Schwarzman Scholars 2028–29: Fully Funded

Schwarzman Scholars 2028–29: Fully Funded Master’s in China

Explore Schwarzman Scholars 2028–29, a fully funded master’s at Tsinghua University. Learn eligibility, benefits, documents and application steps.

The Schwarzman Scholars Program is one of the world’s leading international graduate fellowship opportunities for young professionals and future leaders. Hosted at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, the programme brings together outstanding students from around the world for a one-year, fully funded master’s degree in global affairs.

The programme is designed not only for academic study but also for leadership development, cross-cultural understanding and a deeper understanding of China’s role in global affairs. Schwarzman Scholars are selected from an international pool of candidates who demonstrate strong academic ability, leadership potential, character and a commitment to making an impact.

For the next U.S./Global application cycle, the Class of 2028–29, applications are scheduled to open in April 2027 and close in September 2027. The programme is expected to begin in August 2028.

Scholarship Overview

Schwarzman Scholars is a highly competitive graduate fellowship established to develop a global network of young leaders. Scholars spend one academic year at Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

The programme focuses on global affairs and leadership, while allowing students to develop their interests through academic coursework, professional connections and experiential learning in China.

The programme is fully funded, and the current official programme description identifies it as a one-year fully funded master’s programme at Tsinghua University.

At a Glance

Category	Details
Scholarship	Schwarzman Scholars
Host University	Tsinghua University
Location	Beijing, China
Degree	One-year Master’s degree
Field	Global Affairs
Programme Type	Fully funded
Eligible Applicants	International applicants meeting eligibility requirements
Age Requirement	18–28 years as of August 1 of enrollment year
Academic Requirement	Undergraduate degree completed or expected before enrollment
English	Required unless exemption applies
U.S./Global Application	April–September 2027
Selection	October–November 2027
Programme Begins	August 2028
Application	Online

The next selection cycle dates are published by Schwarzman Scholars and may be updated by the programme, so applicants should check the official admissions page when the 2028–29 application opens.

University Overview

Tsinghua University is a leading research university in Beijing and serves as the host institution for Schwarzman Scholars.

Schwarzman College is located on Tsinghua University’s campus and provides the academic and residential environment for Scholars during the programme.

The programme uses Tsinghua’s location in Beijing as an important part of the educational experience. Students gain opportunities to understand China’s society, economy, politics and international role while studying alongside peers from different parts of the world.

The Schwarzman Scholars programme describes its curriculum as being designed to strengthen leadership abilities and deepen students’ knowledge of China’s role in global affairs.

Why Study at Tsinghua University?

There are several reasons the Schwarzman Scholars programme attracts high-achieving international applicants.

Global learning environment: Scholars come from different countries, cultures and professional backgrounds, creating a highly international classroom and residential community.

Leadership development: The programme places strong emphasis on leadership, character, intellectual ability and the ability to work across cultures.

Study in Beijing: Students spend a year in China and gain first-hand exposure to one of the world’s most important political, economic and technological centres.

International network: Scholars become part of a global network of academics, innovators, business leaders and future policymakers.

Interdisciplinary education: Students can explore global issues from multiple academic and professional perspectives.

Schwarzman Scholars reports that its community has included scholars from more than 100 countries and hundreds of universities.

Degree Level

The Schwarzman Scholars programme offers a one-year master’s degree in global affairs.

The programme is intended for applicants who have already completed an undergraduate degree or who will complete all undergraduate degree requirements before the relevant August 1 enrollment deadline.

This means it is not a Bachelor’s scholarship. Students looking for undergraduate funding should consider other scholarship opportunities.

Available Fields of Study

Schwarzman Scholars is centred around Global Affairs, rather than offering dozens of unrelated master’s degrees.

The programme is particularly relevant to applicants interested in areas such as:

• International relations
• Global governance
• Public policy
• Economics and business
• Leadership
• International development
• Global security
• Technology and society
• China’s role in global affairs

Applicants from any undergraduate academic background can apply. Schwarzman Scholars specifically states that there is no required undergraduate major or specific field of undergraduate study.

Scholarship Benefits

The Schwarzman Scholars programme is fully funded.

The official programme description identifies it as a one-year, fully funded master’s programme at Tsinghua University.

The funding package is designed to support Scholars throughout the programme and includes major study-related and living expenses.

Key benefits include:

• Full tuition coverage
• 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
• Health insurance
• A personal stipend for expenses

Because scholarship policies and benefit details can be updated for each cohort, applicants should verify the final award package in the official admission materials for their intake.

Hidden Costs

Although Schwarzman Scholars is fully funded, applicants should still plan carefully before travelling.

Possible Expense	What Applicants Should Know
Passport	Applicants need a valid passport
Visa-related costs	Immigration procedures may involve personal expenses
Application preparation	Tests, document preparation or certification may cost money
Travel before programme funding	Applicants may need to cover some initial expenses
Personal spending	Clothing, entertainment and personal purchases may exceed the stipend
Extra travel	Personal international travel outside programme arrangements may not be covered
Additional personal services	Mobile phone and other personal costs may apply

The programme provides substantial financial support, but “fully funded” should not be interpreted as meaning that every personal expense an applicant could incur is automatically covered.

Eligibility Criteria

Schwarzman Scholars has several important eligibility requirements.

Undergraduate Degree

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree, or must be on track to complete all undergraduate degree requirements before August 1 of their Schwarzman Scholars enrollment year.

There is no restriction on the applicant’s undergraduate major. Students from all academic fields are welcome to apply.

Age

Applicants must be at least 18 but not yet 29 years old as of August 1 of the enrollment year.

For the Class of 2028–29, the relevant date is August 1, 2028.

English Proficiency

All teaching is conducted in English.

Applicants whose native language is not English generally need to submit an accepted English-language test score unless they qualify for an exemption based on previous education conducted in English.

Accepted tests and minimum scores currently listed by Schwarzman Scholars include:

• TOEFL: 100/120
• IELTS: 7
• Cambridge English C1 or C2: 185
• Duolingo English Test: 130

Applicants who completed at least two years of undergraduate or graduate study in English may qualify for an exemption.

Citizenship

U.S./Global applicants must follow the citizenship rules established by Schwarzman Scholars and Chinese regulations.

Applicants holding passports from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan use a separate China application process and different application timeline.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following materials for the U.S./Global application.

Document	Checklist
Online application form	☐
Current CV/Resume	☐
Leadership Essay	☐
Statement of Purpose	☐
Official academic transcripts	☐
Three recommendation letters	☐
One-minute video introduction	☐
English-language test score, if required	☐
Passport information	☐
Other required application information	☐

Schwarzman Scholars currently requires a maximum two-page CV, a 750-word Leadership Essay, a 500-word Statement of Purpose, official transcripts, three recommendation letters and a video introduction of no more than one minute.

Applicants should not submit unnecessary supplementary materials such as additional portfolios or writing samples unless specifically requested. The programme states that such materials will not be shared with the Review Committee.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step	What to Do
1	Review the official eligibility requirements
2	Confirm that you will have your undergraduate degree by the required date
3	Check the age requirement
4	Determine whether you need an English-language test
5	Prepare your academic transcripts
6	Update your CV to a maximum of two pages
7	Develop your leadership story and experiences
8	Write the Leadership Essay
9	Write the Statement of Purpose
10	Identify three appropriate recommenders
11	Request recommendation letters early
12	Record your one-minute introduction video
13	Create an online Schwarzman Scholars application account
14	Complete the application in English
15	Upload all required documents electronically
16	Review the complete application carefully
17	Submit the application before the official deadline
18	Monitor your application and recommendation status
19	Prepare for an interview if shortlisted
20	Wait for the final admission decision

The application is completed online and in English. Schwarzman Scholars does not accept application materials through postal mail or email.

Schwarzman Scholars currently lists the U.S./Global application period as April–September 2027, with selection taking place in October–November 2027 and the programme beginning in August 2028.

Applicants with Chinese citizenship follow a separate application cycle, currently listed as March–May 2027, with selection in June–July 2027.

Selection Criteria

Schwarzman Scholars looks beyond academic grades.

The admissions team identifies several qualities that are important when selecting Scholars:

• Leadership abilities
• Character and integrity
• Academic aptitude
• Intellectual ability
• Empathy
• Intercultural competency
• Open-mindedness
• Entrepreneurial spirit

The programme’s selection committee has also highlighted three broad pillars in its recent application guidance: leadership, intellect and character.

This means applicants should not simply list achievements. They should demonstrate how they have used their abilities to influence people, solve problems, lead initiatives or contribute to their communities.

Accommodation & Living Costs

Schwarzman Scholars is a residential programme at Schwarzman College.

Because the fellowship is fully funded, Scholars receive substantial support for accommodation and living expenses during the programme. The residential environment is also an important part of the programme’s community-building approach.

Students should nevertheless maintain a personal budget for expenses outside the standard programme coverage.

Part-time Jobs

Schwarzman Scholars is an intensive one-year master’s programme. Students should therefore treat their academic and leadership commitments as their primary responsibility.

Applicants should not plan their finances around obtaining a part-time job in China. Any employment or work activity must comply with the applicable Chinese immigration and university regulations.

Because the programme already provides substantial financial support, applicants should focus on making the most of the academic, leadership and networking opportunities available during the year.

Student Visa Process

International Scholars admitted to the programme will need the appropriate Chinese student visa and immigration documentation.

A typical process includes:

• Receiving admission documents
• Following instructions from Schwarzman Scholars/Tsinghua University
• Preparing passport and visa documents
• Applying for the appropriate Chinese student visa
• Travelling to Beijing
• Completing university registration
• Completing residence-related procedures after arrival

Applicants should wait for official instructions from the programme before making non-refundable travel arrangements.

The citizenship and passport used in the application can be particularly important because Schwarzman Scholars notes specific rules concerning U.S./Global applicants and Chinese nationality regulations.

Tips from Previous Applicants

• Start your application several months before the deadline.
• Build your application around a clear leadership story.
• Use specific examples rather than general statements.
• Choose recommenders who know your work closely.
• Keep your CV concise and achievement-focused.
• Make your essays personal and authentic.
• Demonstrate how you think about global issues, not just what you have achieved.
• Practice explaining your goals clearly before the interview.

Common Mistakes

• Treating Schwarzman Scholars as an ordinary academic scholarship
• Focusing only on academic grades and ignoring leadership
• Writing generic essays without personal examples
• Choosing recommenders who barely know the applicant
• Submitting a CV longer than the two-page limit
• Leaving recommendation letters until the last minute
• Ignoring the English-language requirements
• Missing the official application deadline

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Schwarzman Scholars?

Schwarzman Scholars is a one-year, fully funded master’s programme at Tsinghua University in Beijing designed to develop a global community of future leaders.

2. Is Schwarzman Scholars fully funded?

Yes. The programme is officially described as a fully funded master’s programme.

3. What degree does Schwarzman Scholars offer?

It is a one-year master’s degree focused on global affairs at Tsinghua University.

4. Can students from any undergraduate major apply?

Yes. Schwarzman Scholars states that there is no specific undergraduate field requirement and that applicants from all fields are welcome.

5. What is the age limit?

Applicants must be at least 18 but not yet 29 years old as of August 1 of the relevant enrollment year.

6. Do I need work experience?

The official eligibility requirements do not specify a universal minimum number of years of work experience. Applicants are evaluated on leadership, academic ability, character and other qualities.

7. Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?

Applicants whose native language is not English generally need an approved English-language test unless they qualify for an education-based exemption.

8. What IELTS score is required?

The currently published minimum IELTS score is 7. Other accepted tests include TOEFL, Cambridge English and Duolingo English Test.

9. How many recommendation letters are required?

Three recommendation letters are currently required for the U.S./Global application.

10. How long should the CV be?

The current application requires a CV/resume of no more than two pages.

11. How long are the essays?

The Leadership Essay is 750 words, while the Statement of Purpose is 500 words.

12. Is there an interview?

Yes. A select group of candidates is invited to interviews during the selection process.

13. When does the next application open?

For U.S./Global applicants seeking the Class of 2028–29, the application is scheduled to open in April 2027.

14. When does the next programme begin?

The Class of 2028–29 is scheduled to begin in August 2028.

15. Can Chinese citizens apply?

Yes, but applicants with Chinese citizenship from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan follow a separate application process and timeline.

Conclusion

The Schwarzman Scholars Program offers an exceptional opportunity for ambitious young leaders to pursue a fully funded one-year master’s degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing while developing their leadership skills and gaining a deeper understanding of China and global affairs.

This is a highly competitive programme. Strong academic performance is important, but the selection process also places major emphasis on leadership, character, intellectual ability, empathy, intercultural competency and open-mindedness.

For applicants planning ahead, the next U.S./Global application cycle for the Class of 2028–29 is scheduled for April–September 2027. This gives prospective applicants time to strengthen their leadership profile, prepare their essays, identify suitable recommenders and arrange English-language testing if necessary.

The best strategy is to start early and build an application that clearly answers one important question: Why are you prepared to become a leader, and how will Schwarzman Scholars help you create meaningful global impact?