Office of FellowshipsSchwarzman Overview

What is the Schwarzman Scholarship?

The Schwarzman Scholarship provides a fully-funded, one-year master’s degree and leadership program at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. Scholars earn a master’s degree in global affairs. As part of the core coursework, scholars: choose between an offering of leadership courses; take a Global Affairs course, introducing Scholars to current and future challenges in global affairs; and take a course on Chinese political, economic, and social reform, covering aspects of China’s development over the last forty years. In addition, scholars choose elective courses from a variety of disciplines. Each Scholar works individually with their faculty advisors to design an academic plan suited to them.

Core and elective courses are taught by instructors including some of Tsinghua’s most accomplished faculty and visiting scholars from other leading institutions, as well as entrepreneurs, policymakers and thought leaders from around the world. Students will also be matched with senior mentors in business, academic, and government communities, participate in a cultural "deep dive," and do an internship. Language courses are mandatory for all students. Students can take Chinese language instruction from beginner to advanced.

Award Details

Information for Recommenders

Schwarzman asks all recommenders to address the following questions in their letters:

1. How long have you known the candidate and in what capacity?
2. How does this candidate’s intellectual and academic abilities compare to other students from your institution? Does s/he demonstrate broad interests, sharp insights on complex issues, flexibility of thinking, and curiosity about the world? To the extent that your knowledge of the candidate permits, please provide specific examples.
3. Please describe this candidate’s personal characteristics and experiences that will contribute to her/his potential to take on leadership roles in the future. How does this candidate compare to others who have gone on to leadership positions after studying/working/volunteering with you?

Format and submission: Schwarzman prefers that letters be on insitutional letterhead and signed. Once a candidate has registered you, you will receive an email from the Schwarzman online application system inviting you to upload your letter. The letter may be very brief, and should be less than 500 words. There is no longer an insitituional endorsement process for the Schwarzman, although the Office of Fellowships may request to see your letter if your candidate is a finalist and will be interviewed by Schwarzman.

Have questions? Please contact us.

Mailing address: Office of Fellowships, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002

On-Campus Mailing Address: AC # 2214