TL;DR: Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) at Stanford University is now accepting applications for the 2027 cohort. Scholars receive up to three years of funding for eligible full-time Stanford graduate degrees, plus leadership development. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars application closes on 6 October 2026 at 1:00 pm Pacific Time. Citizens and residents of all countries may apply. Start on the official Knight-Hennessy Scholars 2027 application portal.
Quick facts
- Programme: Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) at Stanford University
- Institution: Stanford University, California, United States
- Level: Full-time Stanford graduate degrees (for example Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Juris Doctor (JD), Doctor of Medicine (MD), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Public Policy (MPP), Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), including many joint and dual degrees)
- Host country: United States
- Eligibility: Open to citizens and residents of all countries; you must also gain admission to (and enroll in) an eligible full-time Stanford graduate programme, and meet the undergraduate degree-date window
- Funding type: Fully funded fellowship for up to three years (tuition, living stipend, and travel support; longer degrees may receive additional department funding after year three)
- Knight-Hennessy Scholars deadline: 6 October 2026, 1:00 pm Pacific Time
- Stanford graduate programme deadline (for KHS eligibility): the earlier of your programme’s Knight-Hennessy Scholars applicant deadline or 1 December 2026
- Cohort start: Autumn 2027 (aligns with Stanford graduate enrolment)
- Knight-Hennessy Scholars application fee: None (your Stanford degree programme may charge its own fee)
What the funding covers
According to the official Knight-Hennessy Scholars funding page, scholars receive funding for up to three years for the Stanford graduate degree(s) listed at the time of scholar selection. During each of the first three years of graduate study, funding typically includes:
- A fellowship applied directly to cover tuition and associated fees
- A stipend for living and academic expenses (room and board, books, academic supplies, instructional materials, local transportation, and reasonable personal expenses)
- A travel stipend intended to cover an economy-class ticket for one annual trip to and from Stanford
Newly enrolling scholars also receive a one-time relocation stipend to help with moving costs and/or technology purchases. Scholars in their second and third years may apply for supplemental funds for academic enrichment activities such as conference travel.
If your degree lasts longer than three years (for example many PhD or MD paths), Knight-Hennessy Scholars funding covers the early years as published, and later years follow your graduate programme’s standard funding commitment. Confirm details for your specific degree on the official funding page.
Eligibility
Knight-Hennessy Scholars states there are no restrictions based on age, college or university, field of study, or career aspiration, and it encourages citizens and residents of all countries to apply. There are two baseline requirements for the 2027 cohort:
1. Admission to Stanford
In addition to applying to Knight-Hennessy Scholars, you must apply to, be accepted by, and enroll in a full-time Stanford graduate degree programme. You must meet at least one of these conditions:
- You apply separately but concurrently to Knight-Hennessy Scholars and a full-time Stanford graduate programme so that you start both in the same year
- You already hold a deferred offer to a full-time Stanford graduate programme and will start both that programme and Knight-Hennessy Scholars in the same year
- You are a current Stanford graduate student adding a new full-time Stanford graduate programme, starting both Knight-Hennessy Scholars and the new programme in the same year
- You are a current Stanford PhD student in your first year and will start Knight-Hennessy Scholars in your second year of PhD enrolment
Some Stanford programmes are not eligible, including the Honors Cooperative Program, the Master of Liberal Arts, the Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD), the Master of Legal Studies (MLS), and certain coterminal or add-on master’s combinations. Check the official eligibility page before you apply.
2. Undergraduate degree date
You must have earned a United States bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognised college or university in January 2020 or later (for enrolment in 2027). Applicants who served in the military receive a two-year extension and must have earned the degree in January 2018 or later. Current undergraduates are eligible if they will earn their first bachelor’s degree by September 2027.
Fields of study
There are no quotas by discipline. Knight-Hennessy Scholars funding can support eligible graduate study across Stanford’s schools, including but not limited to business, education, engineering, humanities and sciences, law, medicine, and sustainability-related programmes, subject to programme eligibility rules above.
Key dates
- Knight-Hennessy Scholars application opened: 1 June 2026
- Knight-Hennessy Scholars application deadline: 6 October 2026, 1:00 pm Pacific Time
- Stanford graduate programme application (for KHS eligibility): by the earlier of the programme’s Knight-Hennessy Scholars deadline or 1 December 2026 (Master of Business Administration applicants must use Round 1)
- Video statement invitations: rolling through January 2027
- Finalists notified: 27 January 2027
- Scholars notified: 16 March 2027
- Programme start: Autumn 2027 with Stanford enrolment
How to apply
You normally submit two separate applications:
- The Knight-Hennessy Scholars online application (no Knight-Hennessy Scholars fee)
- The application to your intended Stanford graduate degree programme(s), including any tests that programme requires
Knight-Hennessy Scholars application materials are submitted in English and typically include an online form, resume, transcripts and test scores (if required by your degree programme), recommendation letters, and short answers and an essay. Create both applications early, enter recommenders promptly, and submit each application by its own deadline. After you submit the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application, you can still update test scores, recommenders, your resume, and your intended Stanford programme(s) via the application status page.
If you already hold a deferred Stanford graduate offer for 2027 enrolment, or you are a first-year Stanford PhD student applying to join Knight-Hennessy Scholars in your second year, you may only need the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application. Confirm your path on the official “Your Applications” page.
Frequently asked questions
Is Knight-Hennessy Scholars open to international students?
Yes. Knight-Hennessy Scholars encourages citizens and residents of all countries to apply. You must still meet Stanford graduate admission requirements, including any English proficiency rules set by your degree programme or Stanford Graduate Admissions.
Do I need a separate application for funding?
Yes. Funding is awarded through selection as a Knight-Hennessy scholar. You must complete the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application and also secure admission to an eligible Stanford graduate programme (unless you already hold a deferred offer or qualify as a first-year Stanford PhD applicant as described above).
How long is the funding?
Knight-Hennessy Scholars provides up to three years of tuition and stipend support for the degree(s) listed at selection. Longer programmes may receive continued support from the home department after the Knight-Hennessy Scholars-funded years, based on that programme’s standard policy.
What if my bachelor’s degree was earned before 2020?
For the 2027 cohort, applicants whose first bachelor’s degree was earned in 2019 or earlier are generally not eligible (military service can extend the window by two years). Earning a later graduate degree does not reset the undergraduate degree-date rule.
Is there an application fee for Knight-Hennessy Scholars?
No. Knight-Hennessy Scholars does not charge an application fee. Most Stanford graduate programmes do charge a fee; fee waivers, if any, are handled by Stanford Graduate Admissions, not by Knight-Hennessy Scholars.
