Schwarzman Scholars
Highly selective one-year master's program at Tsinghua University in Beijing designed for future global leaders to develop understanding of China and China's role in the world.
Overview
Schwarzman Scholars is a highly selective master's degree program at Tsinghua University in Beijing, modeled on the Rhodes Scholarship and designed to prepare future global leaders to meet the challenges of a world in which China plays a central role. Established in 2013 with a $350 million endowment gift from Stephen Schwarzman, the program selects 200 scholars annually from around the world for a fully funded one-year master's degree in global affairs, public policy, or business/economics. The program includes Mandarin language instruction, leadership seminars, travel in China, and a global speaker series, all designed to provide deep contextual understanding of contemporary China.
What You Can Find Here
- Fully funded one-year master's degree in global affairs at Tsinghua University
- Focus tracks in public policy, economics and business, and science and technology
- Monthly living stipend, tuition, accommodation, and roundtrip airfare coverage
- Mandarin language instruction included for all non-Mandarin-speaking scholars
- Intensive leadership development programming with global speakers
- Fieldwork component and travel throughout China
- Lifetime global alumni network of 1,500+ Schwarzman Scholars
Who Should Use This
- Exceptional graduates or early-career professionals (under 28 at time of application) from any country
- Future leaders with demonstrated ambition, leadership experience, and intellectual capacity
- Those who want to develop deep understanding of China and China's global role
- Applicants who can demonstrate a specific vision for how their career will benefit from this experience
How to Get Started
- Step 1: Visit schwarzmanscholars.org to read the selection criteria and program details
- Step 2: Apply online through the Schwarzman Scholars application portal - deadline is typically in mid-September
- Step 3: Application includes academic information, essays, short-answer questions, and recommendations
- Step 4: Shortlisted candidates are invited for semifinalist interviews (conducted globally in October-November)
- Step 5: Finalists are selected in November-December for the cohort beginning the following August
Things to Check Before Applying
- Applicants must be under 28 years old at time of application (typically under 29 by program start)
- Schwarzman Scholars is a one-year program - it is not a research PhD
- Selection emphasizes leadership, ambition, and China-relevance of career goals, not just academic achievement
- Approximately 2,500 applications are received for 200 scholarships - a highly selective 8% acceptance rate
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age limit for Schwarzman Scholars?
Applicants must be under 28 years old as of the application deadline. Older applicants are not eligible.
Do I need to speak Mandarin to apply?
No. Mandarin language instruction is part of the program curriculum. Mandarin is not a prerequisite for selection.
Is the Schwarzman Scholars program only for certain majors?
No. Schwarzman Scholars accepts applicants from all undergraduate majors. The key selection criteria are leadership potential and a compelling vision for engagement with China.
What is the master's degree awarded?
Scholars receive a Master of Management from Tsinghua University's School of Economics and Management, with a focus track in public policy, economics and business, or science and technology.
How does Schwarzman compare to Rhodes Scholarship?
Both are elite fully funded programs modeled for global leaders. Rhodes focuses on Oxford University and global leadership broadly. Schwarzman specifically focuses on China and global engagement with China through Tsinghua University.
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