How to get a fully-funded master’s scholarship to study in China

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03 Feb 2021

china scholarships — People are seen eating in front of a restaurant in Wuhan, China's central Hubei province on Feb. 5, 2021. Source: Hector Retamal/AFP

Are you keen to pursue your postgraduate studies in China? The Schwarzman Scholars programme is a postgraduate scholarship that gives talented students the coveted opportunity to develop their leadership skills and professional networks through a one-year Master’s of Global Affairs programme at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.

Becoming a student at the university entails studying in one of Asia’s best institutions — Tsinghua University is currently ranked joint 20th in the recent Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021, and is now the first Asian university to break into the top 20.

The scholarship is designed to prepare young leaders to deepen their understanding between China and the rest of the world. It is also 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,” they said. The application period for US and global applicants are open until Sept. 22, 2020 while selections will be made in November 2020.

How the postgraduate scholarship works

International students have until Sept. 22, 2020 to apply. Source: Johannes Eisele/AFP

As Schwarzman Scholars, candidates will join a global network of talented young leaders who will help build strong links between China and the world. The curriculum bridges the academic and professional worlds to educate students about leadership and about China’s expanding role in the world.

Scholars will also get learning opportunities with leaders from China and the rest of the world through high-level interactions at lectures, an internship programme, a mentors network and intensive deep-dive travel seminars. Students in the Masters in Global Affairs programme will work with an academic advisor to design an academic plan that best suits his or her academic and professional goals.

“Students spend a year immersed in an international community of thinkers, innovators and senior leaders in business, politics and society. In an environment of intellectual engagement, professional development and cultural exchange, they learn from one another and pursue their academic disciplines while building their leadership capacities,” said the website.

To be eligible, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Have an undergraduate degree or first degree from an accredited college or university or its equivalent
Candidates must be at least 18 but not yet 29 years of age as of Aug. 1, 2020 of their Schwarzman Scholars enrollment year
Have strong English skills and proficiency

What do you need to apply?

The following are the required forms and records:

Online application
Resume (two page maximum)
Transcripts/Academic Records
Essays (two)
Letters of Recommendation (three)
Video (optional)

It’s worth highlighting that married applicants may still apply and will be at no disadvantage in the application process. Their spouses or partners may accompany scholars to Beijing, but they are not allowed to live in the dormitory with their partners, and no additional funding will be provided to support spouses/partners living off-campus.

There are also no citizenship or nationality requirements nor “minimum GPA or class rank required to apply”. Nevertheless, academic excellence is a requirement for successful applicants. For details on the application process, click here.