- Fully FundedScholarship type
- Tsinghua UniversityHost institution
- ~150–200 / yearAwards
- Master’s in Global AffairsDegree
- Under ~29Age limit
- No Chinese requiredLanguage
At a glance
full
Funding
€65k
Max amount
Oct 15, 2026
Deadline
Any country
Country
Tsinghua University
Provider
Schwarzman Scholars is a fully-funded one-year Master's in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing, founded in 2016 by Stephen A. Schwarzman with ~US$600 million in philanthropic support — one of the largest philanthropic efforts in China's history. It was created to prepare future leaders to understand China's role in the world and to build bridges between China and the rest of the globe. Each year ~150–200 scholars are selected from thousands of applicants worldwide. Scholars live together at the purpose-built Schwarzman College on Tsinghua's campus and pursue a core curriculum in leadership, global affairs, and China studies, taught in English, alongside intensive immersion through study trips, mentorship, and internships across China. The programme is modeled in spirit on the Rhodes Scholarship and is deliberately leadership-focused: it values demonstrated impact and potential over pure academics, and builds a tight global alumni network spanning business, government, technology, and the social sector.
What's covered
- Tuition & fees — Full tuition for the Master's in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University.
- Room & board — Accommodation at Schwarzman College plus meals on campus.
- Travel — A travel stipend for one round trip to and from Beijing.
- Personal stipend — A modest monthly personal stipend (~US$3,500 total over the year) for incidental costs.
- Study trips — In-country study tours across multiple Chinese provinces, fully funded.
- Health insurance — In-country health insurance for the duration of the programme.
- Books & laptop — Textbooks, course materials, and a personal computer.
How to apply
Apply online through the Schwarzman Scholars portal. There are two rounds — an earlier round for U.S. citizens and a later round for everyone else. The application centres on essays, recommendations, and (for shortlisted candidates) an in-person or video interview.
- Confirm eligibility — Check the degree, age (~under 29), and English requirements.
- Prepare essays & CV — Draft the required essays (leadership, a current-affairs/issue essay, and a personal statement) and your résumé.
- Secure recommenders — Arrange three recommendation letters speaking to leadership and academic ability.
- Submit by your round — Apply by the U.S. deadline (~September) or the global deadline (~mid-October).
- Interview — Finalists interview before a panel of global leaders (in person regionally or by video).
- Selection — Selected scholars are notified by ~December and begin at Tsinghua the following August.
Eligibility
DegreeA bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution by the programme start in ~August.
AgeUnder ~29 years of age at the application deadline (exceptions for military service).
EnglishProof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo) for non-native speakers.
LeadershipA demonstrated record of leadership, initiative, and impact.
NationalityOpen to citizens of any country; cohort targets a broad global mix (with ~US / ~China / ~rest-of-world bands).
The cohort is balanced roughly across the United States, China, and the rest of the world. No Chinese language background is needed — Mandarin classes are part of the programme.
Eligible countries
Any country
Deadlines
U.S. citizens (2027 cohort)2026-09-15
Rest of world (2027 cohort)2026-10-15
Selection
Selection prioritises leadership and the potential for impact over pure academics, alongside intellectual ability, strength of character, and the desire to understand China's role in the world. Applications are reviewed and shortlisted candidates interview before panels of senior leaders from business, government, and academia. The cohort is assembled for diversity of background, nationality, and field.
Verified sources
- Schwarzman Scholars — Admissionsschwarzmanscholars.orgofficial
About the provider
Schwarzman Scholars is hosted by Tsinghua University in Beijing and was founded in 2016 by Stephen A. Schwarzman, chairman and CEO of Blackstone, through one of the largest philanthropic efforts in China's history. The programme is designed to prepare future global leaders to understand China's role in the world, modeled in spirit on the Rhodes Scholarship.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Schwarzman Scholars program?
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A fully-funded one-year Master's in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing, founded in 2016 with ~US$600 million in philanthropy to prepare future leaders to understand China and bridge it with the world. ~150–200 scholars are chosen each year.
Who is eligible?
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Applicants of any nationality with a bachelor's degree by the programme start, under ~29 at the deadline, with English proficiency. Chinese language ability is not required.
What does the scholarship cover?
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Full tuition, room and board at Schwarzman College, a travel stipend to Beijing, a modest personal stipend, fully funded in-country study trips, health insurance, and books plus a laptop.
Do I need to speak Chinese?
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No. The degree is taught in English and no Chinese background is required. Mandarin language classes are built into the programme for those who wish to learn.
When are the deadlines?
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There are two rounds: U.S. citizens apply by ~September; everyone else by ~mid-October, for the cohort beginning the following August. Confirm exact dates on the Schwarzman Scholars site.
How competitive is it?
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Very — roughly 3,000–5,000 applicants compete for ~150–200 places (~4–5%). Leadership and demonstrated impact weigh as heavily as academics.
What will I study?
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A core curriculum in leadership, global affairs, and China studies, plus one of three concentrations: Public Policy, Economics & Business, or International Studies.
Where do scholars live?
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All scholars live together at Schwarzman College, a purpose-built residential college on Tsinghua's campus, which is central to the cohort experience.
How do I apply?
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Online through the Schwarzman Scholars portal, with essays, transcripts, three recommendations, and an English score for non-native speakers. Finalists are interviewed by a panel of global leaders.
Is there an age limit?
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Yes — applicants must generally be under ~29 at the deadline, with exceptions for military service. The programme targets early-career emerging leaders.
What is the alumni network like?
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A fast-growing global network of ~1,000+ alumni across ~80 countries working in business, government, technology, finance, and the social sector, connected by reunions and mentorship.
Can I work or intern in China during the programme?
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Yes — the programme includes a structured field/internship experience with Chinese organisations, and many scholars build China-linked careers afterward.