The Schwarzman Scholars Fellowship is a prestigious, fully funded one-year master’s degree in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. Established in 2016 by Stephen A. Schwarzman, the program aims to develop future global leaders by fostering cross-cultural understanding and leadership skills. Each year, up to 200 scholars are selected based on their academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to bridging cultural differences.
Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year are now open. This prestigious, fully funded graduate fellowship offers an extraordinary opportunity to gain world-class education, cross-cultural immersion, and professional growth—designed to shape the next generation of global leaders.
Fellowship Highlights:
Full Funding: Covers tuition, room and board, travel to and from Beijing, in-country study tours, books and supplies, health insurance, and a personal stipend.
Eligibility: Open to candidates aged 18–28 from all nationalities who have completed an undergraduate degree by the program’s start. Proficiency in English is required; no prior knowledge of Chinese is necessary.
Curriculum: Focuses on leadership, global affairs, and China, with concentrations in public policy, economics and business, or international studies. The program includes lectures, cultural activities, and mentorship opportunities.
Application Deadline:
- U.S. and Global Applicants
- Application Now Open
- Application Deadline: Sept 10, 2025, at 3 p.m. EDT
- Selection Cycle: Oct – Nov 2025
- Program Begins: Aug 2026
- Application Now Open
- Application Deadline: May 20, 2025 – 11:59 p.m. CST
- Selection Cycle: Jun – Jul 2025
- Program Begins: Aug 2026
The U.S. and Global application for the class of 2026-2027 is now open from April 10, 2025, to September 10, 3 p.m. EDT.
Application Process for The Schwarzman Fellowship
The online application form must be completed in English. To begin, create an account to start a new application. The email address provided to create your account will be used for all correspondence about your admissions status. After creating an account, a system-generated email will be sent to you with a temporary PIN to activate your account.
You do not have to complete your application in one sitting; you may access and continue your work as frequently as needed before final submission.
Complete your personal profile as follows:
Biographical Profile: Provide a biographical profile of up to 100 words summarising your leadership accomplishments and future aspirations. This is a required field.
Resume/Curriculum Vitae: Upload your most recent resume or CV. Your resume/CV should include leadership experiences and accomplishments, any professional experiences, education, and other items you wish to highlight that are not stated in the application. Note there is a two-page maximum limit.
Video Introduction: Provide a link to your one-minute video introduction.
Interests: Select up to two interests that best identify with your professional and leadership aspirations.
Reapplicant Information: If you are a reapplicant, answer the final question with a brief description of your leadership development and changes to your application since you last applied.
Education: List only undergraduate and graduate degrees completed (or on track to complete) at the time of application. Do not list any education programs where you did not earn a degree (e.g., short-term study, certificate programs, study abroad, etc.). Instead, include non-degree education on your Resume/CV.
Transcripts: You are required to upload a transcript for each undergraduate and graduate degree you attended. For transcripts not in English, you must provide accurate and complete translations with the original transcript.
Language skills: If your native language is not English, official English proficiency test scores must be submitted with the application, as English proficiency is a requirement of the program. This requirement is waived for applicants who studied for at least two years in English at an undergraduate or graduate level.
Professional Experience: List up to two full-time work experiences. If you are a student and have no full-time employment, you are not required to complete this section. Having no full-time work experience does not count against you as an applicant. If you are a young professional with full-time, post-bachelor’s work experience, select the category most relevant to your employment.
If you have military experience (military student, active duty, or veteran), you may include these in this section and select either Military or Military, Student. Do not list part-time work, internships, or volunteer experiences; these may be highlighted in your Resume/CV. For full-time remote work or full-time work in more than one country or city, list the location where you spent most of your time in the position.
Essays: As part of the application, each candidate must submit two essays and two short-answer responses. The required essays include a Leadership Essay (750 words) and a Statement of Purpose (500 words). These essays play a vital role in your application—they offer the selection committee a window into who you are, the leadership qualities you’ve demonstrated, and the potential you bring to the table. They’re also a reflection of your ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and express your unique story with intention and clarity.
Recommendations:
You’ll need to register three recommenders by providing their full names, professional titles, and contact information. If a recommender knows you by a different name or nickname, you can adjust how your name appears to them before sending the request.
Once you’ve entered their details and clicked “Send to Recommender,” the system will automatically email them a personalised recommendation request with a unique submission link. Choose individuals who know you well and can offer specific examples of your leadership, intellectual strengths, and personal qualities based on direct experience working with you.
Shortlisting and Interview Invitations:
If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to a virtual interview. Interviews are typically held between October and November for global applicants. This is a significant part of the selection process.
Benefits of The Schwarzman Fellowship program
The fellowship covers all expenses, including:
- Tuition and fees—room and board
- Travel to and from Beijing
- In-country study tours
- Books and supplies
- Health insurance
- A stipend for personal expenses
- Beyond financial support, Schwarzman Scholars gain access to a global network of alumni, career development resources, and mentorship opportunities.
- Cross-Cultural Engagement and Leadership Training.
Pro Tips
Be authentic – The committee values unique perspectives and real voices.
Show, don’t just tell – Use specific examples to illustrate leadership, innovation, and impact.
Tailor your essays – Don’t copy from other scholarship applications. Let your Schwarzman application feel personalised.
Ask for recommendation letters in advance—Give your referees ample time to write thoughtful and detailed letters.
Polish your Resume – Keep it sharp, concise, and relevant to the values of the program.
Rehearse your interview – If selected, mock interviews can help you clarify your thoughts and improve delivery.
- The Schwarzman Scholars Program isn’t just a fellowship—it’s a life-changing journey. If you’re passionate about global leadership, cultural exchange, and making a real-world impact, this is your moment.
Visit www.schwarzmanscholars.org to begin your application today.
