The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is a prestigious graduate scholarship program based at Stanford University in the United States. It was established in 2016 with a significant endowment from philanthropist Robert King and former Stanford President John L. Hennessy.

The program aims to attract and develop a diverse community of future global leaders who are driven to address complex challenges and make a positive impact on the world. It provides full funding for graduate study at Stanford in any discipline, including professional degrees like law, medicine, business, or humanities and sciences.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program:

To be eligible for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Citizenship: There are no citizenship restrictions. Both U.S. citizens and international students can apply.
• Graduate Degree Program: Applicants must be applying to enroll in a full-time graduate degree program at Stanford University. This includes master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees in any academic discipline.
• Application to Stanford: Applicants must submit a separate application to their desired graduate degree program at Stanford University and meet all the requirements and deadlines set by that program.
• First-Time Enrollment: The program is designed for students who will begin their graduate studies at Stanford. If you have already started a graduate program elsewhere, you are not eligible.
• Degree Completion: If you are applying for a joint or dual-degree program, you must complete all of the requirements for your other degree before enrolling as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar.
• Academic Excellence: Applicants should have outstanding academic performance and intellectual vitality. There is no specific GPA requirement, but successful applicants generally have a strong academic record.
• Leadership Potential: The program seeks candidates who have demonstrated leadership potential, regardless of the field or organization. Leadership can be displayed in various ways, such as through academic, professional, or extracurricular activities.
• Civic Mindset: Candidates should possess a strong civic mindset, which means they are motivated to make a positive impact on society and address complex global challenges.

What is the total award for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program:

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program provides a comprehensive financial package to cover the expenses associated with graduate study at Stanford University. Here are the components of the total award:

• Full Tuition: The program covers the full cost of tuition for the graduate degree program pursued by the Knight-Hennessy Scholar at Stanford.
• Stipend for Living Expenses: Scholars receive a generous stipend to cover living expenses during their enrollment in the program. The stipend is intended to support accommodation, meals, transportation, books, supplies, and other personal expenses.
• Academic and Leadership Development Funding: The program offers additional funding to support academic and leadership development activities. This funding can be used for research, conference attendance, workshops, and other opportunities that enhance the scholars’ intellectual growth and leadership skills.
• Travel Grant: Knight-Hennessy Scholars receive funding to cover the cost of one annual trip to and from Stanford University.

How do you apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program:

Here are the general steps involved:

1. Review Eligibility: Ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program. This includes being a prospective graduate student applying to a full-time graduate degree program at Stanford University.
2. Apply to Stanford University: Submit a separate application to your desired graduate degree program at Stanford University. Be sure to review the specific requirements and deadlines set by your chosen program.
3. Prepare Application Materials: Gather all the necessary documents for your Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program application. This typically includes:
   • Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV): Provide an updated document that highlights your education, work experience, leadership roles, honors, and achievements.
   • Essays: Write several essays addressing specific prompts provided by the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program. These essays are an opportunity to showcase your academic and personal background, leadership potential, and commitment to making a positive impact.
   • Recommendation Letters: Obtain letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your abilities, accomplishments, and potential. These should be from people who know you well, such as professors, employers, or mentors.
   • Standardized Test Scores: Depending on the requirements of your chosen graduate degree program, you may need to submit scores for exams like the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test).
   • Transcripts: Provide official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended. These should show your academic performance and the courses you have completed.
4. Complete the Online Application: Visit the official Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program website and create an account to access the online application portal. Fill out the application form and upload all the required documents, including your essays, resume/CV, recommendation letters, and transcripts.
5. Submit the Application: Once you have completed all the sections of the application and attached the necessary documents, review everything carefully to ensure accuracy and completeness. When you are satisfied, submit your application before the designated deadline.
6. Selection Process: After the application deadline, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program selection committee will review the applications. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in virtual selection events, which may include interviews and presentations.
7. Notification of Decision: The program will notify applicants of their admission decision. If selected, you will receive an offer to join the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University.

Step by Step Student Visa Process for the U.S. 

Here is a general step-by-step guide to the student visa process for the U.S.:

1. Acceptance by a U.S. Institution: Obtain an acceptance letter from a U.S. educational institution that is authorized to sponsor international students. You must be accepted as a full-time student and receive a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 from the institution.
2. Pay the SEVIS Fee: The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee must be paid before applying for a student visa. Visit the SEVIS website and follow the instructions to pay the fee online.
3. Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application: Fill out the DS-160 form online. Be prepared to provide personal information, details about your education, and information about your intended stay in the U.S.
4. Schedule and Attend a Visa Interview: Visit the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country to schedule a visa interview appointment. The availability of interview slots may vary, so it is advisable to schedule the appointment well in advance. Attend the interview at the designated location and bring all required documents.
5. Prepare Supporting Documents: Gather the necessary documents for your visa application, including:

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.
• Form I-20 or Form DS-2019: The document provided by your educational institution.
• SEVIS Fee Receipt: Proof of payment of the SEVIS fee.
• Financial Documents: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation.
• Educational Documents: Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, and standardized test scores as required by the educational institution.
• English Proficiency: If English is not your native language, you may need to provide proof of English language proficiency through exams like TOEFL or IELTS.

6. Attend the Visa Interview: On the day of your visa interview, arrive at the embassy or consulate on time. Present your documents to the consular officer and answer any questions they may have about your study plans, financial situation, or intent to return to your home country after completing your studies.
7. Pay the Visa Application Fee: Pay the visa application fee as required by the U.S. embassy or consulate. The payment method and amount may vary depending on your country.
8. Await Visa Processing: After the interview, the consular officer will decide whether to approve your visa application. If approved, they will provide you with information on when and how to collect your passport with the visa.
9. Travel to the U.S.: Once you receive your student visa, you can make travel arrangements to the United States. Remember to carry your passport, visa, and supporting documents in your carry-on luggage.

The Annual and Renewable Options For This Scholarship

This is an annual scholarship. The official deadline date is October 11, 2023.

Other available scholarships to look at are Fully-funded Politecnico Di Milano Scholarships for International Students in Italy 2024 or Funding Available – Victoria University Scholarships – Australia 2023.

All applicants should consult the contact webpage that is in the contact section of this page if a question has not been answered. Beforehand check the university’s FAQs page to see if anything can be answered right away.

All students should check with the university website about any delays or changes to the open submission window or deadline time frame. This is the best way to see if anything needs to be reviewed or changed before submitting their application. Anyone can sign up to receive a university website newsletter to stay updated on the latest information.

Any student unsure about the rules and guidelines meant to be followed by the recipient should consult the website link provided. Anyone looking for more information that is not found on the website should contact the email address.

We also suggest that all applicants read through the information guideline page that is available through the original scholarship link. This way, the individual can navigate the website correctly and identify the real scholarship online application. So far there has been no mention of any delays for this opportunity or any cancellations.