Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (MS) – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes6 Oct, 2026

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is one of the world’s most prestigious fully funded graduate scholarship programs offered at Stanford University in the United States. The scholarship provides full financial funding for up to three years of graduate study at Stanford University. Funding covers tuition fees, living expenses, academic costs, and travel allowances. Furthermore, scholars participate in the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP), which includes leadership workshops, mentorship, experiential learning, and global networking opportunities. Therefore, recipients gain both financial support and extensive leadership development throughout their studies.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (MS) before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

All fields

GPA / Grade

Languages

IELTS 7, TOEFL iBT 90

Tests

Study Levels

Master's, MS

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Yes (2)

Result Date

Program Start

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Yes

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Yes

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award Amount
Deadline6 Oct, 2026
LevelMaster's, MS
InstitutionStanford University
CountryUnited States
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is one of the world’s most prestigious fully funded graduate scholarship programs at Stanford University in the United States. Nike co-founder Phil Knight funded the program in partnership with former Stanford University President John Hennessy. The scholarship builds a multidisciplinary community of future global leaders. It supports students who want to solve global challenges through innovation, collaboration, and leadership.

Background and Purpose

Stanford University created the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program to prepare talented students for leadership roles in academic, professional, and social fields. The program encourages scholars to develop creative solutions to global issues through interdisciplinary learning and collaboration. It also promotes leadership development, civic responsibility, intellectual curiosity, and ethical decision-making. Through this initiative, Stanford empowers students who want to create meaningful change in their communities and worldwide.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program Benefits

The scholarship provides full funding for up to three years of graduate study at Stanford University. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, academic costs, and travel allowances. Scholars also join the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP). This program includes leadership workshops, mentorship, experiential learning, and networking opportunities. As a result, students receive both financial support and leadership training throughout their studies.

Eligibility Criteria

The scholarship accepts applications from international and domestic students from all countries. Applicants must plan to pursue a full-time graduate degree at Stanford University. Eligible programs include master’s degrees, PhD programs, MBAs, JDs, MDs, and dual-degree programs. Candidates must usually earn their first bachelor’s degree within the last seven years before enrollment. Applicants must also demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, independent thinking, civic commitment, and a desire to create positive global impact.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program Application Process

Applicants must submit separate applications for their Stanford graduate program and the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program. The selection process is highly competitive and holistic. Stanford evaluates candidates based on leadership skills, personal character, academic achievement, collaboration, and innovation. Finalists attend the Immersion Weekend selection process, where they participate in interviews and leadership activities.

Opportunities for Scholars

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program allows students to study at Stanford University and join a diverse global leadership community. Scholars gain access to world-class education, mentorship, professional networks, and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities. The program also strengthens students’ leadership skills and prepares them for impactful careers that address major global challenges across different sectors and disciplines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

Applicants from any country and any academic field can apply if they are applying to or enrolled in an eligible full-time Stanford graduate program and earned their bachelor’s degree in January 2020 or later for the 2027 cohort.

Do I apply separately for the scholarship?

Yes, applicants must separately apply to and be admitted into an eligible Stanford graduate degree program in addition to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application.

What qualities does Knight-Hennessy look for in applicants?

The program seeks students with independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset who can contribute to solving global challenges.