The Yenching Academy of Peking University invites applications for its 2026 cohort of Yenching Scholars. This prestigious, fully funded Master’s program offers an exceptional opportunity for outstanding students from around the world to pursue interdisciplinary graduate studies in China.
Each year, approximately 120 scholars are selected, with international students representing about 80% of the cohort. The program provides a unique platform for intellectual exchange, leadership development, and cultural immersion at one of China’s most esteemed universities.
About Yenching Academy
Established at Peking University in Beijing, the Yenching Academy aims to enhance global understanding by integrating academic study with cultural experience. The program promotes an in-depth exploration of China’s history, culture, and contemporary global role through an interdisciplinary Master’s degree in China Studies.
Yenching Scholars enjoy full financial support, academic mentorship, and access to a vibrant community of global leaders and researchers committed to fostering constructive dialogue between China and the world.
Degree Level
Master’s Degree in China Studies
Areas of Study
The Yenching Academy’s interdisciplinary program allows scholars to specialize in one of the following fields:
Economics and Management.
History and Archaeology.
Law and Society.
Literature and Culture.
Philosophy and Religion.
Politics and International Relations.
Scholarship Benefits
The Yenching Fellowship provides comprehensive financial support for all admitted scholars, including:
Full Tuition Fees – Complete academic costs covered by the university.
Accommodation – On-campus housing provided at Peking University.
Monthly Stipend – Allowance to cover living expenses.
Travel Allowance – One-time round-trip airfare between the scholar’s home country and Beijing.
Field Study Funding – Financial support for academic field research and study
tours.
This holistic support ensures that scholars can fully engage in academic, cultural, and professional development opportunities during their stay in China.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for the 2026 intake:
1. Educational Background:
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or be enrolled in a Bachelor’s program with expected graduation by August 31, 2026.
2. Academic Excellence:
Demonstrated record of high academic achievement.
3. Interdisciplinary Interest:
Strong motivation to engage in the interdisciplinary study of China.
4. Leadership and Community Engagement:
Proven leadership qualities and participation in extracurricular or volunteer activities.
5. English Proficiency:
Applicants must demonstrate strong proficiency in English as per the program’s language requirements.
> Note: Students cannot be enrolled in any other degree program while studying at Peking University.
English Proficiency Requirements For International Applicants
Applicants are exempt from submitting English test results if:
English is their native language, or
They have completed a degree program (undergraduate or higher) taught in English.
Applicants from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan are required to provide English proficiency test scores, regardless of prior education.
For Mainland Chinese Applicants:
Submission of an English language test score is mandatory.
Test Minimum Required Score.
IELTS (Academic) 7.0 overall.
TOEFL (iBT) 100 overall.
Cambridge English Scale (Advanced)185 overall.
CET 6 600 overall.
TEM 4 “良好” or above.
Important Notes:
Test must be taken after September 1, 2023.
TOEFL MyBest Scores, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and IELTS
Online/Indicator are not accepted.
TOEFL Institution Code: C488.
Application Procedure
All applications must be completed in English through the Yenching Academy online application portal.
Required Documents
Applicants are required to submit the following materials:
1. Completed Online Application Form
2. Personal Statement (maximum 750 words)
3. Statement of Research Interest (maximum 1,500 words, excluding references)
4. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
5. Official Academic Transcripts
6. Diploma(s) or Certificate(s) of Enrollment
7. Two Academic Letters of Recommendation
Application Timeline
Application Opens August 15, 2025
Application Deadline December 1, 2025 (12:00 noon, Beijing Time)
Why Choose the Yenching Academy?
Study at Peking University, one of Asia’s leading institutions.
Participate in an elite global community of interdisciplinary scholars.
Gain cultural insight and a deeper understanding of China’s role in global affairs.
Benefit from comprehensive funding and mentorship.
Develop leadership, research, and cross-cultural communication skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Yenching Academy Scholarship?
A1.It is a fully funded Master’s program at Peking University offering interdisciplinary studies focused on China.
2. Who is eligible to apply?
A2.Students from any nationality with a completed or ongoing Bachelor’s degree (to be completed by August 31, 2026).
3. What expenses are covered by the scholarship?
A3.Tuition, accommodation, living stipend, travel costs, and research funding are fully covered.
4. Do applicants need to know Chinese?
A4.No, the program is taught entirely in English. However, scholars are encouraged to study Mandarin during their stay.
5. What is the duration of the program?
A5.Typically, the Master’s degree lasts for two years.
6. How competitive is the selection process?
A6.Highly competitive — only around 120 scholars are selected annually from thousands of applicants worldwide.
7. When will admission results be announced?
A7.Final decisions are generally released in early 2026.
8. How do I apply?
A8.Applications must be submitted online via the official Yenching Academy Application Portal before December 1, 2025.
Official Website
Visit the official website for detailed guidelines and application access:
👉 https://yenchingacademy.pku.edu.cn
.jpg)

0 Comments