Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University: A Complete Guide

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The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is Stanford University’s most prestigious graduate scholarship, designed to develop a community of future global leaders who will address the world’s most complex challenges. Established in 2016 through a $750 million endowment (the largest fully-endowed graduate fellowship in the world), this program provides full funding for graduate study at Stanford across all disciplines.

Program Overview

  • Host Institution: Stanford University (California, USA)

  • Degree Levels: All graduate degrees (MA, MS, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, and dual degrees)

  • Number of Awards: Up to 100 scholars selected annually

  • Scholarship Value: Full tuition, stipend, and additional funding for academic and living expenses

Scholarship Benefits

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program offers one of the most comprehensive funding packages among graduate scholarships:

  1. Full Tuition Coverage

    • Covers all tuition and associated fees for up to 3 years

  2. Generous Stipend

    • $45,000 annual living stipend

    • Additional $10,000 for academic expenses

  3. Travel Grant

    • $3,000 for one annual trip to/from Stanford

  4. Leadership Development

    • Special programming including leadership training, mentorship, and experiential learning

  5. Global Community

    • Access to a diverse cohort of scholars from around the world

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program, applicants must:

  1. Academic Excellence

    • Have an outstanding undergraduate record (no minimum GPA, but typically 3.7+)

  2. Leadership Potential

    • Demonstrate independent thought, civic-mindedness, and leadership capacity

  3. Graduate Program Admission

    • Apply separately and be accepted to a Stanford graduate program

  4. Education Level

    • Be within 7 years of receiving your bachelor’s degree (for most applicants)

  5. Citizenship

    • Open to all nationalities (no citizenship restrictions)

Application Process

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars application involves multiple components:

  1. Stanford Graduate Application

    • Must apply to at least one Stanford graduate program

  2. Knight-Hennessy Application

    • Online application with essays and short answers

    • Two recommendation letters (one focused on leadership)

    • Video statement (90 seconds)

  3. Interview Process

    • Finalists invited to Immersion Weekend at Stanford

Key Deadlines:

  • Graduate program deadlines: Vary by department (typically November-December)

  • Knight-Hennessy application deadline: Early October

Selection Criteria

The program evaluates candidates based on three pillars:

  1. Independence of Thought

    • Intellectual curiosity and originality

  2. Purposeful Leadership

    • Ability to inspire and motivate others

  3. Civic Mindset

    • Commitment to larger community and global impact

Tips for a Strong Application

  1. Start Early

    • Begin preparing 6-12 months before the deadline

  2. Craft Compelling Essays

    • Focus on your leadership journey and vision for impact

  3. Choose Recommenders Wisely

    • Select people who can speak to different dimensions of your character

  4. Prepare for Immersion Weekend

    • Be ready for group activities and individual interviews

  5. Align with Stanford’s Values

    • Demonstrate how you embody the program’s mission

Read Also: Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Scholarship: A Complete Guide for Students

Notable Features

  • Multidisciplinary Approach: Scholars come from all 7 Stanford schools

  • King Global Leadership Program: Unique leadership development curriculum

  • Community Living: Scholars reside together at the Denning House

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply to multiple graduate programs at Stanford?
A: Yes, you may apply to up to 3 programs but need only one Knight-Hennessy application.

Q: Is there an age limit?
A: No strict age limit, but most scholars are within 7 years of their bachelor’s degree.

Q: What’s the acceptance rate?
A: Typically less than 2% (about 100 selected from 5,000+ applicants).

Q: Can current Stanford students apply?
A: Yes, if you’re in your first year of a graduate program.

How to Apply

For complete details and to start your application, visit the official website:
https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/