Schwarzman Scholars Program
Schwarzman Scholars is designed to help future leaders meet the challenges of the 21st century and beyond by preparing them to better understand China's culture, economy, governance and evolving role in the world. Up to 200 Scholars chosen annually from around the world for this highly selective, fully-funded program will have an unrivaled opportunity to live in Beijing for a year of study and cultural immersion, attending lectures, traveling and developing first-hand exposure to China, its people and a global group of promising leaders.
Scholars will study for a one-year Master’s degree, with options to focus on public policy, international relations, or economics and business at Tsinghua University, one of China’s most prestigious institutes. Their leadership and professional capacities will be further deepened by a mentoring program linking them to business, political and civil society leaders in the country and through internships with global and national institutions and corporations based in Beijing. Students will live and study together on the campus of Schwarzman College, a newly-built, state-of-the-art facility, where all classes will be taught in English.
Competitive students will have a minimum 3.7 GPA, be between the ages of 18-28, and demonstrate outstanding leadership, intellectual ability, and entrepreneurial spirit.
- Applicants must have an undergraduate degree prior to the start of the program.
- Applicants must be between the ages of 18-28.
There are no citizenship or nationality requirements for this scholarship. Academic excellence will be a requirement for successful applicants, but there is no minimum GPA or class rank required to apply. Applicants are expected to have demonstrated excellence in their academic studies, and the most competitive candidates will be among the top students in their graduating class. There are no course prerequisites for applicants to the program, although some individual classes at Tsinghua University may have prerequisites.
Applications are submitted online and include:
- Two essays and two short answer responses
- Transcript(s)
- Three electronic letters of recommendation
- Short video self-introduction of no more than 1 minute
- Essay in three sections: Personal Statement, Leadership Essay, Current Affairs Essay
- Current resume/CV
- Institutional Assessment Form (completed by U of I Distinguished Scholarships Coordinator)
A Schwarzman Scholar should demonstrate extraordinary leadership potential, the ability to anticipate paradigm changes, strong intellectual capacity and exemplary character.
- Leadership: the ability to conceptualize, articulate, and implement new approaches to existing conditions, with determination, energy, and adaptability to drive change despite obstacles. A leader must have the ability to inspire others to help make change happen. Leadership can be demonstrated through many contexts and fields, political, social, business, the arts, and beyond.
- Intellect: achievements demonstrated through outstanding performance in academic endeavors.
- Character: personal values and integrity that inspire trust among others.
- University of Idaho Deadline: not applicable
- Foundation Deadline: September (see foundation website for exact date)
The application opens in April. All application materials are due to Schwarzman online by the foundation deadline. Finalists will be invited to interview in New York in early November and will be notified of their acceptance in mid-November. Orientation at Tsinghua University begins in August.