Applications are now open for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars 2027 cohort, giving exceptional students from around the world an opportunity to pursue a graduate degree at Stanford University with up to three years of financial support.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars is more than a traditional scholarship. It combines funding for an eligible Stanford graduate programme with multidisciplinary leadership development, mentorship and access to an international community of scholars working across different fields.
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars application closes on October 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Applicants must also submit a separate application to an eligible Stanford graduate programme. View the official admission information.
About Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Knight-Hennessy Scholars, commonly called KHS, is a graduate fellowship and leadership-development programme at Stanford University in California, United States.
Scholars pursue full-time graduate degrees across Stanford’s seven schools while participating in experiences designed to develop visionary, ethical and collaborative leaders.
Applicants may pursue eligible degrees in fields such as:
- Business
- Education
- Engineering
- Humanities and sciences
- Law
- Medicine
- Public policy
- Sustainability
Knight-Hennessy Scholars does not grant a degree. Every scholar must apply to, be admitted by and enrol in an eligible full-time Stanford graduate programme.
What does the scholarship cover?
Knight-Hennessy scholars can receive financial support for up to three years, depending on the length of their Stanford degree.
The funding generally includes:
- A fellowship covering tuition and associated fees
- A stipend for living expenses
- Support for books and academic supplies
- Local transportation and reasonable personal expenses
- A travel stipend for one annual economy-class trip to and from Stanford
Funding arrangements may vary according to the scholar’s programme and length of study. Applicants pursuing degrees longer than three years should review how their Stanford department funds the remaining years. Read the official funding information.
Who can apply?
Candidates must satisfy two main requirements.
1. Admission to a Stanford graduate programme
Applicants must apply to an eligible, full-time Stanford graduate degree programme beginning in 2027.
Admission to Knight-Hennessy Scholars does not automatically provide admission to Stanford. The KHS selection committee and the relevant Stanford graduate programme assess candidates separately.
To become a scholar, an applicant must be accepted by both.
2. Undergraduate degree date
For the 2027 cohort, applicants must have earned their first bachelor’s degree—or its recognized equivalent—in January 2020 or later.
Current undergraduate students may apply if they will complete their first degree by September 2027.
Applicants who served in the military receive a two-year extension and may qualify if they earned their first bachelor’s degree in January 2018 or later.
Candidates who already hold a graduate degree may still apply, provided their first bachelor’s degree falls within the required eligibility period. International degrees must be equivalent to a recognized U.S. bachelor’s degree. Check the complete eligibility rules.
Applicants from around the world are welcome
Knight-Hennessy Scholars welcomes qualified candidates from different countries, cultures and academic disciplines.
There is no preference for a particular nationality, university, field of study or career path. Women who demonstrate leadership potential and a desire to address important social, economic, scientific or global challenges are strongly encouraged to apply.
Undocumented students and eligible candidates with DACA status may also apply, subject to Stanford’s admission requirements.
What qualities does Knight-Hennessy seek?
The selection process focuses on three central qualities:
Independence of thought
Competitive applicants are intellectually curious, open to different perspectives and willing to approach complex problems creatively.
Purposeful leadership
Candidates should demonstrate ethical leadership, resilience, sound judgement and the ability to motivate others toward meaningful results.
Civic mindset
Applicants should show humility, empathy, trustworthiness and a genuine commitment to serving communities and contributing to the greater good.
There is no single profile of a successful scholar. Leadership can be demonstrated through employment, entrepreneurship, research, volunteering, advocacy, community work or student activities.
Application requirements
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars application includes:
- An online application form
- A résumé
- Academic transcripts
- Test scores when required by the selected Stanford programme
- Two recommendation letters
- Three short-answer responses
- One personal essay
The short-answer section asks applicants to explain their academic and professional intentions, reflect on experiences involving different perspectives, courage and unmet expectations, and share eight “improbable facts” about themselves.
Applicants must also respond to a 550-word essay prompt:
“Connect the dots. How have the influences in your life shaped you?”
Stanford encourages applicants to focus less on listing accomplishments and more on revealing the experiences, people and circumstances that shaped who they are. Review the official essay instructions.
Recommendation letters
Applicants need two recommendations from people who can provide detailed evidence of their qualifications, character and leadership potential.
Choose recommenders who:
- Know you and your work well
- Can provide specific examples
- Understand your leadership abilities
- Have enough time to prepare a thoughtful letter
- Can explain how you reflect the programme’s selection criteria
Recommendation letters are due by the KHS application deadline. Candidates should contact their recommenders early.
Two separate applications are required
Most candidates must complete:
- The Knight-Hennessy Scholars application; and
- A separate application to their chosen Stanford graduate programme.
The applications have different purposes and may have different requirements. KHS evaluates leadership, civic commitment and independence of thought, while the graduate programme evaluates academic preparation for the selected degree.
The KHS application has no application fee. However, most Stanford graduate programmes charge their own application fee.
Important deadlines
Knight-Hennessy Scholars application
- Application deadline: October 6, 2026
- Time: 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time
- Cohort begins: 2027
Stanford graduate programme application
Applicants must submit the Stanford programme application by the earlier of:
- The programme’s deadline for KHS applicants; or
- December 1, 2026.
Candidates applying to the Stanford MBA must submit the MBA application by its Round 1 deadline.
Applicants should confirm the exact deadline with their intended graduate programme because programme deadlines vary. Review both application deadlines.
Selection timeline
The current published timeline indicates:
- Video-statement invitations issued on a rolling basis during January 2027
- Finalists notified on January 27, 2027
- Scholars notified on March 16, 2027
Approximately 500 applicants may be invited to submit a video statement, and up to 180 may advance to the Finalist Experience. These stages are invitation-only.
How to apply
- Confirm that your undergraduate degree date meets the eligibility requirement.
- Select an eligible Stanford graduate programme.
- Review the requirements and deadline for that programme.
- Create both the KHS and Stanford programme applications.
- Register your recommenders early.
- Prepare your résumé, transcripts, short answers and essay.
- Submit the KHS application by October 6, 2026.
- Submit the Stanford programme application by its applicable KHS deadline.
👉 Start the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application.
Applicants should also review Stanford’s policy on using artificial intelligence before preparing or editing application materials.
Opportunities for Women is not the scholarship provider. Requirements and deadlines may change, so always verify the latest information on Stanford’s official website.
