Study in USA: Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars Programme in 2027
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Programme at Stanford University is one of the world’s most distinguished graduate scholarships for students from around the world and for U.S. students pursuing graduate degrees in the United States.
Based at Stanford University in California, the scholarship programme brings together brilliant graduate students from a range of countries, academic areas, and professional backgrounds. Its mission is to establish a diverse community of future leaders who can collaborate, communicate, and generate innovative solutions to complex global problems.
The programme is available to students of all nationalities and offers an attractive opportunity for those seeking fully funded master’s scholarships in the USA, fully funded PhD scholarships, scholarships from Stanford University, international graduate scholarships, and scholarships for international students in the USA.
About the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Programme
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Programme (KHS) is a graduate scholarship and leadership development opportunity at Stanford University.
The programme aims to produce rising leaders with the skills to work across academic fields and address the important challenges facing society.
Eligibility Criteria for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Programme
Apply to a Stanford Graduate Programme (Full-Time)
Applicants must be admitted to a full-time graduate degree programme at Stanford University.
Eligible degrees include the following programmes:
- MA
- MBA
- MD
- MFA
- MPP
- MS
- PhD
- JD
- DMA
1. Applying to Stanford and KHS at the Same Time
Applicants may apply individually but simultaneously for the following:
- Knight-Hennessy Scholars and
- a full-time graduate degree course at Stanford.
Both programmes must start in the same year.
2. Stanford Admission on Deferral
- If you have already deferred your admission and are admitted to an appropriate full-time Stanford graduate course, you may apply to Knight-Hennessy to begin both programmes in the same year.
3. Current Stanford Graduate Students
- Current Stanford graduate students can apply to add a second eligible full-time graduate degree if they begin the new degree and the Knight-Hennessy Scholars programme in the same year.
4. First-Year PhD Students at Stanford
- First-year Stanford PhD students in residence may seek to become Knight-Hennessy Scholars with the understanding that they will join the KHS programme in their second year of PhD studies.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Eligible Programmes:
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars programme is strongly interdisciplinary, and scholars pursue full-time graduate degrees across Stanford’s institutions.
These may include the following eligible graduate programmes:
Business:
Applicants are offered graduate education:
- Business Administration
- Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Marketing
Legal
- Those who qualify are eligible to pursue graduate legal education, including the JD, consistent with the entrance standards of Stanford Law School.
Medicine
- Medical education programmes (including MD)
Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Materials Science
- Artificial Intelligence
Humanities & Sciences
- Economics
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Political Science
- History
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Statistics
Public Policy and Education
- Education
- International development
- Public policy
- Social policy
- Public administration
Art
- Fine Arts
- Design
- Music
- Film & Media
Benefits of Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholar Programme
Knight-Hennessy Scholars The scheme supports Knight-Hennessy Scholars for up to three years of graduate study at Stanford. The scheme provides funding for up to three years of graduate study at Stanford.
Successful Knight-Hennessy Scholars entering in 2027 can receive funding for up to three years of graduate study at Stanford. The scholarship package covers tuition and related expenses, a living and academic stipend, and financing for an annual economy class ticket for travel to and from Stanford.
Relocation support may also be available for new scholars, who may also receive it, while ongoing scholars may seek additional funding for academic enrichment activities.
How to Apply to the Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars Programme
Applicants will need to complete two different applications.
You must submit separate applications for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Programme and your chosen Stanford graduate degree programme.
Step 1: Select Your Stanford Graduate Programme
Choose the graduate programme at Stanford that you want to pursue.
Verify the department’s:
- Educational qualifications
- Deadline for applications
- Requirements for standardised testing
- Application materials
- Specific Degree Admission Requirements
Step 2: Verify Your KHS Eligibility
- Please confirm that you meet the Knight-Hennessy criteria, including the date of your bachelor’s degree and the requirements for the graduate programme.
Step 3: Complete the Knight-Hennessy Application
- Gather the necessary materials for the KHS application.
Applicants can expect to be able to demonstrate:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership potential
- Independence
- Creativity
- Commitment to positive impact
- Ability to collaborate
- Personal qualities and values
Step 4: Apply to Stanford separately.
Fill out the application for the specific Stanford graduate degree you want.
The Stanford programme deadline may be earlier than the Knight-Hennessy deadline. Applicants should therefore visit the webpage for their preferred Stanford programme.
5. KHS Application Submission Process
The 2027 cohort information indicates that the Knight-Hennessy application deadline is:
October 6, 2026, 1 p.m., Pacific Time
Applicants should apply well before the deadline to avoid technical or documentation challenges.
Step 6: Submit Any Other Admission Requirements
Stanford may request additional documentation, interviews, testing, or assistance for your graduate programme.
Complete both applications.
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