Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program Documents Required 2026
Required Documents Checklist
- Online Knight-Hennessy Scholars application form
- One-page Resume
- Academic Transcripts (unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended for one academic year or longer; must include degree conferred and conferral date if applicable; official English translation required if not in English)
- Test Scores (only if required by your specific Stanford graduate degree program, including English proficiency exams like TOEFL/IELTS)
- Two Letters of Recommendation (distinct from graduate program letters; must address independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and civic mindset with specific examples)
- Three Short Answer Responses (250-word limit for academic/professional intentions; 250-word limit total for engaging with different perspectives, acting with courage, and falling short of expectations; 150-word limit total for 8 improbable facts about you)
- One Personal Essay ("Connect the Dots: How have the influences in your life shaped you?" - 500-word limit)
- Video Statement (by invitation only for shortlisted candidates)
- Separate application to your chosen full-time Stanford graduate degree program (with its own specific requirements, e.g., Statement of Purpose, program-specific essays, application fee, additional LORs)
DBT Bank Seeding Warning
Your primary bank account must be active, seeded with your Aadhaar card, and mapped on the NPCI mapper. The government disbursements are made exclusively via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
FAQs for Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
Q.Do I need to be admitted to a Stanford graduate program before applying for the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship?
No, you do not need to be admitted to a Stanford graduate program first. You must apply separately but concurrently to both the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program and a full-time Stanford graduate degree program. Both applications are reviewed by separate committees, and you must be accepted by both to become a Knight-Hennessy Scholar.
Q.Is there a minimum GPA or test score required to apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program?
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program itself does not have a stated minimum GPA or test score requirement. However, you must meet the minimum academic and test score requirements of your specific Stanford graduate degree program. While there's no official KHS minimum, competitive applicants generally have a strong academic record, with many competitive candidates possessing an undergraduate GPA of 3.7 or higher.
Q.What does 'fully funded' mean for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program?
Being 'fully funded' means the scholarship covers comprehensive expenses for up to three years of your graduate study at Stanford. This includes full tuition and associated fees, a stipend for living and academic expenses (such as housing, food, books, and personal costs), and an annual travel stipend for one round trip to and from Stanford. A one-time relocation stipend is also provided for newly enrolled scholars.
Q.Can current Stanford graduate students apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship?
Yes, current Stanford graduate students are eligible to apply under specific conditions. You may apply if you are deferring enrollment to 2027 or if you are applying for a *new* full-time Stanford graduate degree program that starts in 2027. If you enrolled in a graduate degree program at Stanford in 2025 or earlier, you are generally not eligible for consideration for your current degree program.