive funding for up to three years for any graduate degree(s) at Stanford to which you are admitted when selected as a scholar.

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is a multidisciplinary and multicultural graduate scholarship initiative. Each scholar is awarded up to three years of financial support to pursue graduate studies at Stanford while participating in activities designed to prepare them to become visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders capable of addressing complex global challenges.

After enrolling at Stanford, if you wish to pursue an additional graduate program, you can apply to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program for extra funding for up to three years. However, this additional funding is not guaranteed.

For degree programs that exceed three years, such as MD or PhD programs, or Stanford dual or joint-degree programs, your home department(s) at Stanford typically provides funding for the remainder of your education, in line with their standard funding commitments for those programs. These commitments vary by department and school, so it is advisable to contact the graduate program directly with any specific questions about those commitments.

During each of the first three years of graduate study, Knight-Hennessy Scholars receive:

• A fellowship applied directly to cover tuition and associated fees
• Stipend for living and academic expenses (such as room and board, books, academic supplies, instructional materials, local transportation, and reasonable personal expenses)
• A travel grant intended to cover an economy-class ticket for one annual trip to and from Stanford
• NOTE: Knight-Hennessy Scholars also may access supplemental funds to support academic enrichment (e.g., conference travel).

Eligibility Criteria for the 2026 Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

These eligibility requirements help you determine if you may apply to be a Knight-Hennessy Scholar.

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is a multidisciplinary and multicultural community. There are no restrictions based on age, college or university, field of study, or career aspiration. They encourage citizens and residents of all countries to apply.  This does not require applicants to seek endorsements from colleges, universities, or other institutions.

To be eligible for graduate study, you must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognised standing. See Stanford’s guidelines for a minimum level of study.

There are two baseline eligibility requirements.

1. First, in addition to applying to Knight-Hennessy Scholars, you must apply to, be accepted by, and enrol in a full-time Stanford graduate degree program. Each incoming Knight-Hennessy Scholar must be a newly enrolling student in a Stanford graduate program, including, but not limited to, DMA, JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MPP, MS, or PhD programs. There are no quotas by discipline or program. Note that they will give priority consideration to those who will spend at least two years studying at Stanford.
2. Second, you must have earned, in January 2019 or later, a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a college or university of recognised standing.

Please note that a small number of Stanford graduate degree programs are not eligible for Knight-Hennessy Scholars.  Please see the Applying to Stanford Graduate Program page for examples.

Selection Criteria for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program 2026

The following criteria clarify what they seek in your application, help you assess your alignment with our values, and prepare you to demonstrate the criteria in your application.

There is neither a typical nor a prototypical Knight-Hennessy Scholar. Each cohort is diverse by design; no two candidates are equally strong across all criteria, and you may demonstrate different strengths in different ways. As they evaluate and select Knight-Hennessy Scholars, they look for evidence of these criteria:

1. Independence of Thought

They seek visionary thinkers who are curious, open-minded, analytical, and eager for cross-cultural perspectives. They must also be genuinely excited to boldly and creatively address the world’s important challenges.

• Demonstrates mental sharpness and intellectual ability
• Seeks out knowledge and new experiences
• Full of original ideas
• Makes sense of ambiguity
• Can hold a contrarian or dissenting point of view

2. Purposeful Leadership

They seek courageous leaders who are ethical, decisive, resilient, driven to achieve meaningful results, and motivated to inspire others to effect positive change at scale.

• Ambitious in the service of a better world
• Driven to improve self and others
• Able to include and elevate others
• Self-aware and adaptable
• Persistent and resilient

3. Civic Mindset

They seek collaborative community members who are humble, empathetic, trustworthy, oriented to serve others, and deeply passionate about contributing to the greater good.

• Personally humble and kind
• Supportive and accountable
• Embraces difference
• Concerned for and helpful to others

Top 5 University Scholarships in Denmark for International Students

Deadline

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars application deadline is October 8, 2025, 1:00 pm Pacific Time.

---

APPLY HERE

---

For more details, you can also visit the Knight-Hennessy Scholars website here.