Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program 2024

Are you a high-achieving student who wants to pursue a graduate degree at Stanford University? Do you have a vision for solving complex global challenges and making a positive impact on the world? If yes, then you might be interested in applying for the Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program. The Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program is a prestigious and competitive scholarship that offers full funding for graduate students from around the world who want to study at Stanford University. The program aims to develop a diverse and multidisciplinary community of leaders who will address the complex challenges facing the world.

The Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program offers full funding for up to three years of tuition, living and academic expenses, and a travel stipend for one annual trip to and from Stanford. It provides scholars with access to exclusive leadership development opportunities, such as seminars, workshops, mentoring, networking, and experiential learning. The program also offers approximately 100 fully-funded scholarships to graduate students from all disciplines, regardless of their nationality, color, ethnicity, age, or gender. It is available for every graduate program, not limited to only JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MS, DMA, and PhD programs, as well as joint- and dual degrees.

The scholarship program is an outstanding opportunity for those graduates who have visionary minds and are eager to learn the cross-cultural dimensions of the world. Moreover, the students who exhibit leadership qualities from their prior experience and who are role models for others in bringing positive changes are highly likely to receive this top scholarship in the USA. In this article, we will explore in detail the process of applying for the scholarship, eligibility criteria, requirements, and its benefits to scholars. We will also look at FAQs that may arise during the application process and their solutions. Read on to obtain more information and improve your chances of being a recipient of this prestigious scholarship.

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Table of Contents

About the Host

The host of the Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program is Stanford University, one of the world’s leading research and teaching institutions. Stanford University was founded in 1885 and is located in Stanford, California, USA, on an 8,180-acre campus near Palo Alto, known as “the Farm”. Stanford is home to 16,000 students, 2,200 faculty members, 1,800 postdoctoral scholars, and over 300 research centers and institutes.

Furthermore, the Knight Hennessy scholarship was founded in 2016 by Phil H. Knight, a Stanford alumnus, philanthropist, American businessman, and co-founder of Nike Inc., and John L. Hennessy, Stanford University’s 10th president. The scholarship begot its name after the two co-founders, Mr. Knight and President Emeritus Hennessy, who recognized an opportunity for greater leadership across a variety of sectors in our society, and created a graduate-level scholarship to address this systemic issue. The program also had some inspiration from the Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford University and the Schwarzman Scholars Program at Tsinghua University but with a distinctive focus on interdisciplinary and intercultural collaboration.

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Why Apply for The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship?

You might want to apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship if you intend to pursue a graduate degree at Stanford University and become part of a diverse and dynamic community of scholars who commit to addressing the world’s most complex challenges. Thus, the scholarship can also provide you with ample opportunity to develop leadership skills specific to your discipline.

Also, you will receive a fellowship which you can apply directly to cover your full tuition and any associated fees for up to three years of your graduate education. They will also provide you with a generous stipend comprising your on-campus room and board, books and supplies, health insurance and associated fees, travel to and from Stanford, and reasonable personal expenses. All these benefits are provided upon being a recipient of The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship and don’t require you to repay after finishing your graduate program.

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How much is the Knight Hennessy Scholarship Worth?

The Knight Hennessy scholarship includes a fully funded opportunity for all graduate programs, including but not limited to JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MS, DMA, and PhD programs, as well as joint- and dual degrees. While the total amount is not disclosed, it will cover the following for each applicant that has been selected;

Full funding (tuition and associated fees) for up to three years of your graduate program

Generous stipend to cover your on-campus room and board
Provision of free books and supplies
Coverage on your health insurance and associated fees

Travel stipend will be taken care of from and to Stanford
Personal expenses will also be covered within a reasonable amount

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How Long Will the Knight Hennessy Scholarship Last?

The program only lasts up to three years, depending on the length of the graduate degree program that the scholar is enrolled in. However, if your degree program exceeds three years, such as an MD or Ph.D. program, then your home department will fund the remainder of your education.

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How Many People Are Going to Win the Knight Hennessy Award?

The Knight Hennessy Scholarship annually selects a cohort of 100 exceptional individuals. These individuals, chosen from a global pool, exhibit outstanding leadership and a strong commitment to civic engagement. They are awarded full funding to pursue a diverse range of graduate programs at Stanford University. The program’s ultimate aim is to nurture and empower a fresh wave of global leaders poised to tackle the world’s challenges.

What is the Acceptance Rate of the Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program

The acceptance rate of the Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program is about 2.3%. This means that out of thousands of applications received each year, only a few dozen are selected for the scholarship. For example, in 2020, there were 4,424 applications for 69 awards. In 2021, there were 6,171 applications for 76 awards. And in 2023, the program received a total of 7,119 applications for 85 awards. The program is extremely competitive and seeks to attract and support the most talented and diverse graduate students worldwide.

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Eligible Nationality

Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program is open to graduates from all nations and has no restrictions based on citizenship or residency. The program encourages citizens and residents of all countries to apply. Its 2023 cohort included scholars from Hungary, Malawi, the Netherlands, Russia, Sierra Leone, and Turkey among others. This promotes diversity amongst their students and improves interracial relationships.

Host Nationality

The host country for the Knight Hennessy Scholarship is the United States of America, USA, as Stanford University is located in Stanford, California, USA. Hence, interested applicants will have to travel to the USA for their graduate studies if they are accepted for the scholarship.

Eligible Institution(s)

As earlier stated, the Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program allows students to undertake any program of their choice at Stanford University in the United States.

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Which Course of Study is Eligible for the Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program?

The program has no restrictions placed on the course of study or career aspirations of their applicants, however, it is for only graduate studies. Graduates can apply to any course of study at Stanford University and be eligible to receive the full Knight Hennessy Scholarship award for any graduate degree. Scholars can take advantage of this opportunity and apply for the graduate degree of their choice in any field.

Which Level is Eligible for the Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program?

The fully funded Knight Hennessy Scholarship program is only offered to graduate students seeking to further their education in their respective fields. It covers funding for multiple graduate degrees such as; JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MS, DMA, and PhD programs, as well as joint- and dual-degrees. However, it doesn’t offer awards for undergraduate studies.

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Knight Hennessy Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

If you want to apply and win this scholarship to aid you in completing your graduate studies at Stanford, you will have to ensure to meet its eligibility criteria. Hence, to be eligible for the Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program, you must meet the following two requirements:

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You must apply to and be accepted by one of the seven schools of Stanford University that offer more than 170-degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. You must meet at least one of the following four conditions:
You are applying separately but concurrently to the Knight Hennessy Scholars Program and a full-time Stanford graduate degree program such that you will start both in the same year.
You have already been offered and deferred admission to a full-time Stanford graduate degree program and will apply to the Knight Hennessy Scholars Program such that you will start both in the same year.

You are a current Stanford graduate student who will apply to add a second full-time Stanford graduate degree program, such that you will start both the Knight Hennessy Scholars Program and the new program in the same year.
You are a current Stanford Ph.D. student in your first year of enrollment and will apply to the Knight Hennessy Scholars Program such that you will start the Knight Hennessy Scholars Program in your second year of Ph.D. enrollment.
You must have earned, in January 2017 or later, a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a college or university of recognized standing. Note: For applicants who served in the military, this eligibility window is extended by two years.

As you can see, the Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program does not have stringent criteria for eligibility. Keep on reading to learn how to apply for this award and the documents required for a smooth application.

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Age Requirements

The Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program is dedicated to removing barriers and fostering a diverse community of scholars. One significant way it achieves this is by not imposing any age restrictions on applicants. Therefore, this means that individuals of all ages who are eager to advance their graduate studies at Stanford University are welcome to apply.

How to Apply for the Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program

The Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program includes a fully funded award specifically for graduate studies only. With its focus on producing inspiring leaders and improving innovative thinking, the program boasts of producing graduates who go on to accomplish meritorious deeds across various disciplines.

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Steps To Apply for the Knight Hennessy Scholarship

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To apply for the Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program, you will need to follow these steps:

Visit the Official Website of the Knight Hennessy Scholarship

Find detailed information about their eligibility and criteria on the Knight Hennessy’s official website. Make sure that you meet the requirements for the scholarship and go through the website thoroughly to avoid missing any details. It will be very helpful if you write down everything in a notebook and cross out the requirements that you have met to avoid delay during the application process which can be problematic.
Preparing Your Application Documents

This is an important step as it will allow you to avoid delays in processing your application. If the required documents aren’t already prepared then it is paramount that you start preparing them before or while you apply for the Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program. To know the required documents for the award, please check out our next section for the details or you can check the official website. Make sure that there’s no issue with your documents.
Creating a New Account or Logging into an Existing One

Once you are on their official website, navigate to the ‘Admission’ page on the website’s menu where you will be directed to a new page that shows a summary. Click on the ‘Apply to join the 2024 cohort’ which will redirect you to create a new account (for first-time users) or login to an existing one (for returning users) to continue the admission process. For returning users, log in with your email address and password to start applying. For new users, enter your email address, first name, last name, and birthdate to register on the website with a secure password and ‘Temporary PIN’ provided to your email address.
Starting a New Application

After logging in to your account on the official website of Knight Hennessy, click on ‘Start New Application’ which will allow you to input your Institution Name, graduation date, and whether you have served in your country’s military after graduation. Once you have submitted your application, you will be redirected to a page that shows your current application status. It might take a while for your application to be reviewed and considered before you move on to the next step. Always monitor your application status to avoid missing out on the next step.
Submitting the Required Application Documents

At this point, you are almost done with your application process. If you followed the steps in this article then you would have prepared the important documents required for application. Submit them as requested and ensure that there are no hiccups with your spelling and grammar and avoid errors as this can deduct points during the selection process.
Waiting for Evaluation

After you are done with the previous steps, wait for the dedicated panel of anonymous professors from Stanford University to review your application and decide if you are qualified to be sponsored by the Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program. Shortlisted candidates will be notified to provide a two-minute video showcasing their personalities and experience in regard to the scholarship requirements.
Receive your Admission Decision from the Stanford University Knight Hennessy Scholarship Committee

This is the last step in the process of becoming a recipient of the award. You will be notified of your admission decision by March. If you are accepted, you will join a cohort of about 100 scholars who will start their studies at Stanford. And if you’re not accepted then don’t be discouraged, you can always apply again as there’s no limit to application. You can check out our other list of Scholarships available.

Tools

Laptop or mobile phone

Materials

Online Application

Apply Here

What are Knight Hennessy Scholarship Documents Required For Application?

When you’re ready to apply for the Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program, you’ll need to put together a collection of important documents. These materials play a vital role in the application process, helping the program’s reviewers gain a deeper understanding of your qualifications and aspirations. In essence, they provide the insights needed for a thoughtful and informed evaluation. Below is a detailed list of the documents you will need to prepare:

Online application form: This includes personal and academic information, short responses, and a 600-word essay that addresses the following prompts:
-Connect the dots. How have the influences in your life shaped you?

-How will you pursue your life’s calling? How will your Stanford education and your Knight-Hennessy Scholars experience support this?
-Tell us about three times when you took action. These actions can be personal or professional, and they can be as simple or as complex as you like. For each action, describe what you did and why.
Resume: This should be a one-page document that summarizes your education, employment, awards, skills, and extracurricular activities.

Transcripts and test scores: You need to provide unofficial or self-reported transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have attended. You also need to provide scores on standardized tests (such as GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, etc.) if they are required by your chosen graduate degree program.
Recommendation letters: You need to submit two recommendation letters from people who know you well and can speak to your abilities and potential. One letter should come from someone who supervised you in an academic, research, or professional setting. The other letter should come from someone who supervised you in a community service or extracurricular activity.
Video submission: If you are invited to do so after submitting your online application form, you need to record and upload a video of yourself answering a question that will be provided to you. The video should be no longer than two minutes and should showcase your personality and communication skills.

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Is Knight Hennessy Scholarship Application Ongoing Now?

Yes, fortunately, the Knight Hennessy Scholarship application is currently open and accepting submissions. This presents an excellent opportunity for aspiring scholars who are eager to pursue their graduate studies at Stanford University. If you have been contemplating applying for this prestigious scholarship, now is the time to take action.

What Can I Do To Win a Knight Hennessy Scholarship This Year?

While you don’t know if you will win as a recipient of the Knight Hennessy Scholarship this year, you have great chances to increase your chances of winning a slot. To improve your chances of winning the award, you will have to ensure that you submit all your required documents before the deadline. You also have to ensure that they are up to standard, meeting the requirements of Knight Hennessy. Keep on reading to learn more about Knight Hennessy’s Selection Procedures to understand how they select a few dozen applicants from the thousands of applicants.

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Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program 2024 is October 11, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time. This is the same deadline for all applicants, regardless of the Stanford graduate degree program they choose to apply to. However, you also need to apply separately but concurrently to your chosen Stanford graduate degree program by their deadline or no later than December 1, 2023.

Scholarship Summary

Summary

Award Type

Fully Funded

Provider

Stanford University

Scholarship Study Type

Masters, PhD

Eligible Courses

Courses available at any Accredited American Colleges

Eligible Students

All world Countries

Location

USA

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Selection Procedures

It’s important to know how Knight Hennessy operates after you drop your application to know why you might be selected or not. Knight Hennessy is open with their selection process which makes it easier to meet their requirements, ensuring you have a fighting chance of obtaining the scholarship award. Meanwhile, the selection process for the Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program is as follows:

After you submit your online application form, resume, transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters by October 11, 2023, the Knight Hennessy Scholars Program will review your application concurrently but separately from your Stanford graduate degree program application. You will be notified by email if you are invited to submit a video or attend an interview as part of the selection process.

If you are invited to submit a video, you will receive a question by email and you will have to record and upload a video of yourself answering the question within a specified time frame. The video should be no longer than two minutes and should showcase your personality and communication skills.
If you are invited to attend an interview, you will have to travel to Stanford for a two-day event in early March 2024. The event will include additional evaluative events that will further influence the selection of the scholars. The event will also give you an opportunity to interact with other finalists, current scholars, alumni, faculty, and staff.
The final selection of the scholars will be announced by mid-February 2024. The selection criteria are based on three dimensions: independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and civic mindset. The program seeks to attract and support a diverse and dynamic community of scholars from around the world and from many disciplines.

Does The Scholarship Have Scholarship Past Questions?

Regrettably, the Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program doesn’t provide official past questions for applicants to practice with. Nevertheless, they offer valuable resources on their website, including sample questions and guidance on navigating the application process. To gain deeper insights into the program and its selection criteria, you can explore recorded information sessions or sign up for live online sessions. These resources will help you prepare effectively for your application journey, even though formal practice questions may not be available.

What Should I Do If I Don’t Win the Knight Hennessy Scholarship

If you don’t win the Knight Hennessy Scholarship, kudos for the attempt. You can also win another time. While you look up other opportunities and scholarship programs. You will find thousands of them in the US and Canada.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Knight Hennessy Scholarship

Can I still apply if I graduated from an institution outside the U.S.?

The scholarship doesn’t place any restrictions on the location of your institution, so you can still apply for the award.

Can I apply if I graduated before 2017?

Unfortunately, you can not apply anymore as you need to have graduated within seven years of your intended application date. (Individuals who have completed their undergraduate studies and subsequently served in their country’s military gain an allowance of an extended eligibility period of two years).

I want to apply for the scholarship but I have a graduate degree already. Can I still apply?

If you hold a graduate degree, you are still eligible to apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship in 2024, provided that you completed your undergraduate or bachelor’s degree in 2017 or later.

Do Knight-Hennessy Scholars need to meet a specific GPA or test score threshold?

While they anticipate strong academic performance from their scholars, there are no mandatory GPA or score prerequisites. We recommend checking the admission criteria of your chosen graduate degree program, including any specific grade or score requirements, on the program’s website for precise details.

Is it necessary to provide my English proficiency test scores to Knight-Hennessy Scholars?

If the Stanford graduate degree program you are seeking admission to mandates the submission of English proficiency test scores, it is imperative that you also submit them to Knight-Hennessy Scholars.

Is it acceptable to request a recommendation letter from a family member or friend?

The Knight Hennesy Scholarship does not consider seeking a recommendation from a family member as appropriate. However, it’s important to differentiate between a friend and a peer. Thus, a peer is someone you’ve collaborated with toward a shared objective. It is permissible to request a recommendation from a peer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program presents a remarkable opportunity for aspiring graduate students seeking to make a global impact. This scholarship offers full funding, extensive leadership development, and a diverse community of like-minded individuals. However, the competition is extremely fierce as they only accept around 100 scholars every year. It is important to understand that you might not be chosen for the award but you can still apply for other scholarships.

Editor’s Recommendations

Reference

Knight Hennessy Website – Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program 2024 | Fully Funded

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