The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program 2025 is open for application. Do you want to study in one of the best universities in the world—Stanford University—without having to pay anything? If your answer is yes, then the opportunity of applying to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is on your doorstep. Grab it!

As you may know, the Knight-Hennessy is among the prestigious scholarships all over the world – covering not only the tuition fee but offers leadership training that will equip you to lead in your respective communities. In addition, the opportunities it provides will change your life for good. 

In this article you’ll learn everything you need to know about the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program 2025. What you will learn includes but is not limited to the process of  applying, what you need, criteria eligibility, and some helpful tips to boost your chances of getting the scholarship.

What to know about the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program?

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is a scholarship opportunity launched in 2016 by Stanford University with the motive of developing future global leaders who come from different parts of the world to study at Stanford University in the United States. This program, however, attracts 100 highly talented students annually across the globe to study in Stanford university under a fully funded scholarship.

While most scholarships focus on grades and other factors, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program focuses on leadership potential of students and their ability to make a positive impact, as well as their commitment in improving the global community in which they find themselves. 

Country of Study: United States of America

Institution: Stanford University

Eligible Countries: All nationalities

Field of Study: All fields of study

Mode of Funding: Fully Funded

Read Also: The Gates Scholarship 2026  in USA

Benefits of Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program 2025

We will consider the benefits of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program in Stanford University, and what the scholarship covers, below:

• Full tuition and all the associated fees
•  Monthly stipend which covers books, personal expenses, and board .
•  Travel allowance: If you are admitted, your economy class ticket to and from Stanford will be covered yearly.
•  Students will receive concrete leadership training and personal development through this program.
• Students will have access to renowned professors, global leaders and mentors who will lead them by hands and usher them to the world of possibilities. 
•  Students will connect with other changemakers from the global community. 

What does the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program mean to you?

It shows that you can study for your graduate degree program in an Ivy League university in the United States without having to worry so much about funding. It is a rare opportunity. Of course, if you are finishing your undergraduate degree, you can as well apply.

Now, who can actually apply?

Who Can Apply to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program?

For you to apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program, you are required to meet up with two important requirements: 

1. You Must Apply to a Full-Time Stanford University Graduate Program

This implies that you should apply to any of the following graduate degree programs offered in Stanford University, USA before you can apply to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program. The graduate degree programs are:

• Master’s
• PhD
• JD (Law)
• MBA (Business)
• MD (Medicine)
• Dual or joint degrees

The applications are made differently. To clarify this, you ought to apply to the Stanford graduate program on one hand, and apply to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program on the other hand.

You can see the list of eligible graduate programs offered by Stanford University, here:
Stanford Graduate Programs

2. You Must Have Earned Your Bachelor’s Degree After January 2018

The second condition for 2025 intake is that you must have earned your bachelor’s degree in January 2018 or later. If you have just concluded your bachelor’s degree, you can apply. Remember: There is no age limit. No specific score or GPA required. However, you must meet the standard of admission by Stanford University. Note also that all countries are accepted irrespective of where they attended their university education.

Application Process for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

We are going to discuss the application process for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program. Consider the following steps:

Step 1: Select your Stanford Graduate Degree Program

When you get to Stanford University website, go to the page showing the courses offered and select a program that fits your goals. When you do that, consider their requirements for admission: what their GRE, GMAT, LSAT, IELTS are like – if they are required. To check the requirements for admission you will see a link on the final part of this article. Keep reading.

Step 2: Apply to Knight-Hennessy in a Separate Application

Now you must have selected your program and applied to the Stanford University Graduate program, it is time to apply to the Knight-Hennessy scholars program. 

At this point, it is clear that you are to submit two applications, which are:

1. Your Knight-Hennessy Scholars application
2. Your Stanford graduate degree application

Remember also that both aforementioned applications are submitted online. In addition to that, consider applying to each of them on or before the deadline for you to be considered.

Step 3: Prepare the following  Documents for Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

To fully apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program, the following documents must be submitted:

• Online application form
• Academic transcripts from your previous institution
• Resume (1-2 pages)
• Two recommendation letters
• Two short essays where you will answer the following questions:
  • How do you plan to make an impact?
  • Why Stanford and the Knight-Hennessy program?
• Two short-answer questions
• Video statement (up to 2 minutes)
• Optional in-person interview if shortlisted

Remember, there  is no application fee for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program, and you don’t have to complete your application with Stanford University or get admitted before you start applying to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program. 

Important Deadlines

• Knight-Hennessy Application Deadline: October 9, 2025.
• Stanford Graduate Program Deadlines: Vary by department (usually November–December 2025). To be certain about your program of interest, you can check the deadline here:  Check Your Program Deadline
  

For you to be considered, endeavor to apply to both opportunities on time or before the deadline. If you miss the deadlines, you have missed the opportunity. Don’t procrastinate! Take action!

Who Can Get Selected for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program?

You might be thinking: “Am I worthy enough to win this scholarship? Can I be selected?”

It is good to have this thought at times, that makes you a human. 

However, there is positive news for you. You can do it, and Knight-Hennessy isn’t interested in high test scores or GPA, but the following qualities:

1. Independent Thinking

You must think differently: be open-minded, curious to know more, and  be ready to challenge thoughts and generally accepted beliefs. It means that you must put your head, mind and thoughts to good use. Stand your ground and voice your opinion. 

2. Purposeful Leadership

You must always be ready to take action and lead the way. Don’t have a follower attitude but a leader’s mentality. Inspire others, take initiative, and while you lead, do that with humility. 

3. Civic Mindset

Be considerate of others and their feelings. Help others, serve them: these are qualities of a good leader. Be visionary and know when to step in and out of a room. With this mindset, you are qualified to be considered a leader. 

Official Website and Links for your Application

Here are important links for your applications. The links contain the official websites for both Stanford University Graduate Programs  and Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program:

• Knight-Hennessy Scholars Official Website
  https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/
•  Stanford Graduate Admissions
  https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/
•  List of Stanford Graduate Programs
  https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/programs
• KHS Deadlines
  https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/admission/deadlines

While you are applying for this scholarship, remember these three important information:

•  Apply with boldness.
• Tell your story.
• Believe in your ability and potential.

With this in mind, start your application today.

And…

Congratulations in advance!