The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship Program holds regular information sessions for interested students and recent graduates! Register for one here.

What is the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship?

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program funds graduate and professional study at Stanford University for cohorts of “the most promising future leaders from all disciplines and geographies.” In addition to their course of study, scholars are promised “a transformative experience comprising multidisciplinary education, leadership development, a global perspective, and delivering solutions at scale.” The goal is to select 100 scholars per year.

Who can apply?

  • Students or recent alumni (see the eligibility rules on graduation years) of any citizenship applying to enroll in a full-time graduate degree program at Stanford University (e.g., JD, MA, MBA, MD, MS, or PhD) or plan on pursuing one of Stanford’s many joint- and dual- graduate degree options (e.g., MD+PhD, JD+MA, MBA+MS). Applicants must meet the requirements of the Stanford graduate program they wish to pursue.

Why apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship?

  • The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship provides full financial support for two years of study at Stanford University, in the graduate or professional program(s) of the scholar’s choice [the remainder of a scholar’s education is generally financed by Stanford University].
  • The leadership cohort offers unparalleled opportunities for collaboration within a cohort of young, global leaders; engagement with a wide array of renowned scholars and influential guest speakers and advisors to the program; and the opportunity for hands-on problem solving related to some of the world’s most pressing problems.
  • The Knight-Hennessy alumni network is already highly influential, for such a young award, and will continue to expand its reach.

What are the selection criteria?

Where can I learn more?

  • Visit the official website of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program to learn more about the award.
  • Be sure to read about the deadline structure, which is linked to the deadlines for your selected graduate or professional program.
  • Make an appointment with Director of Student Fellowships Marynel Ryan Van Zee to discuss your interests and get your questions answered.

Deadlines

The Stanford deadline for this program falls in early October (please note that individual graduate program deadlines may be earlier). 

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program has a multi-tiered application process.  In addition to applying for Knight-Hennessy, you must apply to the graduate program of your choice and may need to meet a deadline for that program that is earlier than the one for standard admission. You must complete the entire application process for your department – including any standardized test that your discipline requires (GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, etc.) and, if needed, an English proficiency test.

Am I eligible for institutional endorsement?

If you have already graduated/will graduate before the application deadline, you are not required to submit an institutional endorsement but the Office of Student Fellowships is happy to assist you in the preparation of your materials.

If you will not have graduated before the application deadline, you may request an institutional endorsement through the Knight-Hennessy application system and you may also have assistance in the preparation of your materials from the Office of Student Fellowships. Please contact Director of Student Fellowships Marynel Ryan Van Zee early in the application process to discuss institutional endorsement.

Official Website

Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

Questions?

Marynel Ryan Van Zee, Director of Student Fellowships, Laird 131, x4300/mryanvanzee.