Program Overview

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

The Yenching Academy of Peking University Master of China Studies Program 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, with a focus on building bridges between China and the rest of the world through an interdisciplinary Master's program in China Studies.

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 awarded to international students who demonstrate academic merit, leadership potential, international experience, and long-term aspirations.

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. Recipients of the Zhuoyue Scholarship program must complete all required credits during the first academic year on campus and fulfill the second-year requirements of a Master's thesis and thesis defense outside of the Chinese Mainland.

About the Yenching Academy Program

The 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.

Curriculum

The Yenching Academy is an English-taught, 2-years (1+1) Master's degree program, offering a wide array of interdisciplinary courses on China within the Humanities and Social Sciences. Yenching Scholars must complete compulsory core courses, including:

• China in Transition
• Chinese Language
• Field Study
• Topics in China Studies Lecture Series
• Academic Writing

Yenching Scholars have the flexibility to create their own study paths by choosing from six research areas and a variety of extracurricular activities.

Research Areas

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 2024 intake will end on March 3, 2024.

Eligibility

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
• 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

Application Materials

Each applicant must fill-in and prepare the following materials in English:

• Complete registration form
• 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
• Employment certification or internship certificate
• Two academic letters of recommendation
• International English proficiency test report(s)

Application Procedure

Applications are open until March 3, 2024. Applicants must send all application materials (excluding recommendation letters) before the deadline.

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 mid-March to early-April. 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 June 2024.

Other Information

Students are not allowed to be enrolled in other programs or universities when enrolled in Peking University. In circumstances where Peking University has amended the policies on admissions and/or enrollment for the 2024 cohort, the Yenching Academy will ensure these are announced in a timely manner.