Schwarzman Scholars

How to apply

Overview

Description

Schwarzman Scholars is a fully-funded, one-year master’s program at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. Inspired by the Rhodes Scholarship, the Schwarzman Scholarship was established in 2015 to create globally informed leaders committed to working towards a more peaceful and prosperous future. Scholars acquire the skills necessary to enhance mutual understanding and to become a leader in the geopolitical landscape of the 21st century. With a particular academic focus on China within a global context, scholars develop an intellectual foundation crucial to work in and engage with a region of rapid growth. In addition to the program’s immersive curriculum, scholars are required to take language courses and are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities outside of the classroom, such as internships, political shadowing, and trips to learn about rural development. Schwarzman Scholars are connected to a growing network of alumni upon their graduation. Recipients of this award have come from 88 countries and have gone on to pursue careers in a vast range of fields.

Award

The Schwarzman Scholarship covers:

  • Tuition and fees for a one-year master’s degree at Tsinghua University
  • Room and board
  • In-country study tour
  • Travel to and from Beijing
  • Health insurance
  • Stipend for personal expenses

Eligibility

At least 18 years of age but not yet 29 by August 1 of their enrollment year. The applications of Chinese passport-holders may be reviewed by a different committee than holders of non-Chinese passports and will need to be submitted by a different deadline. More information can be found on Schwarzman Scholars website.

Selection Criteria

Although the program primarily focuses on an applicant’s leadership potential, they also look at the following characteristics: exemplary character and integrity, academic aptitude and intellectual ability, empathy and intercultural competency, open mindedness, entrepreneurial spirit.

How to Apply

  1. Start considering the Schwarzman Scholars program in June of the year before you intend to start graduate studies, or earlier. 
  2. Learn about the award: visit the program’s website; check your eligibility and read about alumni from the program.
  3. Book an appointment to meet with Office of Fellowships staff to shape your strategy for this application and your broader plans. 
  4. Draft your application essays and book a draft review appointment with the Office of Fellowships. The last opportunity to do so is before the campus deadline in late August. (See the list of campus deadlines for information about the current cycle.)
  5. Once you have submitted your application for the campus deadline, you will receive any final comments on your drafts and then revise them on your own before the national deadline in mid-September.