Stanford University, one of the top universities in the world, accepts applications for 100 Knight Hennessy Scholarships. Applicants from all nationalities can apply for this opportunity to pursue their postgraduate studies in the United States. Afghan students and students from other countries can also apply to this fully-funded scholarship program.

Knight-Hennessy scholars gain expertise in their field of study during their graduate program at Stanford, and further expand their knowledge by interacting with individuals from diverse cultures and disciplines within the Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) community. As part of the King Global Leadership Program (KGLP), scholars engage in workshops, lectures, projects, and experiences that enhance their abilities to lead transformational changes. These activities enable scholars to work together and prepare for tackling various global challenges and opportunities, such as healthcare, climate change, education, and government policies.

The application for the 2027 cohort of this program will start on June 1st, 2026. Do not miss this opportunity if you are interested in studying at one of the top universities in the world.

Scholarship Details

Application Status: will open on June 1, 2026

Application Deadline: October 6, 2026

Number of Scholarships: around 100

Level of Study: Postgraduate (Master’s and PhD)

Host Country: United States

Duration of Scholarship: One year, Two or more years, Varies

Field of Study: Arts, Education, Humanities, Social Sciences, STEM

Eligible Citizens: Non-U.S. citizens are eligible; U.S. citizens are eligible

Benefits of Knight Hennessy Scholarships

Knight Hennessy Scholarships will cover the following costs:

• Tuition fee
• Living expenses
• Academic expenses (Room, Board, Books, materials, local transportation
• Annual Travel expenses from and to the Home country
• Other supplemental funds
• Summer funding if you get an optional research project

Similar Scholarships: 

• University of Macerata Scholarships 2026-2027 in Italy for International Students
• Fully Funded SLE Postgraduate Programme in Germany 2026 (€1,300 Monthly Stipend)
• 2027/28 DAAD Scholarship for M.Sc in Urban Management at the Technical University of Berlin, Germany

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a citizen of any country in the world
• Have earned a bachelor’s degree.
• Candidates should also apply for admission to any full-time graduate, dual-degree, or joint-degree program at Stanford University.
• Current  graduate students are eligible to apply
• Meet other eligibility requirements

Documents Required

Applicants need to complete two applications for this scholarship:

1. Scholarship application
   1. Online Application form
   2. Academic transcripts
   3. Standard test score based on the program you apply (if any)
   4. One Page CV
   5. Two Letters of Recommendation
   6. Essay (max 1,750 words)
   7. Two Short answer responses: (a) 8 improbable facts about you, (b) 3 goals and objectives you are currently working on)
   8. A maximum two-minute video (minimum 30 seconds)
2. Graduate Degree Application

Application Procedure

Applicants are required to apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholar program and their desired graduate program separately. The deadline for the scholarship and the graduate program timelines differ. Check this page which will be updated when the application is open for the Knight Hensessy scholar program

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Knight-Hennessy Scholars – Selection Criteria

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University seeks future leaders who will make a global impact through innovation, collaboration, and service. There is no one-size-fits-all profile; each scholar brings unique strengths. We look for candidates who demonstrate the following core qualities:

1. Independence of Thought: Visionary thinkers who are intellectually curious, open to new ideas, and driven to solve complex problems.

2. Purposeful Leadership: Courageous leaders who take initiative, inspire others, and act with integrity to drive meaningful change.

3. Civic Mindset: Community-driven individuals who show humility, empathy, and a deep commitment to serving the greater good.

These qualities should shine through your application, and if selected as a finalist, in your video and interview. We want to know what you’ve done, who you are becoming, and the impact you hope to make in the world.

If you are looking to understand the exact process, you can join an information session HERE offered by Stanford University

For more details, you can read Frequently Asked Questions HERE or  visit the official website of the Knight Hennessy Scholarship for details

Related:

Flinders International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (FIPRS) 2026 in Australias

Edinburgh Global Online Learning Scholarships  for Master Degree

East-West Center (EWC) Graduate Degree Fellowship in University of Hawaii 

MBA Scholarship at Brunel University London, United Kingdom