If you’re really interested to study at a top USA university with a fully funded scholarship, then read this carefully. In this guide, I’ll explain clearly about the Stanford University Scholarship, its benefits, and the step-by-step process to apply.
🎓 About Stanford University Scholarships
Stanford University Scholarships 2025-2026 are fully funded scholarships for international students. These are for students who wish to do their Masters or PhD at Stanford.
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, traveling allowance, living allowance and other academic expenses too.
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars is actually one of the best scholarship programs in the world. It attracts future leaders from all disciplines and countries to Stanford. Here you don’t just study — you also learn leadership skills and gain a real global perspective.
Stanford University itself is ranked #2 in QS World Universities Ranking 2019. It offers 100 Fully Funded Scholarships every year for Masters, PhD, MS, MBA, MFA, MD, JD and many more degrees.
Also check out MEXT Scholarship which is also fully funded and you don’t need Japanese language or IELTS/TOEFL for it.
🌍 Who Can Apply?
We strongly invite applications for Knight-Hennessy Scholars from all countries. The goal is to pick the world’s best students, not just from the U.S., but from everywhere.
In general, about one-third of the scholars will be from the U.S., and about two-thirds from outside. But this may change every year because the main focus is to select top talents, no matter where they’re from.
🏛️ About Stanford University
Founded back in 1885, Stanford University is famous for learning, research, new ideas, innovation and open discussions. It’s known as one of the world’s top universities and the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program is like a magnet for talent.
They build a strong community of scholars, give a platform for leadership growth and help you make a big positive impact in the world.
✅ Scholarship Summary
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Level of Study: Masters, PhD
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Institution: Stanford University
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Study in: USA
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Focus Areas: Graduate (PhD) in arts, engineering, education, humanities, social sciences or professional degrees in business, law, medicine. Click here to see all programs.
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Program Period: Funds up to first 3 years. If your degree is longer (like MD or PhD) or a joint degree, then your Stanford department will cover the rest as per their standard policy.
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Deadline: 09 October, 2024 (Application opens June 1, 2024)
🎁 Scholarship Coverage
If you get selected for Stanford University Scholarships, you’ll get:
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A travel stipend to cover one economy-class ticket every year for coming to Stanford and going back.
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A stipend for living expenses, room, board, books, supplies, local travel & reasonable personal costs.
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A fellowship that covers your tuition fees and related fees.
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Note: Usually, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars does not pay costs that your main department at Stanford already pays — like lab tools or some subscriptions.
Extra: Scholars can also apply for extra funds to support their academic activities (like conference travel).
📌 Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Stanford University Scholarships, here’s what you must have:
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Required Language: English
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Eligible Countries: All countries worldwide can apply
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Your first/bachelor’s degree must be 2018 or later (if enrolling in 2025)
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You must have quick mental sharpness, love for knowledge, new ideas, able to handle unknown situations & can have different opinions too.
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You must complete Knight-Hennessy Scholars application AND your full Stanford graduate degree application (GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, etc. if needed) + English test if needed.
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You must be ambitious, self-driven, open to feedback, humble, respectful and helpful to others.
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Must be fluent in English — listening, reading, speaking and writing. Minimum TOEFL score is usually 100iBT or 600PBT. MBA also accepts IELTS or PTE.
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You must apply, get accepted and enroll in a full-time Stanford graduate degree (DMA, JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MPP, MS, PhD).
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Preference is given to those who spend at least 2 years at Stanford.
📝 How to Apply
Follow these steps:
1️⃣ Create an account here and start your online application.
2️⃣ Complete and submit the online form (your info, academics, interests).
3️⃣ Submit these documents:
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Transcript (unofficial or self-reported is okay, for all colleges you went to for 1+ year).
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Resume (one page for each 10 years after school).
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Two recommendation letters.
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Essay (Max 1,750 words combined for both topics):
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Connect the dots. How did your life shape you?
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How will you pursue your life goal? How will Stanford + Knight-Hennessy Scholars help?
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Two short answers: 8 random facts about you + 3 goals you’re working on (can’t include getting into Stanford!).
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Video story: Max 2 mins (can be less).
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In-person assessment
🔔 Note:
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All materials must be in English & uploaded online only — no email/post.
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Use updated Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for best results.
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Here’s a sample PDF for reference.
🌐 Official Website
To know more, visit: Stanford University Scholarships – Official Website