Master's Scholarship•China · Beijing

Schwarzman Scholars Program

Funding

Fully Funded

Program dates

Aug 1, 2027

Schwarzman Scholars is a selective, fully funded one-year master's program in global affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. Founded in 2015 by Stephen A. Schwarzman, the program is modelled on the Rhodes Scholarship and aims to build a generation of leaders with deep understanding of China's role in world affairs. Up to 200 scholars are admitted annually — 40% from the United States, 20% from China, and 40% from the rest of the world — representing more than 100 countries and 490 universities to date. Scholars spend an immersive year on campus combining classroom study, cultural engagement, field travel across China, and engagement with political, business, and cultural leaders from around the world.

Benefits & funding

  • Tuition and academic fees fully covered
  • On-campus housing at Schwarzman College, a purpose-built residential facility at Tsinghua University
  • Room and board (meals)
  • Round-trip travel to and from Beijing at the start and end of the program year
  • In-country study tours throughout China
  • Required course books and supplies
  • Lenovo laptop
  • Health insurance
  • Personal stipend for living expenses
  • Interview travel costs reimbursed for finalists (economy air or train, one hotel night, group meals)

Eligibility

  • Age: 18–28 years old as of August 1 of the enrollment year
  • Education: Bachelor's degree completed by August 1 of the enrollment year; any field of study welcome
  • Language: English proficiency required — waived if you studied in English for 2+ years at undergraduate or master's level; otherwise TOEFL ≥ 100, IELTS ≥ 7.0, Cambridge C1/C2 ≥ 185, or Duolingo ≥ 130
  • Nationality: Open to all nationalities worldwide; Chinese citizens (mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan) follow a separate earlier application timeline
  • No minimum GPA; academic excellence is required

Application process

  1. 1
    Submit the online application by September 9, 2026 (US/global applicants): leadership essay (750 words), statement of purpose (500 words), two 100-word short answers, resume/CV (max 2 pages), official transcripts, and three letters of recommendation.
  2. 2
    Attach English proficiency scores if required; upload a one-minute video self-introduction (optional but strongly recommended).
  3. 3
    Shortlisted candidates are invited to finalist interview panels in London and New York (late October – early November 2026); interview travel expenses are covered.
  4. 4
    Final decisions announced before end of 2026; program begins August 2027.

Program timeline

  1. Applications open for US and global applicants

    Apr 8, 2026

  2. Application deadline — US and global applicants (3:00 PM EDT)

    Sep 9, 2026

  3. Finalist interviews in London and New York

    Oct 28, 2026 to Nov 5, 2026

  4. Program begins at Tsinghua University, Beijing

    Aug 1, 2027

Schwarzman Scholars Program — Master's Scholarship · Circlebreaker