Knight‑Hennessy Scholars 2026: Stanford’s Premier Award
Knight‑Hennessy Scholarships 2026: If you’re aiming for graduate study at Stanford, the Knight‑Hennessy Scholars program offers more than just a scholarship—it immerses you in leadership, innovation, and a global scholar network. Since its launch in 2016, it awards up to 100 scholars each year and supports any full-time graduate program
Why Knight-Hennessy Is Unique
🔹 Comprehensive Funding & Perks
- Covers full tuition and fees for up to three years.
- Generous stipend for living expenses, books, and supplies.
- Annual round-trip airfare to Stanford.
- One-time relocation grant, plus extra funds for conferences and summer research
🔹 Tailored Leadership Program for Knight‑Hennessy Scholarships 2026
Knight-Hennessy isn’t just about money—it’s also about growth. The King Global Leadership Program includes:
- Quarterly McMurtry Lectures with global leaders.
- Workshops on storytelling, decision-making, and high-pressure scenarios.
- A yearly retreat for community and leadership bonding.
- Scholar-driven initiatives like Keystone Projects and “Curiosity Corners”
🔹 Diverse Scholar Community
Join a multidisciplinary cohort of around 100 students from various countries and disciplines who work together, live in Denning House, and build lifelong networks
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements
Academic & Enrolment Criteria
You need either
- Application to a new full-time Stanford graduate program starting in 2026, and Knight-Hennessy simultaneously;
- Deferred Stanford admission, aligning with KHS;
- Enrolment in your first year of Stanford PhD and applying to join in year two
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Age, Degree Date & Military Service
- Bachelor’s degree must be earned in January 2019 or later (for non-military applicants)
- Veterans get a two-year extension: degrees by January 2017.
- Open to all nationalities—including undocumented or DACA students.
Personal Qualities Sought
Applicants are assessed on:
- Independence of thought
- Purposeful leadership
- A strong civic mindset
No specific GPA or field requirements—leadership and impact matter most
Funding Highlights & Professional Development
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Knight-Hennessy provides:
- Full tuition and fees for postgraduate study.
- Monthly stipend covering room, board, and personal expenses.
- Airfare and relocation support.
- Extra funds for conferences and summer research.
- Hands-on leadership training via KGLP.
- Community events, housing in Denning House, and access to fellow scholars
Application Guide & Key Dates
Dual Application Process
- Apply separately to:
- Knight-Hennessy Scholars (via their portal)
- Stanford graduate degree program
- The KHS application includes your resume, transcript, essays, recommendation letters, and a video statement
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Timeline & Submission Tips
- KHS opens: Summer 2025.
- Deadline: Around October 9, 2025 (1 PM PDT)
- Plan early: gather recommenders, sketch essays from Apr–Jul, revise Aug–Sep, finalize by Oct
- No application fee, though your Stanford program may charge one
- Interviews and Video invitations start January, with final decisions in Spring 2026
How to Stand Out
- Show bold thinking: Highlight projects where you led, innovated, or inspired change.
- Reflect on civic impact: Demonstrate how you’ve contributed to society or your community.
- Tailor essays specifically to Knight-Hennessy—don’t reuse your Stanford statements
- Polish your video pitch: Explain a concept clearly and concisely, ideally linking it to your leadership vision.
- Prepare for interview rigor: finalist retreats include intense assessment and peer evaluation.
Helpful Resources
Conclusion
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars 2026 program offers a rare blend of full funding, leadership training, community, and professional growth—all at Stanford. If you graduated recently, show leadership, and dream big, start preparing now. The path is competitive, but the reward is transformative.
📝 Next Steps:
- Choose your Stanford degree program.
- Prepare your resume, essays, and video elevator pitch.
- Apply early—deadline: October 9, 2025, 1 PM PDT.
Good luck—and feel free to ask if you’d like help shaping your essays or application strategy!
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