Applications are now open for the Stanford University Scholarships 2025 intake. We invite international students from around the world to become part of our vibrant and multicultural campus. At Stanford University we not only welcome you into a diverse community but also provide the support and resources you need to grow, develop your talents, and achieve excellence in your chosen field.
Stanford University does not provide general merit-based scholarships, except for a few athletic awards. Instead, the university is committed to covering the demonstrated financial need of all admitted students, whether domestic or international. For undergraduates, financial aid is entirely need-based, and about two-thirds of students receive some form of assistance
Review the eligibility requirements below and proceed with your application.
Graduate Students: Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS)
What it is:
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program offers fully funded scholarships for master’s and PhD students at Stanford. This prestigious program supports graduate study by covering tuition, living expenses, and more, allowing students to focus fully on their academic and leadership goals.
Benefits
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) program is one of Stanford University’s most prestigious global scholarships. It provides full funding for graduate study, covering tuition, living costs, and even a travel stipend for up to three years. The program seeks out students who demonstrate leadership, independence, and vision, aiming to nurture future leaders who can tackle complex challenges worldwide. Open to applicants from any country, KHS is highly competitive with one of the lowest acceptance rates among global scholarships.
What the Scholarship Offers
- Comprehensive Financial Support
Covers tuition, housing, meals, books, academic supplies, and an annual travel stipend for one round-trip to Stanford.
- Graduate Study Support
Provides up to three years of funding toward a master’s or doctoral degree at Stanford.
- Open Eligibility
No restrictions on age, field of study, university background, or career path—making it accessible to talented students across all disciplines.
In summary the Knight-Hennessy program is more than just financial aid, it’s an opportunity to join a global community of changemakers dedicated to making an impact.
Requirements
Stanford University Scholarships:
Stanford has different scholarships for graduate students, but before you can apply for any of them, you must first get admitted into a Stanford graduate program. Most scholarships also require a separate application, which usually includes essays, recommendation letters, and proof of strong academic performance. One of the best-known opportunities is the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program, which has broad eligibility but still requires you to be admitted to a Stanford graduate program first.
- Apply to a Stanford Graduate Program
Choose the graduate degree you want (master’s, PhD, etc.) and complete the full application process.
- Meet the Program Requirements
This usually means you’ll need:
A bachelor’s degree
Academic transcripts
Test scores (GRE, GMAT, etc., depending on your program)
Proof of English skills (TOEFL or IELTS for international students)
- Apply for the Scholarship
After applying to your program, you can complete the scholarship application, which may include:
Essays/Personal Statements – to show your goals, leadership skills, and why you’re a good fit
Letters of Recommendation – from teachers, professors, or mentors who know your strengths
Resume/CV – a detailed overview of your academic and professional experience
Video Story – for some scholarships like Knight-Hennessy, you may need to submit a short video introducing yourself.
Method of Application
How to Apply & Important Details
- Apply for Admission
Start by applying to your desired program at Stanford University (undergraduate, master’s, or PhD). Admission is required before you can be considered for financial aid or scholarships.
- Apply to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Graduate Only)
If you’re pursuing a master’s or PhD, you’ll need to complete a separate application for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program in addition to your Stanford application.
- Request Financial Aid (Undergraduate Only)
Undergraduate applicants must indicate that they’re applying for financial aid when submitting their admission application in order to be considered for need-based support.
- Keep Track of Deadlines
Always verify the latest deadlines on the official Knight-Hennessy Scholars website, as dates may vary each academic year.
