Scholarship at Yenching Academy of Peking University (Fully Funded)

The Yenching Academy at Peking University is a highly selective two-year, fully funded master’s program in China Studies. It integrates interdisciplinary academic coursework, field study, residential college experience, and language training—all designed to develop global leaders with a nuanced understanding of China. Scholars can tailor their studies across six major concentrations:

• Economics & Management
• History & Archaeology
• Law & Society
• Literature & Culture
• Philosophy & Religion
• Politics & International Relations

Admissions Timeline

• Application Opens: September 10, 2025
• Deadline: December 1, 2025, at 9:00 AM (Beijing time)
• Important: U.S. applicant nominations (e.g., UChicago) are being coordinated around end of November 2025.

Eligibility & Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in any field, or expected graduation by August 31, 2026
• Strong academic performance
• Demonstrated leadership, community engagement, and interdisciplinary interest in China Studies

English Proficiency:

• Required for most applicants (Mainland China candidates must submit a score).
• Accepted tests (must be taken after September 1, 2024):
  • IELTS (Academic): Overall 7.0
  • TOEFL iBT: Overall 100 (no MyBest, Home Edition, indicators, or online tests)
  • Cambridge English (Advanced): Overall 185
• Exemptions apply for native English speakers or graduates from English-taught degrees.

Supporting Documents:

Applicants must submit (in English):

• Completed Yenching online application
• Personal statement (≤750 words)
• Statement of Research Interest (≤1,500 words)
• CV (≤2 pages)
• Official transcripts and diploma or enrollment certificates
• Two academic letters of recommendation (from professors in the relevant field)
• Credential evaluation may be required for non-Mainland Chinese degrees

Additional Requirements (HMT Region applicants):

• Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan applicants must also complete the Peking University Graduate Admissions process and may need to submit hard copies of documents by early January.
• Must be of sound mental and physical health with no criminal convictions, and must comply with Chinese laws and university regulations.

Fellowship & Benefits

All admitted Yenching Scholars receive a generous fellowship, including:

• Full tuition and on-campus accommodation for the first year
• Monthly stipend and medical insurance
• Round-trip travel between your home city and Beijing
• Support for research trips and field studies
• In the second academic year, continued funding for tuition, housing (on-campus or stipend option), stipend, and insurance (contingent on academic performance and Beijing residency)

Selection Focus

• Academic excellence and intellectual curiosity
• Leadership and social responsibility
• Interdisciplinary approach to China studies
• Clear alignment of research interests with Yenching’s thematic offerings

The Yenching Academy at Peking University provides an unparalleled opportunity to pursue an interdisciplinary Master’s degree focusing on China, with generous financial support and global exposure.