Knight Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University 2026

Knight-Hennessy Scholars is one of the most prestigious fully funded graduate scholarships in the world. Each year it brings together future leaders from every country and discipline to study at Stanford University. The program is open to students joining any full-time Stanford graduate degree, including Masters, MBA, PhD, JD and MD programs, with no restriction on field of study.

Applications for the 2027 cohort close on 06 Oct, 2026 at 1:00 pm Pacific Time, which is 1:30 am IST on 07 Oct for students applying from India. Along with the scholarship application, candidates must apply separately to their chosen Stanford graduate program. That application is due by the program's deadline for KHS applicants or 01 Dec, 2026, whichever comes first.

Selected scholars receive full funding for up to three years, covering tuition and fees, a living stipend and annual travel. Beyond the money, scholars join a multidisciplinary leadership development program and a close community of peers from around the world.

For Indian students with strong academics and a clear record of leadership, this is one of the few awards that can make a Stanford degree completely free. Indian applicants are welcome, as there are no nationality quotas. If you need help planning the rest of your Stanford budget or exploring education loan options, the Subraxo team can guide you at Subraxo.com.

Details are indicative and may change, so verify on the official scholarship site before applying.

To be considered for Knight-Hennessy Scholars, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Open to citizens and residents of all countries, including India
• Must apply to, be accepted by and enrol in a full-time Stanford graduate degree program, starting in the same year as the scholarship
• Must have earned their first bachelor's degree in January 2020 or later. The cutoff is January 2018 or later for applicants who have served in the military.
• Final-year undergraduates are eligible if they will complete their degree by September 2027
• Indian applicants need a degree recognised as equivalent to a US bachelor's degree, as per Stanford's minimum requirements for international students
• MBA applicants must apply to the Stanford MBA in Round 1
• A few programs are not eligible: Master of Liberal Arts, Honors Cooperative Program, JSD, MLS and coterminal degrees

Applicants are assessed on three qualities:

• Independence of thought
• Purposeful leadership
• Civic mindset

Application process: Candidates must apply online through the Knight-Hennessy portal. The application includes:

• Resume
• Transcripts and test scores
• Recommendation letters
• Short answers and an essay

Shortlisted candidates are invited to submit a video statement, and finalists then take part in the Finalist Experience. Scholarship offers cannot be deferred.

Full Funding , Tuition and associated fees + stipend + travel expenses

• Full tuition and associated fees, paid directly to Stanford
• Stipend for living and academic expenses such as housing, food, books and local transport
• Travel stipend covering one economy class return trip to Stanford each year
• One-time relocation stipend for newly enrolling scholars, which can also be used for technology purchases
• Supplemental funds in the second and third years for academic enrichment such as conference travel
• Funding for up to three years. For longer programs like PhD and MD, the department funds the remaining years.
• Access to a leadership development program and a global scholar community
• Note: stipends are taxable, so plan for this in your budget