Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) 2026

Imagine applying for an award that doesn’t just fund your graduate education—but immerses you in a vibrant, visionary network of global changemakers. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) Program at Stanford University offers just that: an opportunity to become part of a multidisciplinary, multicultural cohort that champions leadership, critical thought, and service to others. Discover details in this article.

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🎓 KHS Scholarship Summary

• Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA

• Host Institution: Stanford University

• Study Level: Graduate degrees (DMA, JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MPP, MS, PhD, etc.) across all seven grad schools

• Target Group: International and U.S. applicants; no restrictions by age, previous university, field of study, or career path

• Fields of Study: All disciplines welcome; emphasises multidisciplinary collaboration and leadership

• Value & Coverage:

  • Up to three years of full funding including tuition, fees, stipend for living & academic expenses, health insurance, and travel stipend

  • Additional leadership development programming, mentoring, guest speaker series, and cohort-driven activities

• Award Duration: Up to 3 years, depending on degree length

• Application Deadline: October 8, 2025, at 1:00 pm Pacific Time

• Start Date: Academic year Autumn 2026 cohort begins their graduate studies in 2026

• Eligible To:

  • Applicants applying to or already admitted to, and enrolling in, a full-time Stanford graduate degree program

  • Current Stanford first-year PhD students applying to join KHS in their second year

  • Those whose bachelor’s degrees were earned in January 2019 or later (extended to January 2017 for military service)

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⭐ Scholarship Overview

Knight-Hennessy Scholars is Stanford’s flagship graduate fellowship program established in 2016. It accepts up to 100 scholars annually, each joining one of Stanford’s seven graduate schools and immersing in leadership training, experiential learning, multidisciplinary engagement, and deep community bonds .

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🎁 Benefits

• Financial Support: Full tuition, academic/living stipend, insurance, travel, and relocation support for up to three years

• Leadership Development: Structured programs to build vision, resilience, and collaborative leadership

• Global Network & Community: Interdisciplinary peer cohort fostering lifelong bonds and innovative thinking

• Experiential Learning: Projects, events, speaker series, and mentorship opportunities via Denning House and beyond

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✅ Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the 2026 cohort, candidates must:

1. Graduate Program Admission: Apply to or be admitted to a full-time Stanford graduate program (JD, PhD, MBA, etc.), or be a current first-year PhD student applying for KHS in your second year

2. Bachelor’s Degree Recency: Earned January 2019 or later (January 2017 or later if military service)

3. No Quotas / No Restrictions: Citizenship, discipline, university, or career aspirations do not influence eligibility

4. Program Exclusions: Ineligible if applying to Honors Cooperative Program, M.L.A., JSD, MLS, coterminal studies, or adding an MA/MS to current PhD field

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📝 Application Procedure

Applicants must submit two separate applications simultaneously:

1. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Application:

   • Online application form

   • Resume (1 page)

   • Transcripts & test scores (if required by the Stanford graduate program)

   • Letters of recommendation

   • Short-answer responses & essay

2. Stanford Graduate Program Application:

   • Must align with your KHS application and follow respective deadlines (often by December 2, 2025)

📆 Key Timeline:

• Applications open: June 1, 2025

• Deadline (KHS): October 8, 2025, 1:00 pm PT

• Process:

  • Video statement invitations: rolling through January 2026

  • Finalist notifications: January 28, 2026

  • Scholar selections announced: March 17, 2026

👩🏻‍⚖️ Evaluation Criteria

Selection is holistic, with a strong focus on three core dimensions:

1. Independence of Thought

   • Intellectual clarity and reflection

   • Curiosity, innovation, and navigating ambiguity with insight

   • Capacity for fresh perspectives and problem-solving

2. Purposeful Leadership

   • Ethical, courageous decision-making

   • Resilience, impact orientation, and inspiring others

   • Actions that reflect values-driven leadership

3. Civic Mindset

   • Humility, empathy, and service to others

   • Inclusivity, respect for diverse perspectives

   • Commitment to bettering society

These qualities are assessed through the written application, the video statement (if invited), and the Finalist Experience .

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OFFICIAL LINK

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