Applications are now open for the Yenching Academy Scholarship at Peking University, a fully-funded Master’s program in China Studies. This interdisciplinary program explores China’s past, present, and future from both Chinese and global perspectives, welcoming English speakers with varying levels of Chinese proficiency. Designed for students passionate about understanding China’s role in the world, it enrolls approximately 120 scholars annually, with 75% being international.
The scholarship is fully funded, covering tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, one round-trip travel fare, medical insurance, and field study costs. Eligible applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree (or graduate by August 31, 2026), demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and interest in China Studies. There is no application fee, and applications are submitted through the Yenching Academy’s online portal. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.
Key Details
- Program: Master’s in China Studies (2 years)
- Fields of Study: Economics and Management, History and Archaeology, Philosophy and Religion, Politics and International Relations, Law and Society, Literature and Culture
- Funding: Fully funded (tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, one round-trip travel fare, medical insurance, field study costs)
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
- Application Fee: None
- Student Intake: ~120 annually (75% international)
Interested in More Positions? Follow links below
Program Overview
The Yenching Academy Master’s in China Studies is a two-year program that blends Eastern and Western perspectives to explore Chinese society, culture, and global influence. Scholars can customize their studies by choosing from six research areas:
- Economics and Management
- History and Archaeology
- Philosophy and Religion
- Politics and International Relations
- Law and Society
- Literature and Culture
Also Check: OIST Visiting Scholars Program 2026
Scholarship Benefits
The Yenching Fellowship covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation in a shared two-bedroom suite at Shaoyuan 6 dormitory
- Monthly stipend
- One round-trip travel fare (from your home city to Beijing)
- Basic medical insurance
- Field study expenses
Scholars maintaining good academic standing can apply for a second-year fellowship, covering tuition, accommodation (on-campus or off-campus stipend), and a monthly stipend. Additional funding is available for second-year students serving in student assistantship roles.
Also check: NTU Global Connect Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, you must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Background: Hold a Bachelor’s degree in any field (or be on track to graduate by August 31, 2026).
- Academic Excellence: Demonstrate an outstanding academic record.
- Interest in China: Show a strong interest in interdisciplinary China Studies.
- Leadership and Engagement: Provide evidence of extracurricular achievements, community involvement, social responsibility, or leadership potential.
- English Proficiency: Meet one of the following (unless exempt):
- IELTS (Academic): 7.0
- TOEFL (iBT): 100
- Cambridge English Scale (Advanced): 185
- CET 6: 600
- TEM 4: Pass level of “良好” or above
- Exemptions: Native English speakers or those with an English-taught degree (undergraduate or above) are exempt. Applicants from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan must submit an English proficiency test unless they take English as a Second Language at Peking University.
- Note: You cannot be enrolled in another degree program while studying at Peking University.
Application Process
Applications are submitted through the Yenching Academy’s online portal. Create an account and prepare the following materials in English:
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Required Documents
- Completed online application form
- Personal statement (750 words or less)
- Statement of Research Interest (1,500 words or less, excluding citations)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Official transcript(s)
- Diploma(s) or Certificate(s) of Enrollment
- Two academic letters of recommendation (from full or associate professors)
Check This: Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship
English Proficiency Submission
- Scores must be sent directly to Yenching Academy from the testing organization.
- For TOEFL, use institution code: C488.
- Tests must be taken after September 1, 2024. TOEFL MyBest Scores, iBT Home Edition, IELTS Indicator, IELTS Online, or One Skill Retake are not accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants need a Bachelor’s degree (or be graduating by August 31, 2026), strong academics, interest in China Studies, and leadership potential. Those with a previous Master’s degree are eligible, but Mainland Chinese applicants must be current undergraduates at a Mainland Chinese university.
Is there an age limit?
There’s no strict age limit, but most admitted students are around 23 years old, and generally, no one over 28 is admitted.
Check also: Erasmus Mundus MAPP Scholarship
Can I apply if my major wasn’t China Studies?
Yes, the program welcomes diverse academic backgrounds as long as you demonstrate a strong interest in China Studies and articulate a relevant study plan.
