Schwarzman Scholars

Application Deadline: October 1, 2015 (by 12:00 midnight, Eastern Standard Time).

Designed to prepare the next generation of global leaders, Schwarzman Scholars is the first scholarship created to respond to the geopolitical landscape of the 21st Century. Whether in politics, business or science, the success of future leaders around the world will depend upon an understanding of China’s role in global trends.

Enrolling the inaugural class in 2016, the program will give the world’s best and brightest students the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and professional networks through a one-year Master’s Degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing – one of China’s most prestigious universities.

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. Students will pursue degrees in one of three disciplines:

• Public Policy
• Economics and Business
• International Studies

Eligibility:

• Undergraduate degree or first degree from an accredited college or university or its equivalent. Applicants who are currently enrolled in undergraduate degree programs must be on track to successfully complete all degree requirements before orientation begins in July 2016.
• English language proficiency. Applicants must demonstrate strong English Language skills, as all teaching will be conducted in English. If the applicant’s native language is not English, official English proficiency test scores must be submitted with the application. Acceptable test options are:
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT)
  • Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • Pearson’s (PTE Academic)

  This requirement is waived for applicants who graduated from an undergraduate institution where the language of instruction was English at an institution located in a country where English was a national language.

• Age. Applicants must be at least 18 but not yet 29 years of age as of June 30, 2016
• There are no citizenship or nationality requirements

What

• Students will spend a year immersed in an international community of thinkers, innovators and senior leaders in business, politics and society. In an environment of intellectual engagement, professional development and cultural exchange, they will learn from one another and pursue their academic disciplines while building their leadership capacities.
• This experience will expand students’ understanding of the world and create a growing network of global leaders for the future.
• There is no fee associated with applying to the program.
• Semi-finalist interview expenses, such as economy class air or train travel, group meals and one night in a hotel if needed, will be arranged and covered by the program.
• Expenses for Schwarzman Scholars are also fully covered by the program, including the following: tuition, fees, 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, a Lenovo laptop and smartphone, health insurance, and a modest personal stipend.

Application:

Required forms and records include:

• A complete and successfully submitted online application, including the requested personal statement(s) and supplementary components below.
• Uploaded transcripts/academic records from every college or university attended (degree or non-degree, full or part-time, undergraduate or graduate). If transcripts are not in English, official translations must be included.
• Three electronic letters of recommendation. Three recommendation letters will be required. At least one of these letters must come from a recommender who has had direct experience with the candidate and can describe the candidate’s leadership potential.
• An essay in three sections: The essay falls into three distinct sections.
  1. Personal Statement (up to 750 words): Describe your professional interests and values and how the Schwarzman Scholars program and deeper knowledge of China will help advance your goals. Describe both your short-term objectives for the 1-3 years after the program and your long-term aspirations.  How will you contribute to the community of Schwarzman Scholars and to the program’s mission?
• 2. Leadership Essay (up to 500 words): Describe one specific example where you exercised leadership. The essay should examine your personal characteristics that constitute your potential for leadership including: the ability to anticipate upcoming trends; the ability to inspire others to join in an effort to create change; and the character, values, and determination to persevere despite difficult and changing circumstances; or any other personal characteristics that you think are key to your success as a leader.
  3. Current Affairs Essay (up to 500 words): Choose an issue in contemporary social, international, business, environmental, diplomatic, arts, or other policy that is of interest to you. This essay should lay out the current factors and trends influencing the topic and make a realistic recommendation of how local, national, or international leaders should intervene to contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous future.
• Current resume/CV
• Institutional Assessment Form: Currently enrolled undergraduate students must request an assessment from their university using the Schwarzman Scholars Institutional Assessment Form. The form asks brief questions to help the selection committee understand the student in the context of the university and does not consist of a full endorsement letter. This will be completed by different offices, depending on the university.

Scholarships Funding

The extraordinary students selected to become Schwarzman Scholars will receive a comprehensive scholarship. It will include:

• Tuition
• Fees
• Room and board
• Travel to and from Beijing at the beginning and end of the academic year
• An in-country study tour
• Required course books and supplies
• Lenovo laptop and smartphone
• Health insurance
• A modest personal stipend

With a $350 million endowment, Schwarzman Scholars will be the single largest philanthropic effort ever undertaken in China by largely international donors.

Apply Now for the Schwarzman Scholars Programme

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Schwarzman Scholars Programme