About Schwarzman Scholars

Schwarzman Scholars, inspired by the Rhodes scholarship, is a program designed to help future leaders meet the challenges of the 21st century and beyond by preparing them to better understand China’s culture, economy, governance and motivations.

Up to 200 Scholars chosen annually from around the world for this highly selective, fully-funded program will have an unrivaled opportunity to live in Beijing for a year of study and cultural immersion, attending lectures, traveling and developing first-hand exposure to China and its people. Scholars will study for a one-year Masters degree in public policy, international relations, or economics and business at Tsinghua University, one of China’s most prestigious institutes of higher education with a 100 year history of strengthening ties between China and the rest of the world and a record of producing leaders such as President Xi Jinping, former President Hu Jintao, and former Premier Zhu Rongj.

Eligibility

• Undergraduate degree or first degree from an accredited college or university, or its equivalent, by August 1, 2020
• English language proficiency
• Candidates must be at least 18 but not yet 28 years of age as of August 1, 2020

For more detailed information on eligibility requirements, please consult the program's website.

A Schwarzman Scholar should demonstrate extraordinary leadership potential, a strong intellect, with the ability to anticipate paradigm changes, and an exemplary character.

• Leadership: the ability to conceptualize, articulate and implement new approaches to existing conditions, with determination, energy and adaptability to drive change despite obstacles. A leader must have the ability to inspire others to help make change happen. Leadership can be demonstrated through many contexts and fields, political, social, business, the arts, and beyond.
• Intellect: achievements demonstrated through outstanding performance in academic endeavors.
• Character: personal values and integrity that inspire trust among others.

Application Deadline

May 31st, 2019: Deadline for applicants from Greater China (Applicants holding passports from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao)

September 27th, 2019: General application deadline for all other applicants

Interested applicants can find the required application documents on the program's website.

What to Expect

In the summer of 2016, the first cohort of young leaders gathered at the newly constructed Schwarzman College on the campus of Tsinghua University in Beijing. Scholars developed their leadership skills in a program designed by faculty and experts from Harvard, Yale, Oxford, Princeton, Stanford and Tsinghua, among others. They learned about the emergence of China as an economic and political force in the world through substantive, thematic study tours around the country. Their leadership and professional capacities were further deepened by a mentoring program linking them to business, political and civil society leaders in the country, and through internships with global and national institutions and corporations based in Beijing. All classes are taught in English and students will have opportunities throughout the year to study Mandarin.

Schwarzman Scholars will build a professionally diverse cohort each year and welcomes applicants from any undergraduate major who can articulate how the experience in China will help develop their skills as leaders in their fields. Schwarzman expects the largest number of applications from fields and topics that are heavily influenced by trends in China, including but certainly not limited to economics, political science, sociology, history, business, public policy, international studies, environmental studies, energy, health, climate, urban studies, trade and others. Applications from young leaders in any field relevant to issues influenced by or relevant to China are welcomed and encouraged.