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. 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

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 2023 intake will end on April 2, 2023 (12:00 noon Beijing time).

Application Requirements

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
• At least 3 years of work experience; academic or work experience related to the applied research area is preferred
• 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
• 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. For official diploma and transcripts not in English, please include a certified translation in English or Chinese.

• Complete registration form
• Statement of Research Interest (maximum 1500 words, excluding citations)
• Curriculum vitae (maximum two pages)
• Official transcript(s)
• Diploma(s) or Certificate(s) of Enrollment
• Employment certification letter or internship certificate
• Two academic letters of recommendation
• International English proficiency test report(s)

Application Procedure

Applications are open until April 2, 2023 (12:00 noon Beijing time). Applicants must send all application materials (excluding recommendation letters) to the designated email address before the deadline.

Scholarship Application Review & Admission

The Yenching Academy Admissions Committee is responsible for the selection of prospective Yenching Scholars. The final review of the application files for the Zhuoyue Scholarship program will be conducted directly by the China Scholarship Council.