Overview

Schwarzman Scholars is a one-year, fully funded master’s and leadership program based at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University in Beijing. The curriculum focuses on global affairs, leadership development, and understanding China’s role in international trends.

The program seeks candidates who combine academic ability with demonstrated leadership, integrity, empathy, intercultural competence, open-mindedness, and an entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving.

Eligibility

• You must have completed an undergraduate degree, or be on track to complete all degree requirements by 1 August 2027.
• You must be at least 18 years old and not yet 29 on 1 August 2027.
• Applicants from all academic fields are welcome.
• Strong English proficiency is required because instruction is in English.
• If English is not your native language and you do not qualify for an instruction-language waiver, accepted tests include TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English, and Duolingo English Test under the published score requirements.

Funding & Benefits

The official program describes Schwarzman Scholars as fully funded. Covered expenses include:

• Tuition and university 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 laptop for program use.
• Health insurance.
• A personal-expense stipend.

Applicants invited to interview also receive program-arranged support for eligible interview travel and accommodation.

Application Components

• A biographical profile of up to 100 words.
• A current résumé/CV with a maximum length of two pages.
• Transcripts for undergraduate and graduate degrees attended.
• Two essays: a 750-word Leadership Essay and a 500-word Statement of Purpose.
• Two short-answer responses of up to 100 words each.
• Three recommendation letters submitted by registered recommenders.
• English-language test evidence where required.
• A one-minute video introduction is highly recommended but not mandatory.

How to Apply

1. Check the age, degree and English-language eligibility requirements.
2. Create an account in the official Schwarzman Scholars application portal.
3. Complete the education, leadership, professional and personal-information sections.
4. Upload transcripts, résumé/CV, essays and other required materials.
5. Register three recommenders early enough for them to submit by the deadline.
6. Review the application carefully and submit before 9 September 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EDT.

Important Dates

• 8 April 2026: U.S./Global application opened.
• 9 September 2026, 3:00 p.m. EDT: U.S./Global application deadline.
• October–November 2026: U.S./Global selection cycle.
• 28–29 October 2026: Planned in-person interview dates in London for relevant candidates.
• 4–5 November 2026: Planned in-person interview dates in New York for relevant candidates.
• August 2027: Program begins in Beijing.

FAQs

Is Schwarzman Scholars fully funded?
Yes. The official program states that tuition, fees, room and board, travel, study tours, required academic supplies, health insurance and a personal stipend are covered.

Can applicants from any academic field apply?
Yes. There is no required undergraduate major.

Do I need full-time work experience?
No. The application instructions explicitly state that students without full-time employment are not disadvantaged for having no full-time work experience.

Is there an application fee?
No. The official FAQ states that there is no application fee.

Can I use AI to write my essays?
No. The official application portal requires applicants to certify that written application work was composed by the applicant and not created with an AI generator.

Information checked against the official Schwarzman Scholars admissions, application-instructions, program-experience and application-portal pages. Applicants should verify final requirements on the official site before submission.