Fellowships

Schwarzman Scholars Program

Is it for you?

The Schwarzman Scholars Program, launched in the summer of 2016, prepares young leaders to better understand the culture, economy, governance, and motivations of China, a growing world influence. In the course of the eleven-month program, scholars will earn a master’s degree in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing, and they will participate in internships with Beijing-based global and national institutions and corporations. All instruction will be delivered in English, although scholars will have opportunities throughout the year to study Mandarin.

What are the key dates?

The 2024 application cycle for scholarships beginning in fall 2025 has closed. Please check back for updates on the application cycle in late spring 2025.

Information sessions: Schwarzman Scholars representatives offer multiple online information sessions during each application cycle – please visit the Schwarzman Scholars website for details and registration.

Official deadline: TBD for 2025 (normally early to mid-September)

Are you eligible?

Candidates for the Schwarzman Scholarship must:

• have earned a bachelor’s degree by the time the annual orientation begins in July. Applicants may be of any citizenship, so international JHU students and alums may apply (please note: applicants with a Chinese passport apply through a separate process).
• be at least 18, but not yet 29 years old, as of August 1 (of the year the grant begins).
• be proficient in the English language.
• have an excellent academic record. Although there is no minimum GPA requirement, the most competitive applicants will be at the top of their graduating class.

How do you work with the NFP?

No institutional endorsement is required for applicants to complete the Schwarzman Scholars Program application and, for this reason, there is also no internal campus deadline at JHU. Applicants simply submit their complete application to the online portal by the official deadline.

The NFP does not have a set advising process and encourages applicants to use the abundant resources on the Schwarzman website (see below under “Have a closer look”).

If you are planning to apply for this award, you should register on the Schwarzman application portal as soon as possible to start receiving their notifications about the application process. Explore the Schwarzman more closely by reading through the resources below.

Are you competitive?

Up to 200 Schwarzman Scholars are chosen from around the world; this group includes about 40% from the United States, 20% from China, and 40% from the rest of the world. The most qualified candidates will show excellence in the following areas: leadership abilities, exemplary character and integrity, academic aptitude and intellectual ability, empathy and intercultural competency, open-mindedness, and entrepreneurial spirit. Selection decisions are based on the following materials:

• Application: Students must complete and submit an online application through the Schwarzman Scholars website.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts must be submitted from every college or university attended, regardless of whether you earned a degree there. Translations must be included for transcripts not in English.
• Letters of Recommendation: Three recommendations must be submitted electronically with each application. One should be from a professor who can speak to your intellect and academic abilities, and another should be written by an individual who can speak specifically to your leadership skills. The third letter should come from a recommender whose insight best reflects your current profile: a letter from an employer or mentor commenting on leadership abilities, an additional academic endorsement, or a letter that offers perspective on both your academic strength and leadership. No institutional endorsement letter is required.
• Current résumé/CV: This document should not exceed two pages.
• Two Essays and Short Answer:
  1. Leadership (up to 750 words): Describe at least one distinct example that best illustrates your leadership, drawn from your professional, academic, or personal
     life. Outline the situation in detail, along with your learning and growth, and how you envision this will impact your aspirations to be a future leader.
  2. Statement of Purpose (up to 750 words): Describe your professional interests and goals and how the program connects with your professional trajectory.
  3. Short Answer (up to 100 words): Highlight something about yourself that is not evident elsewhere in your application materials.
• Video (optional but recommended): The video can be up to one minute in length, and candidates are invited to introduce themselves in any style or setting they think best convey their interests and personality.

Have a closer look:

Visit the Official Website

The Schwarzman Scholars Program

Hear from JHU Recipients

HUB article about Renee Liu, 2024 Schwarzman Scholar

SAIS news features on Mikaela Yuchen Wang, 2022 Schwarzman Scholar

SAIS news features on Jenna Wichterman and Yida Xiao, 2021 Schwarzman Scholars

HUB article about Trevor Wrobleski, 2018 Schwarzman Scholar

HUB article about Oladotun Opasina, 2017 Schwarzman Scholar

Start Your Application

Schwarzman Scholarship Application Portal