Want to be a leader of the future? Look no further than the Fully Funded Schwarzman Scholars Program for International Students 2025/2026 in China.
This is the only program that will give you a transformative opportunity and develop a diverse group of young leaders with global perspectives.
Up to 200 people are selected each year after a rigorous selection process to join this fully-funded master’s scholarship program and promote goodwill in their home countries and showcase their heritage.
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Details for Fully Funded Schwarzman Scholars Program for International Students 2025/2026
Schwarzman Scholars is the first scholarship to address the 21st century geopolitical environment, to educate the next generation of global leaders. Through a one-year Master’s degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing, one of China’s top universities, the program will give the best and brightest students in the world the chance to expand their professional network and leadership skills.
Host Institution(s):
Tsinghua University in Beijing, China
Level/Fields of study:
Master’s Degree and Leadership Program in Global Affairs in Public Policy, Economics and Business or International Studies.
Number of Awards:
Up to 200 students – about 45% of the first class will be from the US, 20% from China and 35% from the rest of the world.
Target group:
All nationalities
Scholarship value/inclusions:
The selected students who will be Schwarzman Scholars will get a full scholarship that covers tuition, room and board, transportation to and from Beijing at the beginning and end of the academic year, in-country study tour, course materials and books, health insurance and a personal stipend.
A Great Opportunity at Tsinghua University
The Schwarzman Scholars Programme 2025, hosted at Tsinghua University, one of China’s most prestigious universities that has produced many of China’s top leaders, is looking for applicants who have a bachelor’s degree and want to be a leader. This global scholarship program, ranked #15 in the QS Global World Rankings 2021, is for those who want to be the best.
Eligibility and Benefits
- Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Leadership material
- Benefits:
- Fully-funded one-year degree scholarship
- Travel expenses
- Tuition fees
- Study tours allowance
- Stipends
- Personal laptops
- Course book allowances
- Medical insurance
- Open to candidates aged 18 to 28
- International and national students from all backgrounds are welcome.
English language proficiency.
The whole program will be in English, so candidates must show they can communicate in English. The application must include the results of an official English proficiency exam if the applicant’s first language is not English. Acceptable test alternatives are:
- • TOEFL iBT, an online English as a Foreign Language test.
- Score of at least 100.
- IELTS, International English Language Testing System. At least 7.
- Cambridge English: Proficiency (C2) or Cambridge English: Advanced (C1).
- Score of at least 185.
- Applicants who completed at least two years of their undergraduate studies at an institution where English was the major medium of instruction are exempt from this requirement.
- English for two or more years at a Master’s degree level or higher.
The Path to Global Leadership
China’s culture and business environment can be explored through the dynamic curriculum and intensive experiences offered by the Schwarzman Scholars Program. Scholars will be met by expert advisors, cutting-edge research on global topics, and practical insights on Chinese business and society, all of which will help develop leadership and intercultural understanding.
How to Apply for Schwarzman Scholars Program for International Students
How to Apply:
- Register on the official website.
- Send in your English proficiency results.
Provide the necessary documents:
- Essays
- Reference letters
- Resumes
- Transcripts of academic work
- The video component
Deadlines for applications:
-
- The deadline for bearers of Chinese passports is May 20, 2025.
- The deadline for candidates from the US and other countries is September 10, 2025.
- There are informational sessions available.
FAQs on Fully Funded Schwarzman Scholars Program for International Students
1. How do I stand out if I’m from a country with very few past Schwarzman Scholars?
If you’re from a country that is not well represented in the Schwarzman Scholars Program, this can actually work in your favor. The program looks for diverse voices and fresh perspectives. Highlight the unique challenges, values and strengths of your background. Explain how your community, culture or region shaped your leadership style or global vision. This shows you bring something rare and valuable to a global classroom which is exactly what Schwarzman looks for.
2. What if I don’t have access to strong mentors or networks to guide my application?
The Schwarzman application process is designed to be fair to all students, including those without elite networks. If you lack professional mentors, focus on self-driven achievements and leadership that came from personal effort. Use free resources online to prepare your essays and practice for interviews. For recommendations, ask people who truly know your work—like a local teacher, employer or community leader—even if they aren’t famous. Authentic support is more important than status.
3. Can my volunteer work in a rural or low-income area compete with bigger international projects?
Yes, absolutely. The Schwarzman Scholars Program values depth and real-world impact, not just scale. If you brought clean water to your village, taught kids during school closures or created a small health campaign, this matters. Explain what problem you solved, how you did it and how it helped people. Real leadership often starts at the local level and they are very interested in how you might take that experience to the global stage.
4. How do I explain my passion for global leadership if I’ve never traveled outside my country?
Travel is not a requirement. Global thinking starts with how you view the world, even from your hometown. You can show global awareness by discussing how you follow international issues, connect with people from different backgrounds or solve problems in ways that can be shared worldwide. Online learning, global webinars and cross-cultural teamwork also count. What matters is that you show curiosity, open-mindedness and a clear desire to make a global impact.
5. What do I do if I’m rejected on my first try but still believe in the Schwarzman vision
Reapplying shows you’re resilient which is a quality Schwarzman Scholars value highly. If you’re rejected, take time to improve your application. If you got feedback, reflect on it. Work on getting more leadership experience, strengthen your essays and show growth. Many successful candidates were accepted on their second or third attempt. The key is to show you’ve grown as a leader and thinker—and you’re still committed to the program’s vision. Let your new application tell a better story.
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