• Program Focus: The program emphasizes leadership development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a global perspective. Scholars participate in a wide range of experiences, including workshops, lectures, and projects, designed to enhance their leadership skills and broaden their understanding of global issues.
• Integration with Graduate Studies: Knight-Hennessy Scholars are admitted to and enroll in a specific Stanford graduate degree program (e.g., JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MS, PhD, DMA, MPP). The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is an additional layer of support and community that complements their primary graduate studies.
• Community and Mentorship: Scholars become part of a vibrant, diverse community and benefit from mentorship opportunities with leaders from various fields.
• Cohort Size: Approximately 100 new scholars are selected each year.

The application process for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program runs concurrently with the application to a Stanford graduate degree program.

• Application Opens: Typically in July/August for the following academic year.
• Application Deadline (Knight-Hennessy): Usually in October (e.g., early October for Fall 2025 enrollment). This is typically before the deadline for most Stanford graduate programs.
• Application Deadline (Stanford Graduate Program): Varies by department/school (e.g., December for some PhDs, January for some Master's programs). Applicants must apply to both Knight-Hennessy and their chosen Stanford graduate program separately.
• Semi-Finalist Notification: Usually in December.
• Finalist Notification & Immersion Weekend: Typically in January/February, finalists are invited for an on-campus (or virtual) "Immersion Weekend" which includes interviews.
• Final Selection Notification: Usually in late February/early March.
• Enrollment: Scholars begin their Stanford graduate studies and the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program in September of the following academic year.

• Enrollment in a Graduate Program: Applicants must be applying to, or currently enrolled in, a full-time Stanford graduate degree program (e.g., JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MS, PhD, DMA, MPP).
• Prior Degree: Applicants must have earned their first/bachelor's degree in 2018 or later for the 2025 cohort (this date adjusts annually). This means they must be within six years of earning their first bachelor's degree.
  • Exception: Applicants who served in the military are granted a two-year extension of eligibility for each year of active military service, up to a maximum of four years.
• Age Limit: There is no specific age limit.
• Nationality: Open to citizens of all countries.
• English Language Proficiency: Applicants must meet the English proficiency requirements of their specific Stanford graduate degree program. This typically requires TOEFL or IELTS scores unless exempted (e.g., by having earned a degree from an English-speaking institution).

Part 1: Knight-Hennessy Scholars Application

Applicants must submit the following materials directly through the Knight-Hennessy online portal:

1. Online Application Form
   • Includes personal details, academic background, and intended Stanford program.
2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   • Typically limited to one page.
3. Academic Transcripts
   • Unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
4. Standardized Test Scores
   • Only required if your Stanford graduate program demands it (e.g., GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT).
   • TOEFL required if you’re a non-native English speaker and Stanford requires it.
5. Short Answer Responses
   • Several brief, reflective responses (e.g., personal influences, interests, etc.).
6. Essay
   • A longer written statement (maximum 600 words) outlining your personal journey and aspirations.
7. Two Letters of Recommendation
   • Can be academic, professional, or personal, based on who can best speak to your qualifications and character.
8. Video Statement
   • A brief video (maximum 2 minutes) introducing yourself, submitted after the written application.
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Part 2: Stanford Graduate Program Admission

Each graduate program at Stanford has its own application process. In most cases, the following materials are required:

1. Online Graduate Application
   • Submitted separately through the Stanford Graduate Admissions portal.
2. Official or Unofficial Transcripts
   • From all previous higher education institutions.
3. Test Scores
   • Vary by program: may require GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT.
   • TOEFL or other English proficiency exams required for non-native speakers (unless exempt).
4. Statement of Purpose
   • A program-specific essay describing your academic goals and reasons for choosing the program.
5. Three Letters of Recommendation
   • Generally academic, though some programs allow or encourage professional references.
6. Resume or CV
   • Detailing education, work experience, publications, and relevant achievements.

Note: Additional documents may be required depending on the specific Stanford graduate program you are applying to. Applicants are strongly advised to review the official requirements listed on their chosen program’s website to ensure a complete and accurate submission.

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is open to citizens of all countries who meet the eligibility criteria.

Knight‑Hennessy Scholars receive comprehensive financial support for up to three years, tailored to the duration of their chosen Stanford graduate program

• Tuition & Fees: A fellowship grants full payment of tuition and mandatory fees.
• Living Stipend: Recipients receive an annual stipend covering housing, meal costs, textbooks, transportation, and other living expenses.
• Travel Stipend: Scholars are provided with an economy-class ticket for one annual round-trip journey between their home country and Stanford.
• Relocation Allowance: First-year enrollees may receive a one-time relocation grant to assist with moving expenses or necessary technology purchases.
• Enrichment Funds: In the second and third years, scholars may apply for additional funding to support activities like conference attendance or specialized academic engagements.

Applicants must submit two separate applications: one to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program, and another to the specific Stanford graduate program they intend to pursue. Here are the steps:

1. Initiate Applications Early
   • Begin the Knight‑Hennessy application and the application to your chosen Stanford graduate program well before their respective deadlines.
   • Provide recommender contact details in both systems to ensure timely submission of letters.
2. Complete & Submit
   • Carefully complete both applications in full and finalize by the published deadlines. (Note: The KHS system allows updates to test scores and recommender contact information post-submission.)
3. Video Statement Submission
   • Upon invitation, through the KHS portal, upload a required video statement. This typically occurs after initial application review.
4. Admissions Evaluation & Invitation
   • Selected applicants will be invited to a Finalist Immersion Weekend at Stanford. Participation is essential, and expenses are covered by the program.
5. Concurrent Notification
   • Final admission decisions are made jointly based on both the Stanford graduate program and Knight‑Hennessy selection processes.

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• Stanford Graduate Program Application Fee: Most programs require a non-refundable application fee of $125 USD. Fee waivers may be available for eligible applicants. More info →
• Deadlines May Vary: While the Knight-Hennessy application typically closes in early October, each Stanford graduate program sets its own deadline, which may be earlier or later. Always verify on the official program page.
• Dual Application Requirement: You must submit two separate applications — one for Knight-Hennessy Scholars and one for your Stanford graduate program. Admission to KHS is contingent on acceptance into your Stanford program.
• No KHS Application Fee: There is no fee to apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program.
• Additional Documents Possible: Some Stanford programs may require supplemental materials such as writing samples, research proposals, or program-specific forms.
• Video & Finalist Weekend: The Knight-Hennessy video statement and Finalist Immersion Weekend are key parts of the selection process, but occur after the written application stage and are by invitation only.
• Language Proficiency: TOEFL or equivalent English language test scores are required for most non-native English speakers, unless waived by the Stanford program.
• Recommendation Letters Usage: Applicants may submit the same letters of recommendation for both the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application and their Stanford graduate program. However, as each application is reviewed independently, recommenders should be informed to ensure relevance to both contexts.