Schwarzman Scholars

About the Scholarship

Designed to prepare young leaders to serve as a bridge between China and the rest of the world, 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. With the inaugural class enrolled in 2016, the program gives the world’s best and brightest students the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and professional networks through a fully-funded one-year Master’s Degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing – one of China’s most prestigious universities.

Requirements

Basic Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Have received an undergraduate degree or first degree from an accredited college or university or its equivalent
  • Be at least 18 but not yet 29 years of age as of August 1 of their Schwarzman Scholars enrollment year
  • Demonstrate English language proficiency

Selection Criteria

A Schwarzman Scholar should demonstrate extraordinary leadership potential, the ability to anticipate trends, strong intellectual capacity and exemplary character.

Specifically, strong applicants demonstrate the following:

  • A linkage to the Schwarzman vision
  • Evidence of leadership as a process not just positional; problem solving and steps taken toward a solution
  • Academic agility (i.e. multiple academic programs) and high level thinking
  • Ability to anticipate and act on emerging trends and opportunities
  • A desire to understand other cultures, perspectives and positions; a curiosity about China, specifically.
  • Potential to benefit from and contribute to the Schwarzman Scholars program and network of Schwarzman Scholars alumni

Additionally, compelling applicants can clearly answer the following:

  • How do your current studies connect to a clear career trajectory?
  • What is your version of leadership? (This can range from leading a six-member research team to being the President of a large organization)
  • Why China? Why is China important as a gateway for your career? Why should you be exposed to a global network with a deep connection to China?
  • Why do you want to pursue a Masters degree in China? What is Tsinghua University’s leadership in your chosen field?
  • How will understanding China help you meet your goals in the 21st century? Why is China key to understanding this problem? How can you see yourself making a global impact?
  • If you already have extensive experience in China, how will being a Schwarzman Scholar fill a gap for you?

Advising

Academic Honors and Fellowships is committed to helping motivated applicants (including current USC undergraduates and recent alumni) and will offer application feedback throughout June to August.

To schedule an appointment, you must prepare drafts of all application materials for AHF staff to review. Your drafts do not have to be perfect, but it is expected that you present complete materials. Please note that AHF staff need at least one week to review your materials before meeting. Appointments are scheduled based on first-come, first-serve availability.

 

Once your drafts are ready, complete the Schwarzman Scholars Summer Advising Request Form to schedule your feedback session.

Scholarship Recipients

2021 Fellowship Recipients

May 14, 2021

2 Trojans receive prestigious Schwarzman scholarship to study in Beijing

December 7, 2020
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