If you aspire to study at a top U.S. university with a fully funded scholarship, you should read this article thoroughly. In this article, we have provided comprehensive information about the Stanford University Scholarship, including its benefits and the step-by-step application process.
The Stanford University Scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year are fully funded opportunities available to international students aiming to pursue Master’s and PhD programs. These scholarships cover all tuition fees, travel allowances, living expenses, and academic costs.
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is renowned as one of the premier scholarship initiatives globally. It attracts exceptional future leaders from various disciplines and regions to Stanford University. As a Knight-Hennessy Scholar, you will benefit from a multidisciplinary education, leadership development, and a global perspective. Ranked #2 in the QS World Universities Ranking 2019 by Top Universities, Stanford University is offering 100 fully funded scholarships for international students across a range of programs, including Master’s, PhD, MS, MBA, MFA, MD, and JD degrees.
Founded in 1885, Stanford University is a renowned institution dedicated to learning, discovery, innovation, expression, and discourse. Over the past 125+ years, Stanford has often led the way with new ideas and discoveries, adapting to the changing world. As one of the top universities globally, Stanford University, through the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship Program, attracts exceptional talent. The program cultivates a multidisciplinary community of scholars, provides a platform for meaningful leadership development, and empowers students to create significant positive impacts worldwide.
We encourage you to apply as the admission process for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is designed to help you better understand yourself, and enable you to present your strongest case for admission.
Why Attend Stanford University?
Stanford University stands out as a dream school for many aspiring students. This prestigious institution offers a winning combination of academic excellence and real-world experience. World-renowned faculty lead classes and groundbreaking research projects, giving undergraduates the chance to learn from the best and contribute to cutting-edge discoveries. Stanford fosters a vibrant student community that celebrates diversity and intellectual curiosity. With over 600 clubs and organizations, students can connect with like-minded peers and explore their passions.
Stanford’s location adds another layer of appeal. Situated near Silicon Valley, it provides unmatched access to internships and career opportunities in tech, engineering, and entrepreneurship. The Bay Area location also offers students the chance to experience the cultural richness of San Francisco and the stunning beauty of California. A Stanford degree is not just a credential; it’s a launchpad for success. Stanford alumni are highly sought-after by top employers, and the university’s network provides lifelong mentorship and career support.
Eligibility Criteria for Stanford University Scholarships
- Required Languages: English
- Eligible Countries: Citizens of all countries are eligible to apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program.
- Educational Qualifications: Applicants must have received their first/bachelor’s degree in 2018 or later to enroll in 2025. You are eligible to apply if you do so within four years of earning your first/bachelor’s degree and enroll within five years of earning it.
Furthermore, Applicants should demonstrate mental sharpness, a thirst for knowledge and new experiences, originality in ideas, the ability to navigate ambiguous situations, and the capacity to hold and express a contrarian or dissenting viewpoint. Additionally, candidates must complete both the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application and the entire application process for their chosen graduate degree program, which may include standardized tests (GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, etc.) and, if necessary, an English proficiency test.
Candidates must be ambitious, driven to improve themselves, willing to take risks, self-aware, and resilient in the face of adversity. They should also be humble, kind, inclusive, respectful of differences, concerned for others, and possess a low ego. Fluency in English—listening, reading, speaking, and writing—is required. The minimum TOEFL score for most Stanford graduate programs is 100 iBT or 600 PBT, with the MBA program also accepting the IELTS and PTE. More information about score requirements is available on the Stanford website.
In addition to applying to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program, applicants must apply to, be accepted by, and enroll in a full-time Stanford graduate degree program. Each incoming Knight-Hennessy Scholar must be a newly enrolling student in a Stanford graduate program, including but not limited to DMA, JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MPP, MS, or PhD programs. There are no quotas by discipline or program, though priority is given to those who will spend at least two years studying at Stanford.
How to Apply for Stanford University Scholarships?
Follow the following application instructions to win this scholarship:
(1) You must create an account here and start your online application.
(2) You must complete and submit the online application for admission (including personal and academic information, etc.). The university will ask for basic biographic and demographic details, as well as explanations of your activities and interests
To complete your application, you must submit the following documents:
- Provide an unofficial or self-reported transcript of your academic performance in college and, if applicable, graduate school for each institution you attended for an academic year or longer. If you are unable to provide an unofficial transcript, you may download the self-reported transcript template. Your transcript must, if applicable, include the degree conferred and the conferral date. Transcripts from study-abroad experiences are not needed if those credits are included on your transcript.
- Submit a resume that outlines your intellectual, personal, and professional background and accomplishments. The general rule is one page for every decade of experience after secondary school.
- Arrange for two recommendation letters. More information is available here.
- Write an essay (you may submit a maximum total of 1,750 words for both essays combined) addressing the following prompts:
- Connect the dots: How have the influences in your life shaped you?
- How will you pursue your life’s calling? How will your Stanford education and your Knight-Hennessy Scholars experience support this?
- Provide two short answer responses:
- Please tell us eight improbable facts about you.
- Please list three goals/objectives that you are currently working toward (being admitted to Stanford and/or being selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar cannot count as one of those goals).
- Create a video story. Your video can be no longer than two minutes in duration. If you only need 30 seconds to answer, that’s fine. There is no expectation or obligation for you to speak for the maximum time.
- Participate in an in-person assessment.
Conclusion
The Stanford University Scholarship 2024 offers an exceptional opportunity for aspiring scholars to pursue higher education at one of the top institutions in the United States. With its prestigious reputation, diverse community, and commitment to fostering innovation and leadership, Stanford University provides more than just financial support.
Furthermore, this scholarship program aims to empower students to achieve their academic and personal goals, while also encouraging them to make a positive impact on society. By providing a transformative educational experience, the Stanford University Scholarship 2024 equips students with the tools, resources, and opportunities needed to succeed in their chosen fields and contribute meaningfully to the world. So, do well to pursue your academic goal at Stanford university.