The Schwarzman Scholars Program is one of the most ambitious leadership scholarships in the world, built specifically for the realities of 21st-century global politics. It funds a one-year Master’s Degree and Leadership Programme in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing — one of China’s most respected institutions.
For an African student, this is a rare chance to study at the heart of a rising global power, build a worldwide professional network, and graduate as part of a tightly selected cohort of future leaders. Up to 200 scholars are admitted each year, and roughly 35% of places go to applicants from outside the United States and China — a pool that includes Africa.
The program is open to all nationalities, covers your full costs, and lets you concentrate in one of three areas: Public Policy, Economics and Business, or International Studies. Teaching is conducted entirely in English.
Scholarship benefits
- Tuition and fees for the one-year Master’s program
- Room and board
- Travel to and from Beijing at the start and end of the academic year
- An in-country study tour within China
- Required course books and supplies
- Health insurance
- A personal stipend
Eligibility checklist
- ✔ You hold an undergraduate or first degree from an accredited college or university (or its equivalent).
- ✔ If you are still enrolled, you are on track to complete all degree requirements before 1 August of your enrollment year.
- ✔ You are at least 18 but not yet 29 years of age as of 1 August of your enrollment year (for the Class of 2026–2027, as of 1 August 2026).
- ✔ Your undergraduate field can be anything — all disciplines are welcome — but you can clearly explain how the program will grow your leadership potential.
- ✔ You can demonstrate strong English skills. If English is not your native language, you submit official test scores: TOEFL iBT minimum 100, IELTS minimum 7, or Cambridge English C1/C2 minimum 185.
- ✔ The English test requirement is waived if you completed at least two years of your undergraduate study in English, or studied in English for two or more years at Master’s level or higher.
Application tips for African students
- Book your English test early. If you need TOEFL (min. 100) or IELTS (min. 7), register weeks ahead so your official scores arrive in time — testing centres in many African cities have limited slots.
- Check whether your waiver applies. If your university taught in English for at least two years, gather a letter or transcript proving the language of instruction, which can save you a test sitting.
- Make leadership the spine of your application. Selectors care about leadership potential regardless of your major — show concrete examples of how you’ve led, organized, or changed something in your community.
- Line up strong recommenders now. Approach people who know your work well and can speak to your character and ambition, and give them plenty of lead time before the deadline.
- Get transcripts and certificates ready. Have official, and where needed certified or translated, copies of your degree documents prepared so you are not scrambling near submission.
- Pick your concentration deliberately. Decide whether Public Policy, Economics and Business, or International Studies best fits your goals, and let your essays reflect that focus.
- Note your deadline carefully. Most international applicants apply by 9 September; confirm the exact date and time zone and submit well before the cutoff.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online. You complete the official application form and upload the required documents before the deadline. Applicants from the United States and other countries — including African nationals — must apply before 9 September 2026 at 3 p.m. EDT, while passport holders from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao apply by 20 May 2026 at 12:00 p.m. CST. Visit the official website to access the forms and full instructions: http://schwarzmanscholars.org/
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the Schwarzman Scholars Program?
The program is open to applicants of all nationalities who hold an undergraduate degree (or are on track to complete one before enrollment), are between 18 and 29 as of 1 August of the enrollment year, and meet the English language requirement.
What does the scholarship cover?
It is a comprehensive award covering tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip travel to Beijing, an in-country study tour, course books and supplies, health insurance, and a personal stipend.
Do I need an IELTS or TOEFL score?
If English is not your native language, yes — you need TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS 7, or Cambridge English C1/C2 (185). This is waived if you studied in English for at least two years during your undergraduate degree, or for two or more years at Master’s level or higher.
What can I study?
You pursue a one-year Master’s Degree and Leadership Programme in Global Affairs, choosing one concentration: Public Policy, Economics and Business, or International Studies.
When is the deadline?
African and other international applicants apply before 9 September 2026 at 3 p.m. EDT. Applicants holding Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan or Macao passports apply by 20 May 2026 at 12:00 p.m. CST.
Where will I study?
At Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, with the program beginning in August 2027 for the upcoming cohort.