Knight-Hennessy scholars gain deep domain expertise through their Stanford graduate programs while engaging with a diverse community of scholars across disciplines and cultures. Through the Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) community and the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP), scholars participate in workshops, lectures, projects, and experiences that build transformational leadership abilities. These programs help prepare them to tackle major global challenges such as climate change, healthcare, governance, and education.
The KGLP, supported by a generous gift from Dorothy and Robert King, MBA ’60, offers a flexible set of activities tailored to scholars’ academic schedules and leadership goals. It strengthens skills in creative problem-solving, decision-making during uncertainty, effective collaboration, and compelling communication. Scholars enhance their multicultural and multidisciplinary perspectives while developing leadership traits.
Denning House is the dedicated space for Knight-Hennessy Scholars—a hub that fosters collaboration and connection. Recognizing the intensity of graduate studies, KHS provides retreats, project support, and community-building initiatives to encourage mutual support among scholars.
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Knight-Hennessy scholars receive funding for up to three years to pursue graduate studies at Stanford in programs such as JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MS, DMA, and PhD, including joint- and dual-degrees.
Each year, Stanford enrolls around 3,000 graduate students. Up to 100 are selected as Knight-Hennessy Scholars from across all seven schools of the university. These scholars bring diverse academic backgrounds and work together to solve complex issues through multidisciplinary approaches.
They come from a wide range of global communities, universities, organizations, and industries. Their cultural perspectives vary by gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic background, and more. Every cohort reflects a rich diversity of lived experiences, aspirations, and beliefs. United by independent thinking, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset, Knight-Hennessy Scholars form a vibrant, multicultural community committed to global impact.
Location:
North AmericaBenefits
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Deep Academic Focus: Scholars develop expertise in their chosen Stanford graduate program while engaging in interdisciplinary learning through the KHS community.
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Global Leadership Training: Participation in the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP) offers leadership development through workshops, lectures, and projects.
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Skill Development: Scholars build critical skills such as:
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Creative problem solving
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Decision-making under uncertainty
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Effective collaboration
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Persuasive communication
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Strong Support Network: Peer encouragement, retreats, and project support to help scholars manage the pressure of rigorous graduate studies.
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💸Generous Funding: Up to three years of full financial support for graduate studies at Stanford, including tuition, stipend, and related academic expenses.
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📚Eligibility Across Disciplines: Available for various Stanford graduate programs (e.g., JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MS, DMA, PhD, and joint/dual degrees).
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Multicultural & Multidisciplinary Community: Scholars come from diverse backgrounds—culturally, academically, and professionally—fostering a vibrant global network.
Eligibilities
Requirement 1: Admission to Stanford
In addition to applying to Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS), you must also apply to, be accepted by, and enroll in a full-time Stanford graduate degree program. These programs include, but are not limited to, DMA, JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MPP, MS, or PhD programs. You must meet at least one of the following four conditions:
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You are applying separately but concurrently to KHS and a full-time Stanford graduate degree program such that you will start both in the same year.
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You have already been offered and deferred admission to a full-time Stanford graduate degree program, and will apply to KHS such that you will start both in the same year.
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You are a current Stanford graduate student who will apply to add a second full-time Stanford graduate degree program, such that you will start both KHS and the new program in the same year.
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You are a current Stanford PhD student in your first year of enrollment, and will apply to KHS such that you will start KHS in your second year of PhD enrollment.
Please note that the following Stanford graduate degree programs are not eligible for Knight-Hennessy Scholars:
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Applicants to the Honors Cooperative Program
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Applicants to the Master of Liberal Arts
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Applicants to the Doctor of Science of Law (JSD) and the Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
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Current Stanford students pursuing coterminal graduate study
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Current Stanford PhD students adding an MA or MS degree in their current discipline
Requirement 2: Undergraduate Degree Date
You must have earned, in January 2019 or later, a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a college or university of recognized standing.
To apply to join the cohort in 2026, you must have earned your first bachelor’s degree by January 2019 or later.
For applicants who served in the military, the eligibility window is extended by two years in acknowledgment of longer service commitments. In that case, you must have earned your degree in January 2017 or later to enroll in 2026.
Current college students are eligible if they will earn their first degree by September 2026.
Within the eligibility window, no preference is given based on how recently the degree was earned.
To check your eligibility for the 2026 cohort:
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Did you (or will you by September 2026) earn your undergraduate degree at an institution in the United States or outside the United States?
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Yes, in the United States
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Yes, outside the United States
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No
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Application Process
Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) Application Process
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Two Applications Required:
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Submit both the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application and the Stanford graduate program application separately.
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Each application has distinct evaluation criteria, requirements, timelines, and committees.
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KHS Application Components
1. Online Application
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Includes personal, academic, and demographic information.
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Covers your experiences, activities, and interests.
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Complete all background prompts, even if similar content appears on your resume.
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No application fee for KHS (Stanford program fees still apply).
2. Resume
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Submit a one-page resume in reverse chronological order.
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Include academic highlights, work experience, extracurriculars, and interests.
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Ensure readability with a clear, legible font.
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Keep it concise; the rest of the application provides supporting details.
3. Transcripts & Test Scores
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Upload transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended for one academic year or more.
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Transcripts must show degree conferred and date (if applicable).
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Test scores only required if your Stanford program requires them (includes language proficiency exams).
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Submit test scores by the later of the KHS or graduate program deadline.
4. Recommendation Letters
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Provide two recommendation letters from individuals who know you well.
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Recommenders must give specific examples of your qualifications, character, and leadership.
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Recommendations can come from academic, professional, or community contexts.
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Recommenders should tailor letters to the KHS application (can differ from Stanford recommenders).
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Avoid family members; do not write, edit, or submit letters yourself.
5. Short Answers & Essay
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Short Answer Questions:
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Academic/professional intentions (250 words)
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Engagement with different perspectives, courage, and personal failure (250 words)
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Eight improbable facts about you (150 words)
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Essay Prompt:
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Reflect on your life’s journey and how people/events shaped it.
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Application Deadline: October 8, 2025 (122 Days Remaining)
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