Schwarzman Scholars Program 2027–2028 is offering emerging leaders the opportunity to complete a fully funded master’s degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.
Designed for ambitious young people who want to make a meaningful impact, the programme combines graduate education, leadership development and direct exposure to China’s growing role in global affairs.
The U.S. and Global application deadline is September 9, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Late applications will not be accepted. Official application page
About Schwarzman Scholars
Schwarzman Scholars is a competitive, one-year, fully funded Master of Global Affairs programme based at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University.
The programme brings together young leaders from different countries, academic backgrounds and professional sectors. Through classroom learning, field experiences, coaching and cultural immersion, scholars deepen their understanding of China, leadership and global affairs.
Up to 200 scholars are supported annually. Participants join an international network representing more than 100 countries and a wide range of universities and industries. Learn more about the programme
Women with demonstrated leadership potential, academic ability and a commitment to positive change are encouraged to apply.
What does the scholarship cover?
Schwarzman Scholars provides comprehensive funding that includes:
- Full tuition and academic fees
- Accommodation and meals
- Travel to and from Beijing
- An in-country study tour
- Health insurance
- A personal-expense stipend
- Leadership training and professional development
- Access to mentors, guest speakers and a global alumni network
These benefits allow scholars to concentrate on their education and leadership development without carrying the full financial burden of international graduate study. View the official funding information
Who can apply?
Applicants must meet the following requirements.
Undergraduate degree
Candidates must have completed an undergraduate degree before enrolling in the programme.
Students who are still completing their bachelor’s degree may apply, but all degree requirements must be completed by August 1, 2027.
There is no required field of undergraduate study. Applicants from the sciences, humanities, business, technology, law, health, education and other disciplines are welcome.
Age requirement
Candidates must be at least 18 years old but not yet 29 as of August 1, 2027.
For the 2027–2028 class, applicants must therefore fall within the programme’s stated age range on that date.
English-language proficiency
All instruction is delivered in English, so applicants must demonstrate strong English-language ability.
Applicants whose native language is not English may submit one of the following:
- TOEFL: minimum 100 on the 120-point scale
- IELTS: minimum 7
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: minimum 185
- Duolingo English Test: minimum 130
The test requirement may be waived for candidates who studied for at least two years in an undergraduate or graduate programme where English was the primary language of instruction. Applicants should review the official eligibility requirements before applying.
What is the selection committee looking for?
Schwarzman Scholars considers more than grades. The programme seeks candidates who demonstrate:
- Leadership ability
- Academic aptitude and intellectual strength
- Exemplary character and integrity
- Empathy and intercultural competence
- Open-mindedness
- An entrepreneurial spirit
- A desire to create positive change
Applicants should show how they have taken initiative, worked with others and produced meaningful results. Leadership can be demonstrated through employment, entrepreneurship, volunteering, advocacy, research, community service or student activities.
The programme’s recent application guidance emphasizes three central qualities: leadership, intellect and character. Applicants should communicate their authentic experiences instead of presenting what they think a selection committee wants to hear. Read the official application tips
Required application materials
The application is completed online in English. Candidates should prepare:
- A résumé or curriculum vitae of no more than two pages
- A leadership essay of up to 750 words
- A statement of purpose of up to 500 words
- A biographical profile of up to 100 words
- Academic transcripts from each degree-granting post-secondary institution
- Three recommendation letters
- Personal, educational and professional information
- A one-minute video introduction, which the detailed instructions describe as highly recommended but optional
- English-language test results, when applicable
Applicants can save their progress and return to the application before submitting it. However, submitted applications are final and cannot be reopened for editing.
Important rule concerning artificial intelligence
Schwarzman Scholars requires applicants to confirm that their written application materials were composed by them and that an AI generator was not used to create the submitted work.
Candidates should therefore write their own essays, biography and application responses. This article is intended only to explain and promote the opportunity—it should not be copied into an application.
Application routes and deadlines
U.S. and Global applicants
- Application status: Open
- Deadline: September 9, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. EDT
- Selection period: October–November 2026
- Programme begins: August 2027
Applicants with Chinese citizenship
Candidates from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan follow a separate application process.
The China application deadline for this cycle was May 20, 2026, and has already passed. Eligible candidates should monitor the official website for the next application cycle.
How to apply
- Review the eligibility requirements carefully.
- Create an account through the official application portal.
- Complete each part of the online application in English.
- Contact recommenders early and give them enough time to prepare their letters.
- Upload the required academic records and supporting documents.
- Review the entire application for errors.
- Submit before the deadline.
Applications sent by email or post are not accepted. Candidates should also avoid submitting at the last minute because late applications will be rejected, including those delayed by technical difficulties.
👉 Start the official Schwarzman Scholars application
Opportunities for Women is not the scholarship provider. Applicants should verify all details on the official programme website before applying
