Suppose you’re dreaming of earning a fully funded graduate degree at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. In that case, Stanford University, then the Knight Hennessy Scholarship 2026 might be the life-changing opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Open to students of all nationalities and backgrounds, this scholarship supports full-time master’s, PhD, MBA, JD, MD, and other graduate programs at Stanford, offering tuition, living expenses, airfare, and more.

With a strong focus on leadership, innovation, and civic engagement, Knight-Hennessy isn’t just a scholarship — it’s an investment in your future potential as a global leader.

About Stanford University

Stanford University ranks consistently in the top 5 globally according to QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford is not just an academic powerhouse but also a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. The faculty features Nobel Laureates, MacArthur Fellows, and internationally recognized thought leaders. The campus attracts students who aspire to lead transformative change in fields like engineering, medicine, public policy, arts, and more.

Knight Hennessy Scholarship 2026 Overview

Feature	Details
Scholarship Name	Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program 2026
Host Institution	Stanford University, USA
Type	Fully Funded
Eligible Programs	All full-time Stanford graduate programs (e.g., MA, MS, MBA, JD, MD)
Eligible Nationalities	Open to all countries
Application Deadline	October 8, 2025 (1:00 PM Pacific Time)
Start Date	Fall 2026
Degree Levels	Master’s, PhD, Dual Degrees

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition coverage for your Stanford graduate program
• Living stipend for accommodation, meals, books, and personal expenses
• Annual round-trip economy airfare to and from Stanford
• Access to leadership development training and global networking
• Additional funding for academic travel and enrichment activities
• Wellness support, mentorship, and professional growth resources
• Opportunity to be part of a vibrant, interdisciplinary cohort of future leaders

Eligibility Criteria for Knight-Hennessy 2026

Applicants must meet two main eligibility criteria to apply for the Knight-Hennessy 2026 cohort:

1. Admission to Stanford Graduate Program
   • You need to submit separate applications for both the Knight-Hennessy program and a Stanford graduate program
   • You must be accepted to both and start them in the same year (Fall 2026)
   • Eligible degree types: DMA, JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MPP, MS, PhD
   • Applicants can also be first-year PhD students or those with deferred Stanford admission
2. Bachelor’s Degree Timing
   • Your undergraduate degree must have been completed in January 2019 or later.
   • For military applicants: degrees must be earned January 2017 or later
   • Students currently enrolled must finish their bachelor’s degree by September 2026.

There are no restrictions based on nationality, field of study, or career path.

What Knight-Hennessy Looks for in Candidates

Knight-Hennessy Scholars are selected not just based on academic excellence, but also personal values and leadership potential. They emphasize:

• Independence of Thought – Intellectual curiosity and original thinking
• Purposeful Leadership – Ability to drive positive impact and motivate others
• Civic Mindset – Desire to serve communities and contribute to the greater good

There is no “ideal profile” — each scholar brings a unique blend of skills and vision.

Application Process – Step by Step

Follow these steps to complete your application for the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship 2026:

• Step 1: Apply online to both Knight-Hennessy and your chosen Stanford graduate program at Admission Portal
• Step 2: Start applications early and request recommendation letters in advance
• Step 3: Get your KHS application ready with your resume, transcripts, essays, and short answers.
• Step 4: Submit both applications before their respective deadlines
• Step 5: If needed, update test scores after submission (only if required by your Stanford program).

Knight Hennessy Scholarship 2026 Deadline: October 8, 2025
Stanford Program Deadlines: Vary by program — confirm directly with the department

Knight-Hennessy vs Other Scholarships 

Feature	Knight-Hennessy	Fulbright USA	Rhodes Scholarship
Host University	Stanford University	Multiple in the USA	University of Oxford
Nationality	All nationalities	155+ countries	Specific commonwealth & others
Funding	Full + enrichment	Full + travel	Full + personal stipend
Eligible Programs	All Stanford grad programs	US universities (varied)	Master’s at Oxford
Leadership Training	Yes	Limited	Yes
Community	100+ scholars/year	Varies widely	100 scholars/year
Deadline	Oct 8, 2025	Varies by country	Oct 2025 (varies)

FAQs About Knight Hennessy Scholars Program 2026

1. Can I apply to Knight-Hennessy without applying to a Stanford program?
   No. You must apply separately to both the Knight-Hennessy program and a Stanford graduate program.
2. What test scores are needed for the scholarship?
   Only if your Stanford program requires them. KHS follows your program’s test policy.
3. Is there an application fee for Knight-Hennessy?
   No fee for Knight-Hennessy. However, most Stanford programs have a separate fee.
4. How competitive is Knight-Hennessy?
   Extremely competitive. Around 100 scholars are selected from thousands of global applicants.
5. What should I focus on in my essays?
   Showcase independence of thought, leadership, and a strong civic mindset.
6. Can I apply if I already started a master’s or PhD at Stanford?
   Yes, if you’re a first-year PhD student or adding a second full-time program.
7. Is there an age limit to apply?
   No age limit. All age groups are welcome.
8. Can I apply for more than one Stanford program?
   Yes, but you need to meet all requirements for each program separately.
9. Do I need to attend an Ivy League college to be eligible?
   No. Knight-Hennessy accepts graduates from any accredited university.
10. When will I know the results?
    Finalists will be informed by January 28, 2026, and scholars announced by March 17, 2026..

Knight-Hennessy Scholars are visionaries, change-makers, and community builders. Suppose you’re committed to making a difference in the world and pursuing graduate studies at Stanford. In that case, this is your chance to gain world-class education without financial barriers — and join a global network of future leaders. APPLY NOW. For more details and official announcements, please visit the Stanford University web page.

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