Knight-Hennessy Scholars: requirements, benefits and deadline

Knight-Hennessy Scholars funds graduate study at Stanford University for a multidisciplinary, multicultural cohort from around the world, preparing them for leadership in academia, industry, government, nonprofits and the community.

Country
United States
Level
Any full-time Stanford graduate degree
Funding
Fully funded (up to three years)
Next deadline
6 October 2026, 1:00 pm Pacific Time

Official website

What it covers

  • A fellowship that pays tuition and associated fees
  • A stipend for living and academic expenses such as housing, food, books and local transport
  • A travel stipend for one economy round trip to Stanford each year
  • A one-time relocation stipend for new scholars, and in the second and third years, funds for academic enrichment such as conference travel
  • Funding for up to three years; longer programmes such as a PhD or MD are funded beyond that under the department’s standard commitment

Who can apply

  • Citizens and residents of all countries can apply; there are no restrictions on age, university or field of study
  • Apply separately but concurrently to a full-time Stanford graduate degree programme and start both in the same year (programmes such as the Master of Liberal Arts, JSD and MLS are not eligible)
  • For the 2027 cohort, have earned your first bachelor’s degree in January 2020 or later (January 2018 or later for military veterans); current students must finish by September 2027

Key dates

KHS application deadline
6 October 2026, 1:00 pm Pacific Time
Stanford degree application
By your programme’s deadline for KHS applicants or 1 December 2026, whichever is earlier
MBA applicants
Must apply to the Stanford MBA in Round 1

How to apply

  1. Check that your bachelor’s degree date falls within the eligibility window.
  2. Submit the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application by 6 October 2026, 1:00 pm Pacific Time.
  3. Apply separately to your Stanford graduate programme by its deadline for KHS applicants or 1 December 2026, whichever comes first.
  4. Shortlisted applicants are invited to the later, invitation-only stages.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the Knight-Hennessy Scholars cover?

A fellowship that pays tuition and associated fees. A stipend for living and academic expenses such as housing, food, books and local transport. A travel stipend for one economy round trip to Stanford each year. A one-time relocation stipend for new scholars, and in the second and third years, funds for academic enrichment such as conference travel. Funding for up to three years; longer programmes such as a PhD or MD are funded beyond that under the department’s standard commitment.

Who can apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars?

Citizens and residents of all countries can apply; there are no restrictions on age, university or field of study. Apply separately but concurrently to a full-time Stanford graduate degree programme and start both in the same year (programmes such as the Master of Liberal Arts, JSD and MLS are not eligible). For the 2027 cohort, have earned your first bachelor’s degree in January 2020 or later (January 2018 or later for military veterans); current students must finish by September 2027.

When is the Knight-Hennessy Scholars deadline?

6 October 2026, 1:00 pm Pacific Time. KHS application deadline: 6 October 2026, 1:00 pm Pacific Time. Stanford degree application: By your programme’s deadline for KHS applicants or 1 December 2026, whichever is earlier. MBA applicants: Must apply to the Stanford MBA in Round 1.

How do I apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars?

Check that your bachelor’s degree date falls within the eligibility window. Submit the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application by 6 October 2026, 1:00 pm Pacific Time. Apply separately to your Stanford graduate programme by its deadline for KHS applicants or 1 December 2026, whichever comes first. Shortlisted applicants are invited to the later, invitation-only stages.

Sources: Knight-Hennessy Scholars: Eligibility · Knight-Hennessy Scholars: Application deadlines · Knight-Hennessy Scholars: Funding (checked 26 September 2026)

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