Schwarzman Scholars

Overview

Schwarzman Scholars is a fully-funded, one-year master’s degree and leadership program at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. At the heart of the program are world-renowned advisers, a rigorous and innovative study of global affairs, and hands-on exploration of Chinese culture and commerce.

The core curriculum equips Scholars with the knowledge they need to navigate China’s role in the global economy and global affairs. Scholars develop leadership skills in their respective fields through core and elective courses, workshops, coaching, mentorship and exposure to high-level industry experts. They live in Beijing for a year of intensive study and cultural immersion – attending lectures, workshops, and discussion groups; being mentored and advised by leaders across sectors; and traveling while developing a better understanding of China.

Each year, up to 200 future leaders from the U.S., China and the rest of the world are selected as Schwarzman Scholars. Scholars chosen for this highly selective program have demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities and the potential to understand and bridge cultural and political differences.

Eligibility

A candidate for the Schwarzman Scholars Program must meet ALL of the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 but not yet 29 years of age as of August 1 of their Schwarzman Scholars enrollment year (for the current selection cycle, as of August 1, 2022).
• Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before beginning study as a Schwarzman Scholar. On the application deadline, you may be a graduating senior or recent alumnus/a.

There are no citizenship restrictions. However, applicants holding a Chinese passport must apply by mid-May through the China application system. 

Selection Criteria

• Leadership abilities
• Exemplary character and integrity
• Academic aptitude and intellectual ability
• Empathy and intercultural competency
• Open-mindedness
• Entrepreneurial spirit

There are no restrictions on your previous majors, fields, or career path. The program has had many successful applicants from science, engineering and the humanities in addition to social sciences and business. You must make a compelling argument in your statement of purpose how the Schwarzman Scholars program will advance your professional, academic, and leadership goals.

Graduate Study at Schwarzman College

The Schwarzman Scholars experience is anchored in a rigorous and immersive Master of Global Affairs degree program at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Taught in English and designed for students of exceptional caliber, courses draw on some of Tsinghua University’s most accomplished professors as well as visiting faculty from leading global institutions.

The Schwarzman Scholars curriculum is designed to build students’ leadership abilities and deepen their knowledge of China and global affairs. All Schwarzman Scholars share a core curriculum that builds connections and serves as an anchor for the rest of their studies.

• Scholars will choose between an offering of leadership courses, which have been designed to analyze leadership characteristics from interdisciplinary perspectives and multiple cultural and professional settings.
• A Global Affairs course introduces Scholars to current and future challenges in global affairs, and the governance and ethical issues that will confront them as leaders.
• A course on Chinese political, economic, and social reforms, covers aspects of China’s development over the last forty years.
• The Deep Dive course is an intensive one-week themed field trip to regions throughout China that provides students with the opportunity to explore broader themes of economic, social, and political development through visits to leading companies, government agencies, and cultural sites.
• International students can take Chinese language instruction from beginner to advanced. Chinese and international students can take advanced English language classes, focusing on academic and business writing.

In addition to China-focused electives, Scholars choose elective courses from a variety of academic disciplines. Students are not required to focus their electives in any one area and can design an individualized academic plan focusing on different critical questions within global affairs. Scholars can also choose courses offered through other English language master’s programs at Tsinghua University in law, public health, public policy, international relations, environmental studies, business, education, and more.

The Capstone Project is the culmination of students’ Schwarzman College experience and a final presentation of student’s classroom and experiential learning. Students can choose to complete an individual or group capstone.

Schwarzman Scholars also participate in internships and mentoring. Students may arrange an internship on their own, or reference the job portal for available intern and volunteer opportunities. Organizations include businesses, state-owned enterprises, international organizations, non-governmental agencies, and schools. Each Scholar will also select a mentor from a pool of leaders in business, academic, government, and NGO communities, primarily based in Beijing. Mentors provide a space for students to learn and experience various leadership styles and gain new perspectives on China and China’s role in the world.

Apply Directly to Schwarzman

There is no campus endorsement (nomination) process for Schwarzman Scholars. Participation in advising is optional but encouraged.

Application Components

• Online application
• 2 Essays
  • Leadership Essay (750 words)
  • Statement of Purpose (500 words)
• 2 Short Answers (100 words)
• Brief Bio (100 words)
• Resume/C.V. (2-page limit)
• Transcripts for all college-level coursework completed
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Video Self-Introduction (1 minute)

Reference Requirements

Each applicant must submit three letters of recommendation. Please match your choices of reference writers to the selection criteria. Recommenders should know you well and be able to speak to your intellectual abilities, personal characteristics, and demonstrated leadership using specific examples from their direct experience working with you. Schwarzman Scholars recommends that you seek:

• One academic letter from a professor who can speak to your academic abilities 
• One letter addressing your leadership abilities with examples (this can be from an employer, supervisor, mentor, faculty member, or other). It is a requirement to have at least one letter which speaks to the applicant’s demonstrated leadership and potential.
• For the third letter, identify a recommender who can offer further insight that best reflects your current profile as an applicant: a letter from an employer or mentor commenting on leadership abilities, an additional academic endorsement, or some combination of the above options. 

When you have confirmed each recommender’s willingness to write for you, please enter their contact information in the online application system. Your reference writers will receive an automated email with detailed instructions. All letters must be submitted through the online application system. The letters should be written in English. If not, a translation must be provided and combined with the original letter uploaded by the recommender.

Benefits

The Schwarzman Scholars program provides full tuition, room and board on-campus, in-country study tours, travel to and from Beijing, health insurance, and a stipend for personal expenses.

The program of study, including all required courses and activities, is one year, beginning with mandatory orientation in late August and concluding with a graduation ceremony early the following July.

The Schwarzman Scholars Community

The Student Life team organizes regular trips to cultural sites in and around Beijing, including off the-beaten-path locations and major sites such as the Summer Palace and Lama Temple.

Students develop and lead initiatives within the College, on the Tsinghua campus, and beyond, from clubs and sports teams to symposia and conferences, volunteer opportunities, podcasts and blogs, and collaborative projects that often continue after the program.

Schwarzman also encourages strong alumni networks. Lifelong learning means Scholars stay connected to a powerful network of ongoing support. The distinguished education and connections provided by Schwarzman Scholars will serve as the cornerstone for future collaboration, discovery and success. Career Development encompasses a broad array of post-program goals – from pursuing a job search across myriad industries and geographies to applying to graduate school and developing professional skills to further strengthen long-term career aspirations. Support is available via individual coaching, programs and events, site visits, and resource materials and databases.

Other Funding Opportunities for China

Currently, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program is not accepting applications for China. If you are interested in interdisciplinary graduate study in the humanities and social sciences with a focus on China, consider the Yenching Academy at Peking University. These two fellowship programs are similarly competitive and both looking to support student leaders with cross-cultural exchange opportunities.