Applications are now open for the Yenching Academy of Peking University 2027 cohort, offering outstanding young graduates and emerging leaders an opportunity to pursue an interdisciplinary Master’s degree focused on China Studies at one of China’s leading universities.

The Yenching Academy brings together students from China and around the world to explore China’s development, culture, society, economy, politics, law, and its role in the wider world. Approximately 120 new scholars are enrolled each year, with international students making up roughly 75% of the student body.

About Yenching Academy

The Yenching Academy of Peking University is an interdisciplinary graduate program designed for students with a strong interest in China and its relationship with the world. Students can approach China Studies from different academic and professional perspectives while developing their research interests and leadership potential.

The program welcomes applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds. Previous study in China Studies or Chinese language is not required, provided applicants demonstrate a strong interest in interdisciplinary study of China.

Yenching Academy 2027 Fellowship Benefits

The Yenching Academy provides a generous fellowship to all admitted Yenching Scholars. The fellowship includes:

• Full tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Monthly stipend
• One round-trip travel fare
• Field study costs

This makes the Yenching Academy an opportunity to pursue graduate-level study in China with major educational and living expenses covered.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for the international 2027 cohort should generally meet the following requirements:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in any field, or be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s program and expected to receive the degree by August of the intended enrollment year.
• Have an outstanding academic record.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in interdisciplinary study of China.
• Have a record of extracurricular achievement, community engagement, social responsibility, and leadership potential.
• Meet the required English-language proficiency standards.
• International applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport.

Students cannot remain enrolled in another degree program while studying at Peking University.

English Language Requirements

Applicants may demonstrate English proficiency through accepted examinations. The current minimum scores listed by Yenching Academy 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 graduated from an English-taught undergraduate or graduate degree program, may be exempt from submitting an English proficiency test report.

For the 2027 cohort, accepted English proficiency 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 Application Documents

Applicants are required to submit their application through the Yenching Academy online admissions portal. The application materials include:

• Completed online application form
• Personal statement of 750 words or less
• Statement of Research Interest of up to 1,500 words, excluding citations
• Curriculum vitae
• Official university transcript(s)
• Diploma or Certificate of Enrollment
• Two academic recommendation letters
• Proof of English proficiency, where required

Recommendation letters must be written by full professors, associate professors, or equivalent academic titles and should come from professors in the applicant’s intended field of study.

Application Deadline for 2027

Applications for the 2027 cohort of Yenching Scholars opened on September 1, 2026.

Application deadline: November 30, 2026
Deadline time: 9:00 AM Beijing Time

Students and alumni of Yenching Academy Partner Universities must complete their university’s internal pre-selection process before submitting their application to Yenching Academy.

Who Should Apply?

The Yenching Academy may be particularly relevant to graduates and final-year undergraduate students interested in China, international relations, economics, business, public policy, society and culture, environmental studies, or other interdisciplinary areas.

Applicants do not necessarily need an academic background specifically related to China. Yenching Academy states that it welcomes scholars from diverse academic disciplines and values the different perspectives they bring to China Studies.

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