Schwarzman Scholars (South Africa)
Schwarzman Scholars Foundation (hosted at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University, Beijing)
Schwarzman Scholars is a prestigious, fully funded one-year master's programme that brings outstanding young leaders from around the world to study at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University in Beijing. South African nationals are eligible to apply for the Master of Management Science in Global Affairs, which welcomes graduates from any undergraduate field. The award covers full tuition, accommodation, travel, health insurance and a personal stipend, alongside an immersive leadership-development experience in China.
- Amount
- Fully funded for one year (full tuition and fees, room and board, travel, health insurance plus a USD $4,000 personal stipend)
- Deadline
- To be announced
- Renewable
- No
Eligible Fields of Study
Schwarzman Scholars Foundation (hosted at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University, Beijing) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ Hold an undergraduate (bachelor's) degree from an accredited institution, completed by 1 August of the enrollment year
- ✓ Be aged at least 18 but not yet 29 as of 1 August of the enrollment year
- ✓ Demonstrate strong English proficiency: be a native English speaker, OR have at least two years of study in an English-medium programme, OR provide standardised test scores (TOEFL iBT 100+, IELTS 7+, Duolingo 130+, or Cambridge C1/C2 185+)
- ✓ Be a non-Chinese citizen holding a regular passport (South Africans are eligible)
- ✓ Demonstrate leadership potential, academic excellence, entrepreneurial spirit and strong character
What's Included
- ✓ Full tuition and fees
- ✓ Accommodation (room and board) at Schwarzman College
- ✓ Travel to and from Beijing at the start and end of the academic year
- ✓ In-country study tour within China
- ✓ Required course books and supplies
- ✓ Health insurance
- ✓ Personal stipend of USD $4,000
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Schwarzman Scholars Foundation (hosted at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University, Beijing) bursary application
- 1
Check eligibility on the Schwarzman Scholars website and confirm you fall within the global/international cycle (all countries except Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao apply in this cycle)
- 2
Create an account on the online application portal at connect.schwarzmanscholars.org/apply when applications open (the class of 2027-2028 global cycle opens 8 April 2026)
- 3
Complete the online application form, including the required essays, leadership and activity history
- 4
Arrange for your referees to submit letters of recommendation
- 5
Upload your academic transcripts and proof of English proficiency
- 6
Submit your completed application before the closing date of 9 September 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EDT
- 7
Attend a selection interview if shortlisted (interviews are held October-November 2026)
- 8
Successful scholars begin the programme in August 2027
Required Documents
- 📄 Valid passport confirming non-Chinese citizenship
- 📄 Academic transcripts and degree certificate(s) for your undergraduate qualification
- 📄 Proof of English proficiency (standardised test scores where applicable)
- 📄 Two or more letters of recommendation from referees
- 📄 Application essays / personal statements
- 📄 Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume detailing leadership and activities
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can South Africans apply for Schwarzman Scholars?
- Yes. The scholarship is open to citizens of all countries except Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao (which apply through a separate China cycle). South African nationals holding a regular passport apply through the global/international cycle and are fully eligible.
- What does the Schwarzman Scholars award cover?
- It is fully funded for one year. The award covers full tuition and fees, accommodation (room and board) at Schwarzman College, travel to and from Beijing at the start and end of the year, an in-country study tour within China, required course books and supplies, health insurance, and a personal stipend of USD $4,000.
- What degree do Schwarzman Scholars earn?
- Scholars complete a one-year Master of Management Science in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University, with concentrations available in Public Policy, International Studies, and Economics & Business. Applicants from any undergraduate field and major are welcome.
- When does the Schwarzman Scholars application open and close?
- The global/international cycle for the class of 2027-2028 opens on 8 April 2026 and closes on 9 September 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EDT. Selection interviews are held in October-November 2026 and the programme begins in August 2027. A new application cycle opens each April.
When do 2027 applications open?
Schwarzman Scholars Foundation (hosted at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University, Beijing) has not yet announced dates for the 2027 intake.
The last recorded window closed on 9 September 2026. Treat that as a guide to timing only — confirm the 2027 dates with Schwarzman Scholars Foundation (hosted at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University, Beijing) before you rely on them.
Check Schwarzman Scholars Foundation (hosted at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University, Beijing)'s official siteNeed help? Contact Schwarzman Scholars Foundation (hosted at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University, Beijing):
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 212 314 8740 (New York); +86 10 6277 0631 (Beijing)
Information verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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