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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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;
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:
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
Time Needed : 2 hours 0 minutes
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
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:
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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
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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:
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.
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Reference
Knight Hennessy Website – Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program 2024 | Fully Funded