Last updated: 30 September 2026. Applications to join the 2027 Knight-Hennessy Scholars cohort at Stanford University are open. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars application deadline is 6 October 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time. You will need to check both the scholarship rules and the requirements of your chosen Stanford graduate programme. Kenyan applicants follow the international application process described below.
What is Knight-Hennessy Scholars?
Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) is a graduate scholarship programme at Stanford University in the United States. Applicants pursue an eligible full-time Stanford graduate degree while participating in the KHS leadership-development programme.
Who can apply for the 2027 cohort?
KHS states that applicants from all countries are welcome and that there are no restrictions based on age, university, field of study or career aspiration. For the 2027 cohort, applicants generally must have earned their first bachelor’s degree in January 2020 or later. Current students may apply if they will earn their first degree by September 2027. A separate extended eligibility window applies to qualifying military service.
Applicants must also apply to, be admitted to and enroll in an eligible full-time Stanford graduate degree programme. Some Stanford programmes are excluded, so applicants should verify their proposed degree on the official KHS eligibility page.
Two applications are required
Most candidates must submit two separate applications: one to Knight-Hennessy Scholars and another to the relevant Stanford graduate programme. Admission to one does not replace the other.
- KHS deadline: 6 October 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
- Stanford graduate programme: submit by the earlier of the programme’s KHS applicant deadline or 1 December 2026, according to KHS guidance.
Some programmes, including the Stanford MBA, have specific timing requirements. Always confirm the deadline directly with the graduate programme.
What does the funding support?
KHS provides funding for scholars pursuing eligible Stanford graduate study. How long the funding lasts and what it covers depend on the degree and programme rules. Check the official funding page before setting your budget.
Application preparation checklist
- Confirm that your first bachelor’s degree date falls within the eligibility window.
- Identify an eligible Stanford graduate programme and check its separate application requirements.
- Prepare the KHS application and Stanford degree application as separate submissions.
- Use examples from your work or studies to explain what you have done, the decisions you made and what you plan to do next.
- Check academic records and dates for consistency.
- Allow enough time for any programme-specific tests, recommendations or supporting documents.
- Submit only through official Stanford and Knight-Hennessy systems.
Important advice for Kenyan applicants
International applicants should confirm Stanford’s requirements for degrees earned outside the United States, including whether their qualification is considered equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Do not pay an unofficial agent for a supposed KHS nomination or guaranteed selection. KHS says institutional endorsement is not required.
Official information
Verify eligibility on the official KHS eligibility page and deadlines on the official application deadlines page.
About this guide
JobScholarship.com is an independent career and education publisher. We are not Stanford University or Knight-Hennessy Scholars, do not process applications and cannot guarantee admission or scholarship selection. Requirements can change; the official provider is the final authority.