Schwarzman Scholars 2028/29: Fully Funded Master’s at Tsinghua University

Schwarzman Scholars is a one-year, fully funded master’s programme at Tsinghua University in Beijing. It brings together young leaders from around the world for graduate study focused on China, global affairs and leadership.

If you are preparing from Nigeria or another country outside China, this guide explains the current application status, core eligibility rules, funding and how to prepare for the next U.S./Global selection cycle.

Is the Schwarzman Scholars Application Open?

No. The U.S./Global application window for the Class of 2027–2028 closed on 9 September 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EDT. Schwarzman Scholars states that the next U.S./Global application period, for the Class of 2028–2029, will run from April 2027 to September 2027. Selection is scheduled for October–November 2027, and the programme begins in August 2028.

Applicants with Chinese citizenship follow a separate application calendar. Always use the official admissions page to confirm the dates and application route that apply to your citizenship.

What Is Schwarzman Scholars?

Schwarzman Scholars is a fully funded graduate programme based at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University in Beijing. The programme is designed around leadership, China and global affairs and is taught in English.

Because the programme is fully funded, it belongs alongside the opportunities covered in our fully funded scholarship guides. However, applicants should evaluate the programme’s academic and leadership fit rather than applying only because funding is available.

Eligibility for the Next Schwarzman Scholars Cycle

• Undergraduate degree: Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree, or be on track to complete all degree requirements before 1 August of their Schwarzman Scholars enrollment year. For the Class of 2028–2029, that date is 1 August 2028.
• Age: Candidates must be at least 18 but not yet 29 years old as of 1 August of the enrollment year. For the Class of 2028–2029, the relevant date is 1 August 2028.
• Field of study: There is no required undergraduate major; applicants from all fields may apply.
• English proficiency: Applicants whose native language is not English generally need an accepted English-language test unless they qualify for an education-based waiver.
• Selection qualities: The programme assesses leadership ability, character and integrity, academic and intellectual ability, intercultural competency, open-mindedness and entrepreneurial spirit.

English-Language Requirements

Applicants who need to submit proof of English proficiency can use accepted tests including TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English and the Duolingo English Test. The official FAQ currently lists minimum scores including TOEFL 100, IELTS 7, Cambridge C1/C2 185 and Duolingo 130.

The test requirement may be waived where an applicant studied for at least two years in an undergraduate programme whose primary language of instruction was English, or studied in English for two or more years at master’s level or above. Check the official rules for the cycle in which you apply.

What Does Schwarzman Scholars Cover?

Schwarzman Scholars describes the master’s programme as fully funded. Applicants should consult the official programme information for the detailed funding package and any cycle-specific terms rather than relying on figures copied from older scholarship listings.

How to Prepare for the 2028–2029 Application Cycle

1. Confirm your eligibility. Check your degree-completion date, age and citizenship-specific application route.
2. Review the official application instructions. Requirements can change between cycles, so use the instructions published for your application year.
3. Build evidence of leadership. The admissions process evaluates demonstrated leadership and impact, not simply academic grades.
4. Prepare your academic records. Applicants must provide transcripts for their undergraduate and graduate degrees as applicable.
5. Plan for recommendations and written components. Give yourself enough time to work with recommenders and complete all required application sections before the deadline.
6. Prepare English-language evidence if required. Confirm whether you qualify for a waiver before paying for a language test.

For help developing scholarship application writing, see our guide on how to write a scholarship essay with examples and our guide to scholarship recommendation letters. Always write application materials in accordance with the programme’s own rules: Schwarzman Scholars’ current application portal states that submitted written work must be composed by the applicant and not generated by AI.

Official Schwarzman Scholars Application Sources

Check the official Schwarzman Scholars admissions page for the next selection cycle, eligibility and selection process. The official application instructions provide the detailed requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Schwarzman Scholars fully funded?

Yes. Schwarzman Scholars describes its one-year master’s programme at Tsinghua University as fully funded.

Can Nigerian students apply?

Yes. Nigerian applicants can use the U.S./Global application route provided they satisfy the programme’s eligibility requirements.

When is the next application?

The next U.S./Global application period is scheduled for April–September 2027 for the Class of 2028–2029. The programme is scheduled to begin in August 2028.

What happened to the 2026 application?

The U.S./Global application deadline for the Class of 2027–2028 was 9 September 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EDT, so that application window is now closed.

Final Note

Schwarzman Scholars is an annual programme, so dates and application requirements should be checked for the specific class you intend to join. If you missed the September 2026 deadline, use the intervening months to strengthen your leadership record, prepare documents and monitor the official admissions page for the 2028–2029 application opening in 2027.