Schwarzman Scholars Announces Class of 2023-2024

The 151 candidates, selected from 36 countries and 121 universities around the world, will receive the opportunity to study in a one-year, fully-funded Master’s degree program in Global Affairs at Schwarzman College on the campus of Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. The high caliber of this year’s admitted students demonstrates that young leaders continue to be invested in understanding and fostering cross-cultural ties with China.

The Admissions team selected this year’s incoming students from an initial pool of nearly 3,000 applicants. With the incoming cohort, the Schwarzman Scholars network expands to more than 1,000 members, with Scholars from a total of 88 countries and 390 institutions worldwide.

The Schwarzman Scholars Class of 2024, which will enroll in August 2023, is comprised of exceptional young leaders, including:

• A published author on outer space law
• A ballerina trained at the Bolshoi Ballet
• A co-author of the COP26 Youth Climate Manifesto
• Founders of companies which have brought affordable energy to thousands in Cameroon and Benin
• An award-winning immune system researcher
• A Secretary of the Cross Party Group on China for the Scottish Parliament
• Members of the Forbes 30 under 30
• Published authors, poets, and successful musicians
• Program leaders at the United Nations
• Founders of start-ups in fields such as education, cosmetics, health technology, transportation, block-chain technology, and manufacturing
• Advisors and managing directors for venture capital and hedge funds

More information on the incoming class can be found here.

“I am excited by the eighth cohort’s potential,” said Stephen A. Schwarzman, Founding Trustee of Schwarzman Scholars. “As the geopolitical landscape grows more complex each day, I am inspired by this year’s selected Scholars and their readiness to engage thoughtfully with global issues and drive change. We are confident that this inspiring cohort of young leaders will make the most of this unique opportunity.”

Xue Lan, Dean of Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University, offered his congratulations to the incoming class.  “Congratulations, eighth cohort! I see great potential, diversity, and talent in this group. I am sure these young leaders will enrich the community at Schwarzman College, at Tsinghua University, and beyond.”

Scholars were selected through a rigorous application process designed to identify leadership potential, intellect, and strength of character. Over 400 candidates from 60 countries were invited to interview with panels of CEOs, government officials, university presidents, journalists, and non-profit executives, among others.

Once admitted, the Scholars will pursue a one-year Master’s degree in Global Affairs with a core curriculum focused on three pillars: Leadership, Global Affairs, and China. The students are taught by leading faculty from Tsinghua and a number of other internationally recognized universities, and will have the opportunity to attend guest lectures by prominent global thought leaders. Beyond the classroom, Scholars will gain exceptional exposure to China through internships, mentors, and high-profile speakers. Additionally, career development resources are provided to help Scholars lead in various fields upon graduation.

The program’s unique combination of coursework, cultural immersion, and personal and professional development opportunities equips students with a well-rounded understanding of China’s changing role in the world, critically important to leadership in any field in the 21st century.

“The accomplishments of the admitted class already are truly outstanding.” said Cordel Faulk, Director of Global Admissions. “We are all very excited to welcome these 151 young leaders into the Schwarzman Scholars community. We are confident they will make excellent contributions in the next year and beyond.”

About Schwarzman Scholars

Schwarzman Scholars is a one year fully-funded Master’s program in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. As the first scholarship of its kind created to respond to the geopolitical landscape of the 21st century, Schwarzman Scholars aspires to build a global network of young leaders that are prepared to confront the pressing challenges facing the world.

Each year, up to 200 candidates are chosen for this highly selective program. Scholars are selected based on their leadership qualities and the potential to understand and bridge cultural and political differences. They live in Beijing for a year of intensive study, honing leadership skills through a curriculum designed and taught by leading academics from internationally ranked institutions.