Schwarzman Scholars

Schwarzman Scholars is a highly selective, fully funded one-year Master's degree program based at Tsinghua University in Beijing, one of China's most prestigious universities. Founded by Stephen A. Schwarzman, CEO of Blackstone, the program was modeled on the Rhodes Scholarship with the explicit goal of creating a new generation of leaders who understand China and its role in the global order.

Each year, up to 200 scholars from around the world are selected to live and study together at the purpose-built Schwarzman College on Tsinghua's campus. The Master's program offers concentrations in Public Policy, Economics & Business, and International Studies, and the curriculum combines academic coursework with a rich schedule of lectures from world leaders, field trips across China, and an intensive Mandarin language program.

What makes Schwarzman Scholars unique is its explicit geopolitical framing. The program was created in response to the growing importance of China in global affairs and the recognition that few Western leaders have deep familiarity with Chinese institutions, culture, and governance. Scholars gain firsthand experience living in Beijing, engaging with Chinese students and leaders, and understanding the complexities of US-China relations and global governance from a Chinese perspective.