Program Overview

Introduction to the Yenching Academy of Peking University Master’s Program in China Studies

The Yenching Academy of Peking University offers a Master’s program in China Studies, aiming to build bridges between China and the rest of the world through an interdisciplinary approach. This initiative brings together young people who have demonstrated a talent for leadership and innovation, immersing them in an intensive learning environment where they can explore China and its role in the world — past, present, and future.

About the Program

Yenching Academy is a fully-funded residential program offering a wide array of interdisciplinary courses on China within the Humanities and Social Sciences. Studying at the Academy represents a unique opportunity not only for intercultural and academic exchange but also for personal and professional development.

Curriculum

Yenching Scholars must complete all required credits within the first academic year. After completion of credits, scholars will work on a thesis during the second academic year, in which they need to pass a thesis defense as well as obtain approval from the Peking University Academic Degree Committee before being awarded a diploma and degree.

• All Yenching Scholars must complete compulsory core courses, including:
  • China in Transition
  • Field Study
  • Topics in China Studies Lecture Series
  • Academic Writing
  • Chinese Language
• Working closely with their academic advisors, Yenching Scholars have the flexibility to create their own study paths by choosing from six research areas, elective courses taught by Peking University faculty, and a variety of extracurricular activities.

Research Areas

Research Areas offered in the Yenching Academy include:

• China Studies (Philosophy and Religion)
• China Studies (Economics and Management)
• China Studies (Law and Society)
• China Studies (Politics and International Relations)
• China Studies (Literature and Culture)
• China Studies (History and Archaeology)

Fellowship & Study Timeframe

The Yenching Academy Master’s Program in China Studies is two years in duration. All admitted students will receive the Yenching Fellowship and are required to live on campus for the first academic year. The Yenching Fellowship covers:

• Tuition fees
• On-campus accommodation
• A travel stipend for one round-trip journey between the student’s base city and Beijing
• A monthly stipend
• Medical insurance
• Expenses for designated research trips

Application

Application for the 2026 cohort is open from September 10 until December 1, 2025 (9:00 am Beijing time).

Eligibility

Applicants should have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in any field accredited by the Ministry of Education in the P.R.C. or be on track to receive one by August 31 of the enrollment year
• An outstanding academic record
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary study of China
• A record of extracurricular achievement, community engagement, social responsibility, and leadership potential
• English proficiency requirements and minimum scores:
  • IELTS (Academic): Overall 7
  • TOEFL (iBT): Overall 100
  • Cambridge English Scale (Advanced): Overall 185
• Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport

Application Materials

Each applicant must submit the following materials in English:

• Yenching Academy online application
• Personal statement (750 words or less)
• Statement of Research Interest (maximum 1500 words, excluding citations)
• Curriculum vitae (maximum two pages)
• Official transcript(s)
• Diploma(s), Certificate(s) of Enrollment, and Overseas Credential Evaluation
• Two academic letters of recommendation (Chinese or English)
• International English proficiency test report(s)

Application Screening and Interview

Application screening is completed by the Admissions Committee within the Yenching Academy. Finalists will be invited for interviews during winter and spring.

Admissions

Application materials of shortlisted candidates will be reviewed by the Graduate School of Peking University, as well as the International Students Division at the Office of International Relations in Peking University. Admission offers will be mailed out around the end of June of the enrollment year.

Enrollment

Admitted students will complete the registration procedures and enroll at Peking University in early September 2026. The specific enrollment date will be announced in the admission notice.

Visa, Medical Insurance, and Yenching Fellowship

• Visa: Students admitted to PKU should apply for a student visa at the Chinese Embassy/Consulate in their country with the letter of admission and the JW201/202 form.
• Medical Insurance: The Ministry of Education of the P.R.C. stipulates that all international students must be medically insured throughout their entire duration of study.
• Yenching Fellowship: All admitted students receive the Yenching Fellowship for the first academic year, which covers tuition, accommodation, a travel stipend, basic medical insurance, a monthly stipend, and expenses related to research.

Graduation and Degree Awarding

Students who have completed all the requirements stipulated in the academic plan and passed their thesis defense upon completion of their study are permitted to graduate. After being examined and approved by the Academic Degree Assessment Committee of the university, the corresponding academic degree will be conferred.

Others

• Students are not allowed to be enrolled in other programs or universities while being enrolled at Peking University.
• The passport details provided by the applicant during the application process cannot be altered once confirmed, prior to enrollment.
• Applicants should pay close attention to any updates or announcements posted on the website or communicated via email.