Yenching Academy of Peking University China Scholarships 2026 , China (Fully Funded)
The Yenching Scholars Program is a fully funded, highly prestigious master’s-level fellowship hosted by Yenching Academy of Peking University, one of China’s most elite academic institutions. The program brings together outstanding students from around the world to study China through an interdisciplinary lens, while living and learning on campus at Peking University in Beijing.
Each year, around 120 scholars are selected, with approximately 75% international students, making it one of the most globally diverse graduate programs in Asia.
About Yenching Academy:
Yenching Academy is a prestigious graduate program at Peking University in Beijing, China, designed to foster global understanding through interdisciplinary study focused on China. It offers a fully funded Master’s degree in China Studies, attracting top scholars from around the world. The program combines academic rigor with cultural immersion, covering a wide range of disciplines including history, politics, economics, and international relations. Yenching Scholars benefit from a generous fellowship, which includes tuition, accommodation, and travel expenses, allowing them to live and study in a highly stimulating academic environment at one of China’s leading universities.
Degree Level
- Master’s Degree
Available Subjects
The Yenching Academy offers a Master’s in China Studies, which is interdisciplinary, covering areas such as:
- Economics and Management
- History and Archaeology
- Law and Society
- Literature and Culture
- Philosophy and Religion
- Politics and International Relations
Benefits
Yenching Academy offers a comprehensive fellowship package to all admitted scholars, covering the following:
- Tuition Fees: All academic costs associated with your studies at Peking University.
- Accommodation: A comfortable and convenient on-campus residence.
- Monthly Stipend: A regular allowance to cover living expenses.
- Travel Allowance: A one-time round-trip airfare to and from your home country.
- Field Study Costs: Funding to support research and field study activities related to your academic pursuits.
Eligible Nationalities
This scholarship is open to students of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Academic Background: Applicants must possess a minimum of a Bachelor's degree or be actively enrolled in a Bachelor's program with expected graduation by August of current year.
- Academic Excellence: A strong academic record is a prerequisite for admission.
- Interdisciplinary Interest: Applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in the interdisciplinary study of China.
- Extracurricular Achievements: A record of involvement in extracurricular activities, community engagement, and leadership potential is valued.
- English Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English.
Note: Peking University does not allow students to be enrolled in other degree programs while studying at the university.
English Proficiency Requirements
International Applicants: Those whose native language is English or who have graduated from an English-taught degree program (undergraduate or above) are exempt from providing an English proficiency test report. Applicants from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan must submit an English proficiency test report, regardless of their educational background.
- Chinese Mainland Applicants: An English proficiency test report is mandatory.
- Accepted English Proficiency Tests:
- IELTS (Academic): Overall 7.0
- TOEFL (iBT): Overall 100
- Cambridge English Scale (Advanced): Overall 185
- CET 6: Overall 600
- TEM 4: Pass level of “良好” or above
Note:
- English proficiency tests must be taken after September 1, 2023.
- TOEFL MyBest Scores, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, IELTS Indicator test, IELTS Online, and IELTS One Skill Retake are not accepted.
- English test scores must be sent directly to Yenching Academy by the testing organization. The institution code for TOEFL is C488.
Application Procedure
Application Materials
All applications must be submitted in English through the Yenching Academy's online application portal. Required materials include:
- Completed online application form
- Personal statement (750 words or less)
- Statement of Research Interest (maximum 1500 words, excluding citations)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Official transcript(s)
- Diploma(s) or Certificate(s) of Enrollment
- Two academic letters of recommendation
Important Dates:
- Application Opens: August 15, 2025
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2025 (12:00 noon Beijing time)
Yenching Scholars benefit from immersive academic and cultural experiences while studying at Peking University, one of China’s leading institutions. Scholars have the opportunity to explore China's history, culture, and global interactions through a wide range of interdisciplinary courses.
