Knight-Hennessy Scholars

What the scholarship covers

• Full tuition and fees
• Living and academic stipend
• Travel stipend for an annual trip home
• Leadership development programme
• Funding for up to three years

Eligibility requirements

• Bachelor's degree earned within the last seven years
• Apply separately and be admitted to a Stanford graduate programme
• Open to citizens of any country
• Demonstrated leadership and civic commitment

Documents you will need

• Knight-Hennessy online application
• Two letters of recommendation
• Transcripts
• Essays and a short video statement
• Separate Stanford degree programme application

How to apply, step by step

1. 1

   Apply to a Stanford graduate programme

   Knight-Hennessy funds Stanford degrees only. You must apply separately to the degree programme and be admitted.

2. 2

   Submit the Knight-Hennessy application

   A distinct application with its own deadline, usually earlier than the degree programme's.

3. 3

   Write the essays

   Focused on leadership, civic commitment and independence of thought rather than academic achievement alone.

4. 4

   Record the short video statement

   A brief unscripted introduction. Sincerity reads better than polish.

5. 5

   Secure two recommendations

   One academic and one on leadership, chosen for what they can describe, not their title.

6. 6

   Interview if shortlisted

   Finalists attend an immersive selection weekend.

When to do what

Counting backwards from the deadline. Applications rushed in the final fortnight are the ones that fail.

1. 20 weeks before

   Identify the Stanford programme and check its own deadline.

2. 16 weeks before

   Begin both applications in parallel, they are separate.

3. 12 weeks before

   Draft the leadership and civic commitment essays.

4. 10 weeks before

   Ask both recommenders, giving them detailed context.

5. 8 weeks before

   Record and re-record the video statement.

6. 4 weeks before

   Have essays read by someone outside your field.

7. 2 weeks before

   Submit the Knight-Hennessy application.

What the panel is actually looking for

• Independence of thought, evidence you question received wisdom
• Purposeful leadership with demonstrated results
• Civic mindset and commitment beyond personal advancement
• Admission to a Stanford graduate programme

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting only the Knight-Hennessy application and not the degree application.
• Missing that the fellowship deadline usually precedes the programme deadline.
• Essays that list achievements instead of showing how you think.
• An over-produced video that hides the person behind it.
• Applying more than seven years after the bachelor's degree, outside eligibility.

Fields of study