Yenching Academy of Peking University 2027 – Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship
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Yenching Academy of Peking University 2027 – Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship
The Yenching Academy of Peking University Scholarship 2027 is a prestigious fully funded opportunity for outstanding young graduates from around the world to pursue a Master’s degree in China Studies at Peking University in Beijing, China.
The Yenching Academy brings together talented students from different countries and academic backgrounds to explore China and its role in the world through an interdisciplinary, English-taught graduate program.
For the 2027 cohort, applications from international candidates open on September 1, 2026, with the application deadline on November 30, 2026 at 9:00 AM Beijing Time.
Quick Facts
- Scholarship: Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027
- University: Peking University
- Program: Master’s in China Studies
- Location: Beijing, China
- Study Level: Master’s degree
- Duration: Approximately two years
- Number of new scholars: Approximately 120 annually
- International students: Approximately 75% of the student body
- Application Opens: September 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: November 30, 2026, 9:00 AM Beijing Time
- Funding: Fully funded fellowship
- Eligible Applicants: International candidates
- Language: English
About Yenching Academy
The Yenching Academy of Peking University is an interdisciplinary graduate program designed to build bridges between China and the rest of the world.
Students study China’s past, present and future while developing their own academic interests through interdisciplinary research. The program combines coursework, independent research, field studies and interaction with scholars and leaders from around the world.
Each year, approximately 120 new students are enrolled, with international students making up roughly 75% of the student body.
The program is particularly suitable for students interested in understanding China’s development, society, economy, politics, culture and international role.
Yenching Academy Scholarship Benefits
The Yenching Academy provides a generous fellowship to all scholars admitted to the program.
The scholarship includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Monthly stipend
- One round-trip travel fare
- Field study costs
This makes the Yenching Academy one of the most attractive fully funded master’s opportunities for students interested in China Studies.
In addition to financial support, scholars benefit from an international academic environment, interdisciplinary learning, field research opportunities and access to the broader Peking University community.
Areas of Study
Yenching Academy offers an interdisciplinary approach to China Studies. Students can develop research interests across areas such as:
- Economics and Management
- Politics and International Relations
- Law and Society
- History and Archaeology
- Literature and Culture
The interdisciplinary structure allows scholars to approach China-related issues from different academic perspectives.
Who Can Apply?
The Yenching Academy welcomes outstanding applicants from different academic and professional backgrounds.
For international applicants, candidates should:
- Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in any field, or be currently enrolled in a bachelor’s program and expect to receive the degree by August of the intended enrollment year.
- Have an outstanding academic record.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in the interdisciplinary study of China.
- Have a record of extracurricular achievement, community engagement and social responsibility.
- Demonstrate leadership potential.
- Meet the required English proficiency standards.
Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport for the international applicant category. Special nationality documentation rules apply to former Chinese citizens applying as international students.
Is There an Age Limit?
Yenching Academy does not have a strict age cutoff. However, the academy notes that, excluding recipients of the Zhuoyue Scholarship, no applicant over age 29 has been admitted to the program, while the average age of entering students is 23.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency unless they qualify for an exemption.
Accepted minimum scores currently include:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 7.0
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 100
- Cambridge English Scale (Advanced): 185
- CET 6: 600
- TEM 4: Pass level of “良好” or above
International applicants whose native language is English, or who have completed an undergraduate degree or higher in an English-taught program, do not need to submit an English proficiency test report.
For the 2027 cohort, English tests must have been taken after September 1, 2025. Yenching Academy currently does not accept TOEFL MyBest Scores, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, IELTS Indicator, IELTS Online or IELTS One Skill Retake.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit their materials through the Yenching Academy online application portal.
The required documents include:
- Completed online application form
- Personal statement of 750 words or less
- Statement of Research Interest of up to 1,500 words
- Curriculum Vitae
- Official academic transcript(s)
- Diploma or Certificate of Enrollment
- Two academic recommendation letters
- English proficiency test results, where required
Recommendation letters must be written by full professors, associate professors or equivalent, and should come from professors in the applicant’s intended field of study.
Application Process
The application process for international candidates is straightforward but applicants should begin preparing early.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Review the academic, nationality and English-language requirements before starting the application.
Step 2: Prepare Your Research Interest
The Statement of Research Interest is an important part of the application. Applicants should clearly explain their academic interests and the China-related questions they want to explore.
Step 3: Prepare Recommendation Letters
Arrange two academic recommendation letters from eligible professors well before the deadline.
Step 4: Submit the Online Application
Create an account on the Yenching Academy admissions portal and upload the required documents in English.
Step 5: Complete University Pre-Selection if Required
Students and alumni of Yenching Academy’s Partner Universities must first participate in their home university’s internal pre-selection process before submitting the Yenching Academy application.
Application Deadline for Yenching Academy 2027
For the 2027 cohort, applications for international candidates open on:
September 1, 2026
The application deadline is:
November 30, 2026 at 9:00 AM Beijing Time
Applicants should not wait until the final day to submit their application because recommendation letters, official transcripts and English test results may require additional processing time.
Selection Process
Yenching Academy considers more than academic grades when evaluating applicants.
The selection process considers factors including:
- Academic merit
- Leadership potential
- International experience
- Extracurricular achievements
- Community engagement
- Social responsibility
- Research interests
- Long-term aspirations
International finalists are interviewed online, with interviews generally taking place during winter or early spring. Final admission decisions for international applicants are expected around April, followed by official Peking University admission procedures.
Why Choose Yenching Academy?
The Yenching Academy offers more than financial support. Scholars become part of an international community studying China from multiple academic perspectives.
Key advantages include:
- Fully funded master’s-level study
- Study at Peking University
- Interdisciplinary China Studies
- International scholar community
- Field study opportunities
- Academic and research mentorship
- Exposure to global perspectives on China
- Opportunities to develop leadership and professional networks
The 2026 cohort included 124 scholars from 37 countries and regions, demonstrating the highly international character of the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yenching Academy fully funded?
Yes. Yenching Academy provides a fellowship covering tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly stipend, one round-trip travel fare and field study costs for its scholars.
What degree does Yenching Academy offer?
The academy offers an interdisciplinary Master’s program in China Studies.
Who can apply for Yenching Academy?
International applicants with at least a bachelor’s degree, or students who will complete their bachelor’s degree by August of the intended enrollment year, can apply if they meet the academic, leadership, China Studies interest and English requirements.
Do I need a degree specifically related to China?
No. Applicants can hold a bachelor’s degree in any field. However, they should demonstrate a strong interest in the interdisciplinary study of China.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
Applicants generally need to demonstrate English proficiency unless they qualify for an exemption based on native English status or completion of an English-taught undergraduate or higher degree. The current minimum IELTS Academic score is 7.0, while the TOEFL iBT minimum is 100.
Can I apply if I already have a master’s degree?
Yes. International applicants and applicants from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who already hold a master’s degree are welcome to apply. However, holding a graduate degree does not provide an advantage in the selection process.
What is the application deadline for 2027?
The deadline for international applicants to the 2027 cohort is November 30, 2026 at 9:00 AM Beijing Time.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should create an account and submit their application through the official Yenching Academy admissions portal.
Official Yenching Academy Admissions Page: Yenching Academy Admissions – Peking University
Application Portal: Yenching Academy Online Application Portal
Applicants should carefully review the official requirements and prepare their academic documents, research statement, personal statement, recommendation letters and English-language evidence before submitting the application.
Specifications
| Type of Opportunity | Scholarships and Fellowships |
|---|---|
| Deadline | Ongoing |
| Country | China |
| Open to | All Nationalities |