Schwarzman Scholarship
The program was created in 2013 and welcomed its first cohort to Beijing’s Tsinghua University in 2016 with the aim of improving strategic communication in leadership between China and the rest of the world.
The Schwarzman Scholarship enables future leaders to earn an 11-month master’s degree in Global Affairs from Tsinghua University in Beijing, one of China’s most prestigious universities.
In an environment of intellectual engagement, professional development, and cultural exchange, students 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 that will build strong ties between China and the rest of the world.
Benefits
If you are accepted and participate in this program, you will:
- Earn an 11-month Master of Global Affairs from a prestigious university in China
- Tailor your degree to meet your learning goals through a large catalogue of course offerings
- Develop your leadership through training, senior mentors, and Beijing-based internships
- Enjoy regular “fireside” chats and guest speaker opportunities with world leaders
- Participate in a week-long deep dive field-based course
- Present your experience and learning in a final capstone project
Funding
The scholarship covers:
- academic fees
- flights to and from your home country
- accommodation on the main campus in the Schwarzman College in Beijing
Eligibility
To be eligible for consideration, you must:
- Hold an undergraduate degree or be due to graduate before August 1 of your Schwarzman Scholars enrolment year, in any subject area;
- Be over 18 years of age and under 29 years of age as of August 1 of your Schwarzman Scholars enrolment year; and
- Demonstrate strong English skills.
Applications
The evaluation process includes the online application and interview(s).
For the class of 2026-2027, applications are arranged by citizenship/permanent residency status:
- The U.S. and Global Application will be open from April 2025 to September 2025.
- Applicants who hold passports or permanent resident cards from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macao, regardless of where they attended university or reside, will apply between January – May of the Schwarzman Scholars application year through the Schwarzman Scholars China application. The China Application for the 2026-2027 academic year is now open to eligible applicants. The deadline to apply is May 20, 2025, 23:59 Beijing time.
In addition to the online application form, you must submit the following supporting documents:
- Resume (2 pages maximum)
- 2 Essays
- Transcripts/Academic Records
- 3 Letters of recommendation
- Video Introduction
Any other documents or materials will not be reviewed.
Once applications are reviewed, a select number of candidates are invited for interviews during the selection cycle:
- U.S. and Global Applicants: October – November 2025
- China Applicants: June – July 2025
Upcoming Info Sessions at U of T
Learn more about Schwarzman Scholars, ask questions, and hear first-hand insights from the Schwarzman Scholars Admissions Team by attending the following sessions:
Schwarzman Scholars Info Session
- Date & Time: Thursday, March 13, 2025 | 12 PM to 1 PM
- Format: Hybrid
- Register on Folio
Office Hours for Prospective Schwarzman Scholars
- Date & Time: Friday, March 14, 2025 | 10 AM to 12 PM
- Format: In-person drop-in
- Register on Folio
These sessions are open to tri-campus students, including students of UTSG, UTM, and UTSC.
Additional Resources
The University of Toronto has contributed to past Schwarzman Scholars. Read the Schwarzman Scholars’ biographical profiles to learn about the program and scholars’ highlights.
Interested to discover what it takes to be a Schwarzman Scholar? Check the upcoming virtual info sessions here.
Still have questions? Read more in the Schwarzman Scholars’ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) here.
All inquiries about the Schwarzman Scholarship application process should be directed to admissions@schwarzmanscholars.org.