The mission of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars is to build a community of scholars who are independent thinkers, problem solvers, and can positively impact the world. Apart from offering scholars opportunities to fulfil their educational aspirations, they are connected to world leaders and innovators for adequate training in leadership and innovation that will help the scholars make a positive impact in their respective homes and the world at large.

This article provides comprehensive information about Knight-Hennessy Scholars and outlines the step-by-step process for a successful application.

About Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is a multidisciplinary, multicultural graduate scholarship program founded in 2016 by Phil Knight, his co-founder, Nike Inc., and John Hennessy, to prepare students for leadership roles and community development initiatives and train them to provide practical solutions to global challenges.

The primary goal of establishing this platform is to train and develop a community of scholars for leadership positions in academia, industry, government, the community, and the broader world.

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Key Features of the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship program designed to cultivate future global leaders who will become innovative solution providers to the world’s most pressing challenges.

Its key features include the following:

• Financial Aid: It provides financial assistance for up to three years to Stanford graduates, covering tuition, living expenses, and a stipend for scholars.
• Fair Selection: Scholars are given fair and equal opportunities and are selected based on their independent thought, civic mindset, leadership skills, and academic performance.
• Global Focus: The program focuses on building and producing productive scholars from diverse communities and tribes worldwide.
• No Restrictions or Limitations: There are no age, course of study, or career aspiration restrictions or limitations for applicants.
• Separate Application: Applicants must make separate applications for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program and their chosen Stanford graduate program.
• Leadership Development: This program offers public speaking opportunities, interdisciplinary problem-solving experiences, and international experiences for selected scholars, enabling them to develop into effective leaders.
• Community Building: This is another key feature of the program, ensuring a strong community through collaboration, shared experiences, and impactful activities at Denning House, the scholars’ dedicated space.

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Eligibility & Criteria for Knight-Hennessy Scholars

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program has no restrictions, discrimination, or limitations on age, field of study, or career aspirations for potential applicants. It is open to all, regardless of their race, tribe, or country.

However, two key eligibility requirements must be observed before proceeding with your application. They are:

1. Admission to Stanford: While applying to Knight-Hennessy Scholars, you must apply to, be accepted by, or enrol in a full-time Stanford degree program, including but not restricted to DMA, JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MPP, MS, or Ph.D programs. To do this, you must fulfil one of the conditions below:

• You are applying separately but concurrently to KHS and a full-time Stanford graduate degree program, and you plan to start both programs in the same year.
• You have been offered and deferred admission to a full-time Stanford graduate degree program, and will apply to KHS, allowing you to commence both programs in the same year.
• You are currently a Stanford graduate student who will apply for a second full-time graduate degree program at Stanford, allowing you to start both KHS and the new program in the same year.
• You are currently a Stanford Ph.D. student in your first year of enrollment and will apply to KHS, starting your KHS in the second year of your Ph.D. enrollment.

2. Undergraduate Degree Date: To be eligible to apply for KHS, it is essential to note that you must have obtained a U.S. Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognised and approved college or university as of January 2019 or later.

For the military personnel, their eligibility window is extended by two years in recognition and appreciation of longer service commitment. They must have obtained their degree in January 2017 or later to be eligible to enrol in 2026. However, for current college students, if their first degree is available by September 2026.

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Evaluation Criteria

The following criteria are critically examined in determining the success of your application.

• Independence of thought
• Purposeful leadership
• Civic mindset

Requirements for Knight-Hennessy Scholars

The following requirements must be met for your Knight-Hennessy Scholars application:

• Online Application
• Impressive CV/Resume
• Transcripts & Test Scores
• Recommendation Letters
• Short answers and an Essay of 550 words on your life journey; leadership achievements, people, events and circumstances that have impacted it.

Application Process and Timeline

Application Process

• KHS Application: The Knight-Hennessy Scholar (KHS) application consists of an online application form, transcripts, a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, short-answer questions, and an essay.
• Application for Stanford Graduate Program: Applicants must apply separately to their selected Stanford graduate program, following the program’s specific deadlines and requirements.
• Eligibility: Candidates must have received an admission offer from a Stanford graduate program to be considered for the KHS program.

Timeline

The application opens in early April, and the KHS application deadline is October 8, 2025. It is essential to note that the Stanford graduate program application deadline varies by program.

Tips for a Successful Application for Knight-Hennessy Scholars

The following tips will help you achieve your application goals if carefully observed:

• Map out a schedule and start earlier
• Understand the criteria
• Decide on how to change the world positively
• Craft a compelling narrative
• Have an impressive and clear personal story
• Master the application components
• Leverage resources
• Stay organised
• Seek guidance and don’t do it alone

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Winning the KHS scholarship program is not difficult. There are a handful of beneficiaries out there who are success stories of this scheme. However, to become a Knight-Hennessy Scholar, you have to avoid the following common mistakes strictly.

• Starting late
• Ignoring document requirements
• Submitting incomplete applications
• Missing deadlines
• Not following application instructions
• Writing generic essays
• Not understanding the program criteria
• Not seeking guidance
• Not demonstrating a clear vision
• Poor proofreading and editing

Conclusion

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars are selected qualified individuals with sound intellectual capacity, critical thinking prowess and leadership skills. They are trained and groomed to excel in their chosen field of study, becoming global solution providers to the world’s challenges. You can become a KHS by simply following the instructions outlined in this exclusive guide.

Apply for Knight-Hennessy Scholars now.