Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University is currently accepting applications from international students for its annual Schwarzman Scholars Programme.
Every year, a new class is selected to represent the world’s next generation of leaders — high-caliber individuals with open minds and limitless potential who will serve to deepen understanding between China and the rest of the world.
Schwarzman Scholars are selected from an international pool of distinguished candidates. Prospective Scholars are expected to demonstrate academic excellence, exceptional results in their field and outstanding leadership qualities. As future leaders, Schwarzman Scholars will learn from and study in China to create a more peaceful and prosperous future for all.
Schwarzman Scholars is designed to meet the challenges of the 21st century and beyond. It was inspired by the Rhodes Scholarship, which was founded in 1902 in an effort to promote international understanding and peace.
Schwarzman Scholars supports up to 200 Scholars annually from the U.S., China, and around the world for a one-year master’s in global affairs at Beijing’s Tsinghua University — ranked first in Asia as an indispensable base for China’s political, business, and technological leadership.
Scholars chosen for this highly selective program will live in Beijing for a year of study and cultural immersion — attending lectures, traveling around the region, and developing a better understanding of China. Admissions opened in the fall of 2015 with outstanding success, immediately making Schwarzman Scholars one of the world’s most selective graduate and fellowship programs.
Our cohort of global leaders reflects the diversity, vibrancy and promise of the world at large. Schwarzman Scholars embrace the opportunity to understand other cultures, perspectives and positions. Candidates who are most qualified to meet the high demands of the program must exhibit excellence in the following areas: Leadership Abilities, Exemplary Character & Integrity, Academic Aptitude & Intellectual Ability, Empathy & Intercultural Competency, Open Mindedness and Entrepreneurial Spirit.
Schwarzman College evokes historic Chinese characteristics as well as the residential colleges at Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and Yale. The College sits within Tsinghua University, one of China’s oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning. Situated on the former site of the Qing Dynasty imperial gardens and near numerous historical sites, the campus of Tsinghua University boasts a great location, rich history, and vibrant future. Since 1911, the university has developed students’ understanding of globalization and served as a bridge between China and the world. As one of China’s most influential and respected institutions, Tsinghua continues its legacy of cultivating the next generation of world leaders.
Tsinghua University is the alma mater of some of China’s most influential leaders, including the current and former Presidents, Xi Jinping and Hu Jintao; the former Chairman of the National People’s Congress, Wu Bangguo; the former Premier Zhu Rongji; and the former Vice Premier Huang Ju.
Study Programme: Postgraduate
Eligible Countries: International Students
Country Host: China
Scholarship Reward: Fully Funded, stipend, travel fare
Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship for Africans
In addition to demonstrating extraordinary leadership skills, the ability to anticipate and act on trends and changes in their context, strong intellectual capacity, and exemplary character, candidates must meet the following criteria.
- Must have an undergraduate degree: Applicants who are currently enrolled in undergraduate degree programs must be on track to successfully complete all degree requirements before August 1 of their Schwarzman Scholars enrollment year. There are no requirements for a specific field of undergraduate study; all fields are welcome, but it is important for applicants, regardless of undergraduate major, to articulate how participating in Schwarzman Scholars will help develop their leadership potential within their field.
- Must be 18-28 years of age: Candidates must be at least 18 but not yet 29 years of age as of August 1 of their Schwarzman Scholars enrollment year (for the Class of 2025-2026, as of August 1, 2025)
- Must be Proficient in English Language: Applicants must demonstrate strong English skills, as all teaching will be conducted in English. If the applicant’s native language is not English, official English proficiency test scores must be submitted with the application. This requirement is waived for applicants who studied at an undergraduate institution where the primary language of instruction was English for at least two years of the applicant’s academic program. The requirement will also be waived for applicants who have studied in English for two or more years at a Master’s degree level or higher. Acceptable test options are: Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT). Minimum score 100. International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum score 7. Cambridge English: Advanced (C1) or Cambridge English: Proficiency (C2). Minimum score 185.
Benefits of the Scholarship
- Interview expenses, such as economy class air or train travel, group meals, and one night in a hotel if needed, are arranged and covered by the program.
- Expenses for Schwarzman Scholars are also fully covered by the program, including the following: tuition, fees, room and board, travel to and from Beijing at the beginning and end of the academic year, in-country study tours, required course books and supplies, a Lenovo laptop, health insurance, and a personal stipend.
Selection Process
Interested candidates participate in a rigorous and thorough selection process, designed to identify the most promising young leaders from around the world. Those selected will have demonstrated an ability to effectively understand and contribute to the program so it may evolve to suit the needs of a rapidly changing world.
Applications are reviewed by a distinguished committee of business, government and academic leaders from around the world. A select number of candidates are invited for interviews in late October and early November before an international panel of leaders from a variety of backgrounds. These interviewers draw on their leadership experience to identify a cohort of highly accomplished candidates whose paths to leadership will be enhanced by an introduction to China and its global role.
Required Documents
- Online Application
- Resume (2 pages max)
- 2 Essays
- Transcript/Academic Records
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Video Introduction
Application Process
For further information please CLICK HERE to visit the official website
Application Deadline
September 12, 2024 (3pm EDT)
