Schwarzman Scholarship

Fast Facts

Aims to prepare the next generation of global leaders by providing insight into how China interacts with the world.
Fully funds one-year Master’s program in Global Affairs. Scholars complete a core curriculum early in the program and then choose from an array of elective courses.
In 2019, 145 Scholars from 41 countries and 108 universities were selected. In the future, Schwarzman may enroll closer to 200 Scholars.

Language Learning: Mandarin language instruction is offered at all levels throughout the year and is mandatory during the fall term. Scholars come into the program at all levels, from novice to advanced.
Deep Dive: Scholars participate in a one-week, field-based course that offers the opportunity to learn about a different region of China and research a topic related to broader themes of economic, social, or political development.
Capstone Project: Each Scholar completes either a research paper, case study, or policy analysis to present at the end of the academic year.
Optional Internships: Some Scholars choose to further engage their interests or learning goals through internships with local businesses, schools, NGOs, etc.
Leadership Development: Scholars are required to take one course examining leadership from an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural perspective and will participate in additional leadership workshops throughout the academic year.
Career Development: Scholars pursuing work or graduate school opportunities after the program have access to career development support via individual coaching, programs and events, site visits, and resource materials and databases.
Alumni Network: Programming for Schwarzman alums includes academic seminars, networking events, and retreats.

Candidates must have an undergraduate degree (or complete one by August 1st of their enrollment year), be proficient in English, and be between 18 and 29 years old.
Ability to serve as a “connector”: Scholars have demonstrated the ability to be and will continue to serve as “connectors.”
Leadership: Leadership ability is extremely important. As the Director of Global Admissions Rob Garris has emphasized, if a candidate is struggling to determine what to write about for the leadership essay, it’s too early to apply.
Potential for impact: The program selects Scholars based on their potential to advance in their field (e.g. leaders in government or industry, CEOs or presidents of multinational corporations and institutions).
Academic ability and developed expertise: Scholars have a record of translating their academic interests into the professional sphere.
Shifts: Garris anticipates a preferential shift towards young professionals, as those candidates are often able to demonstrate greater impact and more substantive professional and leadership experience.

Late May: deadline for holders of passports from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macao, regardless of where they attend(ed) university or reside
Late September: deadline for U.S. citizens and all others
- Note: applicants should make an effort to submit a week earlier in order to prevent technical issues.
Application statistics: For the class of 2020-2021, Schwarzman received over 4,700 applications. 400 applicants were interviewed, and 145 were selected.
Required materials: Applicants are required to submit an online application, a resume, transcripts/academic records, two essays, and three letters of recommendation.
Candidates are invited to interview in either Beijing, New York, London, or Bangkok.