Program Overview

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

The Yenching Academy of Peking University Master’s Program in China Studies is a fully-funded scholarship program provided by the Ministry of Education of the P.R.C. This program is designed for international students who wish to conduct further study in China. The evaluation criteria for this program include academic merit, leadership potential, international experience, and long-term aspirations.

About the “Youth of Excellence Scheme of China Program Chinese Government Scholarship”

The “Youth of Excellence Scheme of China Program Chinese Government Scholarship” is a fully-funded scholarship program. The duration of funding for this program is tenable for one academic year during the study of the Yenching Academy program. It is mandatory for the recipient of the Zhuoyue Scholarship program to complete all required credits during the first academic year on campus. Upon completing the preparation work of a Master’s thesis, the recipient of the Zhuoyue Scholarship program is obliged to fulfill the second-year requirements of a Master’s thesis and thesis defense outside of the Chinese Mainland.

Scholarship Coverage

• The Zhuoyue Scholarship is a fully-funded scholarship program.

Duration of Funding

• The Zhuoyue Scholarship program is tenable for one academic year during the study of the Yenching Academy program.

About the Yenching Academy Program

Yenching Academy of Peking University aims to build bridges between China and the rest of the world through an interdisciplinary Master's program in China Studies. This initiative brings together young people who have demonstrated a talent for leadership and innovation. At Yenching, they are immersed in an intensive learning environment where they can explore China and its role in the world — past, present, and future. The Academy's goal is to shape new generations of global citizens with a nuanced understanding of China.

Curriculum

• All Yenching scholars are required to live on campus during the first academic year.
• 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
  • Chinese Language
  • Field Study
  • Topics in China Studies Lecture Series
  • Academic Writing
• 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

• The research areas offered in the Yenching Academy include:
  • China Studies (Economics and Management)
  • China Studies (History and Archaeology)
  • China Studies (Law and Society)
  • China Studies (Literature and Culture)
  • China Studies (Philosophy and Religion)
  • China Studies (Politics and International Relations)

Application

• Application for the 2025 intake will end on February 9, 2025 (12:00 noon Beijing time).
• Applicants should have:
  • Non-P.R.C. passport holder, physically and mentally able, and under the age of 45 years
  • Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any field or currently enrolled on a degree program awarded no later than August 31 of the year in which they wish to enroll
  • Three or more consecutive years of employment experience related to one of the following categories:
    • Chief staff member (or equivalent) of government departments
    • Senior managerial role in an institution, organization, or enterprise
    • Administrative management role in the higher education sector or research institution
    • Work or internship experience in an international organization
  • Permission from the employer to reside on campus in Beijing and conduct a one-year, full-time study at the Yenching Academy
  • Academic or work experience related to the applied research area is preferred
  • 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 7.0
    • TOEFL (iBT): Overall 100
    • Cambridge English Scale (Advanced): Overall 185
    • Native English speakers and students or alumni of primarily English-taught degree programs (undergraduate or above) are not required to provide English proficiency test scores

Application Materials

• Each applicant must fill-in and prepare the following materials in English:
  • Completed online application form
  • Personal statement (750 words or less)
  • Statement of Research Interest (maximum 1500 words, excluding citations)
  • Curriculum vitae (maximum two pages)
  • Diploma(s) or Certificate(s) of Enrollment
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Employment certification or internship certificate
  • Two academic letters of recommendation
  • International English proficiency test report(s)

Application Procedure

• Applications are open until February 9, 2025 (12:00 noon Beijing time).
• Candidates must submit all materials, including letters of recommendation, via the Yenching Academy admissions portal, in order for the application to be considered as valid.
• Shortlisted candidates will receive a pre-admission letter from Peking University before March 25, 2025.
• Upon receiving this letter, applicants for the Zhuoyue Scholarship program must complete an additional online application via the China Scholarship Council no later than March 31, 2025.

Scholarship Application Review & Admission

• The Yenching Academy Admissions Committee is responsible for the selection of prospective Yenching Scholars.
• Finalists will be invited for interviews around late February to mid-March, and invitations will normally be sent out approximately one week in advance.
• Interviews for international candidates will be conducted online via a video conferencing platform.
• The final review of the application files for the Zhuoyue Scholarship program will be conducted directly by the China Scholarship Council, and results will be available around July 2025.

Others

• Students are not allowed to be enrolled in other programs or universities while being enrolled at Peking University.
• Applicants should pay close attention to any updates or announcements posted on the website or communicated via email.
• Applicants must read and follow the instructions and designated deadlines.
• The student alone will be responsible for any consequences if they choose to take a course contravening the requirements without special approval.
• Issues that may arise which are not mentioned here will be handled in accordance with the relevant regulations of the university and higher authorities.
• If new graduate student admission policies are issued in the year of 2025, Peking University will make corresponding adjustments and announce the changes in a timely manner.