Deadline: October 6, 2021.

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program cultivates and supports a highly-engaged, multidisciplinary and multicultural community of graduate students from across Stanford University, and delivers a diverse collection of educational experiences, preparing graduates to address complex challenges facing the world.

They seek visionary thinkers who are curious, open-minded, analytical, eager for cross-cultural perspective, and genuinely excited to boldly and creatively address our world’s important challenges.

ELIGIBILITY

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is a multidisciplinary and multicultural community. There are no restrictions based on age, college or university, field of study, or career aspiration. We encourage citizens and residents of all countries to apply.  We do not require applicants to seek endorsements from colleges, universities, or other institutions.

There are two baseline eligibility requirements. 

1. First, in addition to applying to Knight-Hennessy Scholars, you must apply to, be accepted by, and enroll in a full-time Stanford graduate degree program. Each incoming Knight-Hennessy Scholar must be a newly enrolling student in a Stanford graduate program including, but not limited to, DMA, JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MPP, MS, or PhD programs. There are no quotas by discipline or program. Note that we will give priority consideration to those who will spend at least two years studying at Stanford. 
2. Second, you must have earned, in January 2015 or later, a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a college or university of recognized standing.

CRITERIA

As we evaluate and select Knight-Hennessy Scholars, we look for evidence of three criteria:

1. Independence of Thought

We seek visionary thinkers who are curious, open-minded, analytical, eager for cross-cultural perspective, and genuinely excited to boldly and creatively address  our world’s important challenges.

• Demonstrates mental sharpness and intellectual ability
• Seeks out knowledge and new experiences
• Full of original ideas
• Makes sense of ambiguity
• Can hold a contrarian or dissenting point of view

2. Purposeful Leadership

We seek courageous leaders who are ethical, decisive, resilient, driven to achieve meaningful results, and motivated to inspire others to effect positive change at scale.

• Ambitious in service of a better world
• Driven to improve self and others
• Able to include and elevate others 
• Self-aware and adaptable
• Persistent and resilient

3. Civic Mindset

We seek collaborative community members  who are humble, empathetic, trustworthy, oriented to act in service of others, and deeply passionate about contributing to the greater good.

• Personally humble and kind
• Supportive and accountable
• Embraces difference
• Concerned for and helpful to others

BENEFITS

During each of the first three years of graduate study, Knight-Hennessy Scholars receive:

• a fellowship applied directly to cover tuition and associated fees
• a stipend for living and academic expenses (such as room and board, books, academic supplies, instructional materials, local transportation, and reasonable personal expenses)
• a travel grant intended to cover an economy-class ticket for one annual trip to and from Stanford
• NOTE: Knight-Hennessy Scholars also may access supplemental funds to support academic enrichment (e.g., conference travel).

ADDITIONAL FUNDING

If you engage in optional research projects during the summer, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program may provide summer funding, through separate application and approval. In addition, Knight-Hennessy Scholars pursuing positive impact through social ventures may be eligible to apply for seed funding.

APPLICATION

You must apply separately to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program and to your Stanford graduate degree program. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars application will require you to indicate the Stanford graduate degree program(s) to which you will apply.

• Step 1: Start your online application for Knight-Hennessy Scholars and prepare application requirements. (Tip: Ask your recommenders early.)
• Step 2: Submit the online application for Knight-Hennessy Scholars by the deadline. (Note: You will not be able to edit once you submit your application, with the exception of test scores and recommenders)
• Step 3: If necessary, update test scores for Knight-Hennessy Scholars through your application status page.
• Separately: Prepare and submit all parts of your Stanford graduate degree program application by its deadline. Visit the program website to confirm its application deadline, program requirements, and any fees. Please review deadlines carefully as they vary by degree program, and some programs specify a separate application deadline specifically for Knight-Hennessy Scholars applicants

OFFICIAL LINK