Deadline: May 20, 2025 (Chinese Applicants) / September 10, 2025 (Int’l Applicants)
Applications are open for the Schwarzman Scholars Program 2026-2027 for Young Leaders to Study in China. The Schwarzman Scholars Program brings together a diverse cohort of young leaders from all regions and sectors of the world who embrace each other’s differences while working on a joint mission.
Every year, a new class is selected to represent the world’s next generation of leaders — high-caliber individuals with open minds and limitless potential who will serve to deepen understanding between China and the rest of the world. The cohort of global leaders reflects the diversity, vibrancy and promise of the world at large. Schwarzman Scholars embrace the opportunity to understand other cultures, perspectives and positions.
Benefits
Scholars will receive a comprehensive scholarship, including:
- Tuition & Fees
- Room & Board
- in-country Study Tour
- Travel to and from Beijing
- Health Insurance
- Stipend for personal expenses
Eligibility
- Applicants who are currently enrolled in undergraduate degree programs must be on track to successfully complete all degree requirements before August 1 of their Schwarzman Scholars enrollment year. There are no requirements for a specific field of undergraduate study; all fields are welcome, but it is important for applicants, regardless of undergraduate major, to articulate how participating in Schwarzman Scholars will help develop their leadership potential within their field.
- Candidates must be at least 18 but not yet 29 years of age as of August 1 of their Schwarzman Scholars enrollment year (for the Class of 2026-2027, as of August 1, 2026).
- Applicants must demonstrate strong English skills, as all teaching will be conducted in English. If the applicant’s native language is not English, official English proficiency test scores must be submitted with the application. This requirement is waived for applicants who studied at an undergraduate institution where the primary language of instruction was English for at least two years of the applicant’s academic program. The requirement will also be waived for applicants who have studied in English for two or more years at a Master’s degree level or higher. Acceptable test options are: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum score 100. International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum score 7. Cambridge English: Advanced (C1) or Cambridge English: Proficiency (C2). Minimum score 185. Duolingo English Test. Minimum Score 130.
Selection Criteria
Schwarzman Scholars embrace the opportunity to understand other cultures, perspectives and positions. Candidates who are most qualified to meet the high demands of the program must exhibit excellence in the following areas:
- Leader abilities
- Exemplary character & integrity
- Academic aptitude & intellectual ability
- Empathy & Intercultural competency
- Open mindedness
- Entrepreneurial spirit
Application
The U.S. and Global application for the class of 2026-2027 is open from April 10, 2025 to September 10, 2025 at 3 p.m. EDT.
For more information, visit Schwarzman Scholars Program.
