Schwarzman Scholars, one of the world’s most prestigious graduate fellowships, has announced its recipients for 2025-26.
This 10th cohort consists of 150 scholars selected from 38 countries and 105 universities around the world. They include more than 50 students from the U.S., who will begin their studies in China in August 2025.
Each Schwarzman Scholar is given 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.
This year’s winners were selected from an initial pool of more than 5,000 applicants. Counting the incoming cohort, the Schwarzman Scholars network now includes more than 1,300 members, representing 104 countries and 459 institutions worldwide.
Scholars are selected through an application process designed to identify leadership potential, intellect, and strong character. About 400 candidates were invited this year to interview with panels of CEOs, government leaders, university presidents, and non-profit executives.
“Our tenth cohort fills me with optimism for the future,” said Stephen A. Schwarzman, Founding Trustee of Schwarzman Scholars, in a press release. “This year’s selected Scholars are keenly interested in learning about China and broadening their understanding of global affairs, which are both now more important than ever. Our network, now ten classes strong, is already starting to make a global impact, and I am proud of our program’s continued success. I look forward to watching this inspiring community continue to grow.”
The new group of scholars from the United States earned their undergraduate degrees from more than 30 different American institutions, including Ivy League colleges, public universities, HBCUs, and small liberal arts colleges.
Several institutions, including Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, Cornell University and Stanford University, Spelman College, the College of William & Mary, and City University of New York had multiple scholars in the new cohort.
Biographical information on the entire cohort can be found here.
As examples of the caliber of those selected for the scholarship, the group from the U.S. includes:
- Several inventors, including Alessandro Hammond (Harvard University);
- Founders of start-ups such as Philip An (California Institute of Technology), Samia Abdi (University of Minnesota), Anya Button (Duke University), Ebony Freeman (Emory University), and Josemaria Silvestrini (Williams College);
- Kelsey Chin (Barnard College, Columbia University) who is a Grammy award-winning flutist;
- A number of presidents of their student government associations;
- Varsity athletes like Chinonso Anyanwu (Rutgers University), Chandler Compton (Wofford College), and Issa Mudashiru (Princeton University); and
- Interns for members of congress and several federal agencies; and
- Several honorees from the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
The scholars pursue a one-year Master’s Degree in Global Affairs with a core curriculum focused on three pillars: leadership, China, and global affairs. They are taught by international and Tsinghua University faculty, supplemented by frequent guest lectures by other prominent global leaders.
In addition, Schwarzman Scholars gain in-depth exposure to China and have access to important relationships through internships, cultural immersion and mentors. They also are provided with a range of career development resources to help them assume leadership positions in various fields after graduation.
“I am excited to welcome the tenth cohort to the Schwarzman Scholars and Tsinghua University communities,” said Xue Lan, Dean of Schwarzman College. “This class embodies Schwarzman College’s commitment to fostering global connections, advancing knowledge, and nurturing leaders who will address the most pressing challenges of our time. They will bring tremendous vitality and international experience to Tsinghua campus.”
About Schwarzman Scholars
The Schwarzman Scholars is an elite scholarship program founded in 2013 by Blackstone Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO Stephen A. Schwarzman, who has personally donated $100 million to the effort. Originally inspired by the Rhodes Scholars, the program was created to respond to the geopolitical landscape of the 21st century by preparing the next generation of global leaders.
Up to 200 scholars are selected annually from a broad range of backgrounds, including business, technology, science, politics, healthcare, and more. Typically, about 40% of the scholars are from the United States.