Schwarzman Scholars Announces Class of 2022, Applicant Numbers Speak to Continued Interest in China

NEW YORK & BEIJING–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Schwarzman Scholars, one of the world�s most prestigious graduate fellowships located at Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University in Beijing, today announced its sixth class. Despite the broad-ranging implications of the global coronavirus pandemic, the large number of quality applicants this year demonstrates that interest in understanding and building relationships with China has never been stronger.

154 remarkable Schwarzman Scholars were chosen from more than 3,600 applicants, and include students from 39 countries and 99 universities. The Class of 2022 will enroll in August 2021. We are proud to have this cohort expand the breadth and diversity of the Schwarzman Scholars network – now over 600 strong – to include 5 additional countries and 34 new universities.

The Schwarzman Scholars Class of 2022 comprises an exceptional group of individuals, including a Scholar whose medical device company aims to improve the efficacy and affordability of coronary artery bypass surgery, an Amazon best-selling author, a developer of a UN and WHO-awarded app for achieving child nutrition security and reducing food waste, an award-winning Chinese film producer, Australia’s youngest Deputy Mayor, several Scholars named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30, and the youngest senior lecturer in Azerbaijan’s history. Information on the entire class can be found here.

“This is truly an inspirational and dynamic group of young people,” said Stephen A. Schwarzman, Founding Trustee of Schwarzman Scholars. “At a moment when the mission of Schwarzman Scholars is even more important than we could have predicted, I am confident these individuals will become people of consequence in their generation: leading intelligently, acting with integrity, and addressing the most pressing global challenges of the 21^st century.”

Our Scholars were selected through a rigorous application process designed to identify leadership potential, academic ability, and strength of character. More than 400 candidates were invited to interview virtually in Beijing, London, New York or Singapore. Candidates from over 60 countries went before panels of CEOs, government officials, university presidents, journalists, and non-profit executives, among others. This year’s process marked the first time that a class of Schwarzman Scholars was selected entirely virtually, and both candidates and interviewers adapted seamlessly.

“I am excited to see what this class brings to both the Schwarzman College and greater Tsinghua University communities,” said Xue Lan, Dean of Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University. “Each Scholar was selected for their demonstrated leadership, excellence, and desire to grow. I look forward to meeting them in the fall.”

Once admitted, Scholars pursue a Master’s degree in Global Affairs with a core curriculum focused on three pillars: leadership, China, and global affairs. Each year, the academic program is refined to ensure alignment with current and future geopolitical priorities. Scholars are taught by leading international faculty, with frequent guest lectures from prominent global thought leaders. Beyond the classroom, Scholars gain exceptional exposure to China and access to important relationships through internships, mentors, high-profile speakers, and world-renowned faculty members. Scholars are also provided with a range of career development resources to help position them for success upon graduation.

Our unique combination of coursework, cultural immersion, and personal and professional development opportunities equip 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 members of this cohort will play crucial roles in increasing mutual understanding between China and the rest of the world, now and for years to come. I am thrilled to be welcoming this incredible group at a moment when the world needs global leaders more than ever before,” said Cordel Faulk, Director of Global Admissions.

About Schwarzman Scholars

The vision of Schwarzman Scholars is to bring together the world’s best young minds to explore and understand the economic, political and cultural factors that have contributed to China’s increasing importance as a global power, and train them to become effective links between China and the rest of the world. Through the philanthropy, foresight, and dedication of Blackstone Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO Stephen A. Schwarzman, as well as the generosity of global donors who have been inspired by the potential and importance of this program, Schwarzman Scholars has raised more than $500 million to date. These funds will help endow Schwarzman Scholars in perpetuity.

Each year, up to 200 future leaders from the U.S., China and the rest of the world matriculate as Schwarzman Scholars at Tsinghua University in Beijing to pursue a one-year Master’s Degree. Scholars chosen for this highly selective program have demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities and the potential to understand and bridge cultural and political differences. They live in Beijing for a year of intensive study and cultural immersion – attending lectures, workshops, and discussion groups; being mentored and advised by leaders across sectors; and traveling while developing a better understanding of China.

Learn more at www.schwarzmanscholars.org, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SchwarzmanScholars and follow us on Twitter at @SchwarzmanOrg.

Contacts

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