Overview of Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Several scholars talking and laughing while walking down a hallway

Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) is a multidisciplinary, multicultural graduate scholarship program. Each Knight-Hennessy scholar receives up to three years of financial support to pursue graduate studies at Stanford while engaging in experiences that prepare scholars to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders who address complex challenges facing the world.

A group of men and women standing next to one another smiling at the camera.

Leadership

Knight-Hennessy scholars participate in up to three years of programming that complements their graduate studies and prepares them to take on leadership roles in academia, industry, government, nonprofits, and the community at large.

A group of people smiling with the sky and greenery in the background.

Community

A new cohort joins each year, adding to a diverse community of scholars across disciplines, nationalities, perspectives, and backgrounds. Scholars learn together, collaborate on impactful projects, and develop lifelong friendships.

Three women standing on stage with a screen behind them displaying a presentation.

Funding

Scholars receive a fellowship for up to three years of tuition, depending upon their degree length. In addition, scholars receive a stipend for living and academic expenses, and a travel stipend for one annual trip to and from Stanford.

All cohorts (2018-2024)

513 scholars

75 countries of citizenship
45% of scholars hold a non-U.S. passport.

 

107 Stanford degree programs.
17% of scholars are first-generation college graduates.
Among U.S. citizens/residents, 51% identify as a person of color.
Among U.S. citizens/residents, 9% of scholars have served in the U.S. military.
Scholars walking on a path by Lake Lagunita with Denning House in the background.

Leadership program

The leadership program at Knight-Hennessy Scholars builds upon the domain expertise scholars gain in their Stanford graduate programs. It includes workshops, lectures, projects, and experiences that strengthen transformational leadership capabilities.

Core offerings bring together the full KHS community — for Town Halls to preview the quarter ahead, for weekly Storytelling training and practice, and for quarterly McMurtry Leadership Lectures to hear from experienced leaders. Scholars actively engage with one another and speakers throughout. Scholars attend one weekend retreat each year for leadership development and to build community.

Elective events focus on specific themes each quarter. Curiosity Corner discussions with faculty from across campus stimulate multidisciplinary learning. KHeystone Projects are year-long, scholar-led collaborations aimed at addressing important regional or global issues. And Global Travel/Study trips provide exposure to different cultures and viewpoints.

Scholar-Driven Events are academically or culturally-enriching experiences led by scholars. Examples include Deep Dive, where one scholar interviews another about their life journey, and KH Geographic, where scholars share information about their home country.

A young woman, left, and a young man, right, smiling at each other and walking together down a wooden pathway, in front of a wooden building with trees and bushes around it

Admission

Each incoming Knight-Hennessy scholar must also be a newly enrolling student in a full-time Stanford graduate program or a current Stanford PhD student in their first year of enrollment.

Eligibility

There are no restrictions based on citizenship, age, college or university, field of study, or career aspiration.

Criteria

In applicants, KHS looks for evidence of independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Your applications

Knight-Hennessy Scholars application: The KHS application to join the 2026 cohort will open in summer 2025. It includes a resume, transcript, short-answer and essay questions, and letters of recommendation.

Stanford graduate program application: These application deadlines and requirements vary by degree program.

Learn more about becoming a Knight-Hennessy scholar.
 

Attend an admission event