Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. A previous Stanford rejection does not disqualify you from KHS. The KHS committee does not have access to your previous Stanford application records. However, you will need to reapply to a Stanford program separately, and you should think about what has changed since your last application.

No. The KHS and Stanford program applications are reviewed by completely separate committees. Your Stanford department will never know you applied to KHS unless you tell them. A KHS rejection has absolutely no impact on your Stanford program admission decision. This is confirmed by KHS directly.

Yes. There is no limit on reapplications, as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements (bachelor's degree within the required window). Some successful scholars were selected on their second or third application. If you reapply, your previous application materials are not carried over — you start fresh.

KHS itself does not set a minimum GPA and does not ask for your GPA in the application. They evaluate leadership, character, and civic mindset — not academic metrics. However, your Stanford program application will likely consider your academic record, and requirements vary by department.

KHS does not require any standardized tests. Your Stanford program might. The GSB requires the GMAT or GRE. Many engineering and science programs require the GRE. Some programs have made tests optional since COVID. Check your specific program's requirements.

Potentially, yes. Under U.S. tax law, scholarship funds exceeding tuition may be considered taxable income. The living stipend is the portion most likely to be taxed. International students from countries without U.S. tax treaties may face withholding of 14-30%. Consult a tax professional. See our funding page for details.

Yes. Some applicants apply to multiple Stanford programs simultaneously. You indicate your program preferences in the KHS application and can update them later. Applying to multiple programs increases your chances of the critical Stanford admission, but each application requires separate preparation.

The KHS offer becomes void. You cannot defer it, transfer it, or save it for the following year. You would need to reapply to both KHS and Stanford in a future cycle. This is why choosing the right Stanford program — one where you're a strong fit — is critically important. See our dual application guide.

About 500 of 8,500 applicants (~6%) receive video invitations. Of those 500, roughly 180 (~36%) advance to the immersion weekend. So once you reach the video stage, your odds improve significantly. The video is about authenticity, not production quality. See our video statement guide.

KHS has no minimum work experience requirement. Some scholars apply straight from undergrad. Others have 5+ years of professional experience. Your Stanford program may have its own expectations — the GSB prefers 3-5 years, for example — but KHS itself does not specify. What matters is the depth and impact of your experiences, not their duration.

Yes, but KHS does not cover family expenses. Stanford has limited family housing available through a lottery. Off-campus family housing in the Bay Area is expensive ($3,000-$5,000+/month for a 2-bedroom apartment). International students' spouses may qualify for dependent visas but typically cannot work. Plan finances carefully if bringing family.

Stanford graduate students can hold research or teaching assistantships. Some scholars take on consulting or part-time work. International students on F-1 visas can work on-campus up to 20 hours/week during the academic year and full-time during breaks. Off-campus work requires CPT or OPT authorization. Between your academic program, KGLP commitments, and social life, time for additional work is limited.

Deferral policies are determined on a case-by-case basis by KHS. Generally, deferrals are not standard practice. If your Stanford program allows deferral, you would need to discuss with KHS whether the scholarship can be deferred alongside it. Military obligations or extraordinary circumstances may be considered.