Schwarzman Scholars: Fully-Funded Master's at Tsinghua University in Beijing

If you want to understand China’s role in global affairs while earning a fully-funded master’s degree at one of Asia’s most prestigious universities, the Schwarzman Scholars program is the opportunity to pursue. This 11-month intensive program at Tsinghua University in Beijing covers everything: tuition, housing in the purpose-built Schwarzman College, travel to and from Beijing, health insurance, and a personal stipend of approximately $4,000. More than 200 scholars are selected annually from tens of thousands of applicants worldwide, making it one of the most competitive and transformative graduate experiences available.

The program is designed to prepare the next generation of global leaders by combining rigorous academics with deep exposure to China, its culture, politics, and business environment. Scholars study alongside peers from over 40 countries while engaging with world leaders, corporate executives, and policy experts through the program’s speaker series and experiential learning opportunities.

At a Glance

What This Scholarship Covers

Schwarzman Scholars is fully funded—there are no fees to attend. The comprehensive package includes:

• Full tuition: The Master’s in Global Affairs degree at Tsinghua University is completely covered.
• Housing: Scholars live in Schwarzman College, a state-of-the-art residential facility designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, featuring private rooms, common areas, and study spaces.
• Travel: Round-trip economy airfare from your home country to Beijing at the start and end of the program.
• Health insurance: Comprehensive coverage for the duration of the program.
• Personal stipend: Approximately $4,000 to cover incidentals and personal expenses.
• In-country travel: Study tours within China that expose scholars to different regions and industries.
• Mandarin language instruction: Intensive language training regardless of prior proficiency.

Academic Concentrations

All scholars earn a Master’s in Global Affairs with a specialization in one of three concentrations:

Public Policy: Focuses on how governments and international organizations address challenges like climate change, public health, economic development, and security. Ideal for students interested in diplomacy, NGO leadership, or government service.

Economics and Business: Examines global economic trends, China’s business environment, and the dynamics of international trade and investment. Designed for future entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate leaders.

International Studies: Explores the cultural, historical, and political dimensions of global relations, with particular emphasis on understanding China’s role in the international system. Suited for students pursuing careers in journalism, academia, or cross-cultural leadership.

Who Should Apply

Schwarzman Scholars seeks emerging leaders who will shape the future of international relations, business, and policy. The program is explicitly designed to build a network of leaders who can navigate the complexities of China-global relations.

You’re a strong fit if you:

• Are between 18 and 28 years old at the time of enrollment
• Hold an undergraduate degree (or will by program start) from any discipline
• Have demonstrated leadership through professional, academic, or community activities
• Want to understand China deeply and apply that understanding to your career
• Can articulate how this program advances specific career goals
• Are comfortable in an intensive, immersive environment

Practical examples of strong candidates:

• A tech entrepreneur building a company with global supply chains who needs to understand Chinese business practices
• A policy analyst at a think tank focused on U.S.-China relations seeking on-the-ground experience
• A journalist covering international affairs who wants to develop expertise on Asia
• An environmental advocate working on climate policy who needs to engage Chinese stakeholders
• A social entrepreneur scaling an organization with potential for Asian expansion

Application Components and Timeline

Application deadline: September 17, 2025 (for the cohort beginning August 2026)

Required materials:

1. Online application form: Biographical information, academic history, and professional experience
2. Two essays: The first addresses your background, motivations, and career aspirations; the second explores a current issue and your perspective on it
3. Current résumé: Highlighting leadership roles, professional experience, and achievements
4. Three letters of recommendation: From people who can speak to your leadership, character, and potential
5. Official academic transcripts: From all colleges and universities attended
6. Short video introduction: A brief self-introduction (typically 60 seconds) demonstrating communication skills and personality
7. Proof of English proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or other evidence if English is not your native language

Selection timeline:

• September 17: Application deadline
• October-November: Semifinalists selected for interviews
• November: Regional interviews conducted in cities worldwide (Bangkok, London, New York, and others)
• Late November-December: Final decisions released
• August 2026: Program begins in Beijing

Mainland China applicants: Follow a separate timeline with applications due in May and interviews in July.

Insider Tips for a Winning Application

1. Articulate a clear “China story”: The program exists to build leaders who understand China. Explain specifically why this understanding matters for your career and how you’ll use it after graduation. Generic interest in “learning about Asia” will not suffice.

2. Show leadership with impact: Don’t list titles—describe outcomes. What changed because of your leadership? How many people were affected? What obstacles did you overcome?

3. Demonstrate global perspective: The program values candidates who have engaged across cultures, worked internationally, or addressed global challenges. Highlight experiences that show you can operate effectively in diverse environments.

4. Be specific about post-program plans: Schwarzman wants to fund future leaders, not just credential collectors. Explain exactly how you’ll apply your China expertise in your career.

5. Nail the video introduction: This is your chance to show personality, communication skills, and presence. Practice until you can deliver a polished 60 seconds that complements (not repeats) your written materials.

6. Choose recommenders strategically: Select people who have seen you lead and can provide specific examples of your character, resilience, and potential. Brief them on the program’s emphasis on leadership and global impact.

7. Research the program deeply: Reference specific elements—the Dean’s Speaker Series, study tours, faculty expertise—that attract you. Show you’ve done your homework.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Treating this as a study abroad program: Schwarzman is a professional development experience, not a gap year. Approach it with career intentionality.
• Focusing only on what you’ll gain: Emphasize what you’ll contribute to the cohort and how you’ll share learnings after the program.
• Ignoring China-specific relevance: Every applicant should have a clear reason why understanding China is essential for their goals.
• Submitting a generic video: A scripted, stilted video undermines your application. Be natural and engaging.
• Weak recommenders: Letters from famous people who barely know you are less valuable than detailed letters from people who have worked closely with you.

The Scholar Experience

Life as a Schwarzman Scholar is intensive and transformative:

• Immersive living: All scholars reside together in Schwarzman College, creating a tight-knit community across nationalities and backgrounds.
• Dean’s Speaker Series: Regular sessions with heads of state, CEOs, and global thought leaders who engage scholars in dialogue.
• Study tours: Travel throughout China to visit cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Xi’an, meeting business leaders, government officials, and cultural institutions.
• Mentorship: Each scholar is paired with a mentor from the business, policy, or academic worlds.
• Capstone projects: The “Leadership in Action” component applies classroom learning to real-world challenges in collaboration with organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is Schwarzman Scholars? The program receives tens of thousands of applications for approximately 200 spots. Acceptance rates are typically in the low single digits, making it one of the most selective graduate programs globally.

Do I need to speak Mandarin? No. The program is conducted entirely in English, and Mandarin instruction is provided regardless of prior proficiency. However, demonstrated interest in learning Chinese is valued.

What is the typical scholar profile? Scholars come from over 40 countries and diverse fields: technology, finance, policy, journalism, healthcare, arts, and more. Ages range from 22 to 28, with most having 2-5 years of professional experience. Academic backgrounds span engineering, economics, humanities, and sciences.

Can I defer if accepted? Deferral is not typically permitted. If you cannot attend your admitted year, you must reapply in a subsequent cycle.

Is work experience required? While there is no formal minimum, successful candidates typically demonstrate at least two years of professional or internship experience along with evidence of leadership.

What do scholars do after the program? Alumni work across sectors: founding companies, leading NGOs, serving in government, working for multinational corporations, pursuing advanced degrees, and building careers in media and diplomacy. The alumni network remains active and connected.

Are there age exceptions? The 18-28 age requirement is firm. Applicants must be within this range at the time of enrollment.

How are interviews structured? Panels include business leaders, diplomats, academics, and Schwarzman alumni. Expect scenario-based questions about leadership challenges, ethical decision-making, and your long-term vision for advancing cross-cultural understanding.