Yenching Academy 2027 at Peking University

About

The Yenching Academy of Peking University offers a two-year interdisciplinary master’s program in China Studies in Beijing. Scholars study China from many angles and choose courses in six research areas: Economics and Management, History and Archaeology, Philosophy and Religion, Politics and International Relations, Law and Society, and Literature and Culture. Each scholar works with an academic mentor and writes a master’s thesis.

The academy aims to build bridges between China and the rest of the world. It admits about 120 new scholars each year, and about 75% of them are international. Every admitted scholar receives a full fellowship. The 2027 cohort starts in September 2027. Graduates receive a Peking University master’s degree in China Studies, and the title shows their research area.

Host institution and country

Peking University (PKU) is one of China’s leading universities. It is located in the Haidian district of Beijing, the capital of China. The Yenching Academy is based on the PKU campus, and scholars live together in the Yenching Academy residence there, which helps build a close community. Chinese language study is compulsory for international scholars, unless they already have a high level and get it waived.

Financial benefits

In the first year, the fellowship covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Accommodation in the Yenching Academy residence on campus
• A monthly living stipend
• One round-trip travel stipend between your home city and Beijing
• Basic medical insurance
• Field study and research costs

In the second year, scholars in good standing who stay in Beijing continue to receive tuition, housing support, basic medical insurance and a monthly stipend. The academy does not publish the stipend amount on its admissions page.

Eligibility criteria

• Non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport, plus applicants from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan (mainland Chinese students apply through a separate process)
• A bachelor’s degree in any field, or final-year students who will receive their diploma by August 2027
• An outstanding academic record and a real interest in the interdisciplinary study of China
• A record of leadership and activities outside the classroom
• English proficiency: IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 100 or Cambridge English 185, taken after 1 September 2025. Home editions and online versions are not accepted
• Native English speakers and graduates of English-taught degrees are exempt from the test (this exemption does not apply to applicants from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan)
• There is no official age limit, but the academy says the average entering age is 23

Required documents

• The online application form
• A personal statement of up to 750 words
• A statement of research interest of up to 1,500 words, not counting citations
• A CV
• Official transcripts
• Diplomas, or a certificate of enrollment if you are still studying
• Two academic recommendation letters, in English or Chinese, from full or associate professors in your intended field
• An English test score sent directly by the testing organisation, if required

How to apply

1. Read the official admissions page and check the English test rules.
2. Ask two professors for recommendation letters well before the deadline.
3. Write your personal statement and your statement of research interest.
4. Gather your CV, transcripts and diplomas or enrollment certificate.
5. Submit the online application before 30 November 2026, 9:00 am Beijing time (UTC+8).

Students at the academy’s partner universities must first go through their home university’s pre-selection.

Selection process and timeline

After the deadline, the academy reviews all applications and invites finalists to an interview. International finalists are interviewed online in winter or early spring. Applicants from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan are interviewed in person at Peking University. Finalists are contacted about one week before their interview. Final decisions for international applicants usually come around April. Admission is then confirmed by an official Peking University acceptance letter in the summer before enrollment.

Tips for a strong application

• Make your statement of research interest specific. Name a question about China you want to explore and explain why it matters.
• Connect your past experience, studies or work to your interest in China in your personal statement.
• Show leadership with concrete examples of what you started, led or changed.
• Choose referees who know your academic work well and can describe your potential in detail.
• Book your English test early, since only scores from tests taken after 1 September 2025 count.