Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

Yale University does not conduct a nomination or endorsement process for the Knight-Hennessy award and does not write endorsement or assessment letters for this application. However, applicants who wish to speak to a fellowships adviser about their application may do so at least 2 weeks before the national deadline.

National deadline 2023: October 11, 1PM Pacific Time

Each year the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program will identify a group of 100 high-achieving students from around the world with demonstrated leadership and civic commitment to receive full funding to pursue a wide-ranging graduate education at Stanford, with the goal of developing a new generation of global leaders. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars is the largest fully endowed scholars program in the world.

Interested Yale applicants should carefully read the detailed information provided on the official Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program website.

Applications should be submitted directly via the official website. The application system opens in early May.

Applicants must apply separately to the specific Stanford graduate degree program they want to enter. Applicants cannot be selected as Knight-Hennessy scholars unless they are admitted by the department (however, departments may freely admit applicants who are not selected as Knight-Hennessy Scholars).

Application Information:

• General Application Tips The Knight-Hennessy program is looking for people who exhibit “independence of thought”, “purposeful leadership”, and a “civic mindset.” Your application should contextualize your background, experiences, skills, and aspirations while keeping these criteria in mind.

• Letters of Recommendation The Knight-Hennessy program will have access to your complete graduate/professional school application, including the letters of recommendation. Your two letters for the Knight-Hennessy application should come from people other than those you asked to write letters for your Stanford application.

The Knight-Hennessy program asks that recommenders address the following points:

• Please explain how you know and interact with the applicant.

• How have the applicant’s actions and insights benefited others? Please provide specific examples.

• What is the most important instance of constructive feedback that you have given the applicant? Please explain the circumstances and how the applicant responded?

• What does the candidate need to continue her/his/their intellectual development and professional growth?

• Is there anything else — positive or negative — that we should know about the applicant? Short answers and essay

• Questions and Essay Refer to the Knight-Hennessy website for detailed instructions and prompts for the short answer questions and essay

• Video Essay Once you have submitted your application, you will be asked to record a video which teaches the cohort something.

This is not a prerecorded message; it must be completed in real-time using the platform provided by the Knight-Hennessy program. The platform will allow you to test the system before each recording and provides ten (10) opportunities to record the video. You can review your video after recording however the video you created will be deleted if you decide to redo the recording. Your answer should have a clear beginning and ending (avoid trailing off or stopping abruptly). Do not write a script to be recited verbatim, instead consider a short outline for reference. Look directly at the webcam to simulate eye contact; if you look at your computer screen, your eyes will appear averted. Do not plan for the 10th recording to be the video that you submit. The knowledge that it is the last chance to record the video will cause unnecessary stress.

• Résumé or CV A one-page resume is requested.

Additional Information

The application provides space for critical information that may not adequately fit any other categories. This space should be used to briefly explain any factors affecting academic performance or other situations that may contextualize the information provided in other parts of the application. Do not use this space to thank the program for the opportunity or for reading your application. Do not use this space to discuss financial limitations for graduate study at Stanford.

• Citizens from all countries are eligible.
• This award may not be deferred.
• Applicants must have received their first/bachelor's degree within 7 years of the intended enrollment date.