Schwarzman Scholars

About the program

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. The program aims to 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. Students live and study together on the campus of Schwarzman College, a newly-built, state-of-the-art facility, where all classes are taught in English. All students study for a degree in Global Affairs in one of the following disciplines: Public Policy, Economics and Business, or International Studies.

Eligibility

  • Graduating seniors and alumni up to age 28. (Applicants cannot yet be 29 years old on June 30th of the year in which they apply.)
  • no restrictions on citizenship or nationality
  • Strong English skills, as all teaching will be conducted in English.
  • Academic excellence will be a requirement for successful applicants, but there is no minimum GPA or class rank required to apply. Note, however, that the average GPA of the first Schwarzman class was 3.8.

Selection criteria

  • Demonstrated excellence in academic studies, and the most competitive candidates will be among the top students in their graduating class.
  • Demonstrated evidence of leadership potential in your chosen field with specific examples that explore your abilities to understand challenges and opportunities, envision solutions, take initiative to act, inspire others to join an effort, and push through resistance and/or challenges in reaching results.

Application information

Carefully review the application components here, where you will also find the essay prompts.

All students and alumni apply directly to the Schwarzman Scholars Program. While there is no BU institutional component, applicants are strongly encourage to reach out to Jeff Berg (berg@bu.edu) early for application support and guidance well in advance of the Schwarzman Scholars national deadline.

National Application deadlines: Citizens of China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao: May.  Citizens of all other countries, including Chinese dual citizens: September.  

Recommendation letters are crucial to your application. Carefully consider the following guidance from Schwarzman:

The mix of letters of recommendation will vary depending on how long it has been since the applicant was a student. Ideally, at least one letter should come from a faculty member from the applicant’s most recent academic institution who can evaluate the applicant’s academic work, intellectual abilities and potential. At least one recommendation should be from a current or recent supervisor, faculty member, or student group advisor who can speak to the example of leadership and personal characteristics the applicant describes in his/her application. For applicants who are currently enrolled undergraduates, it is likely that two of the three letters will come from faculty members and focus on academic abilities. The third recommendation may come from any non-relative who can speak to the applicant’s leadership potential.