PEKING UNIVERSITY — YENCHING ACADEMY
Yenching Academy of Peking University Scholarship
full · masters
- 100%Tuition waived
- ~RMB 3,000/mo (est.)Living stipend
- ~100–125 (est.)Scholars per cohort
- 1 yearProgramme length (extendable)
- 6 concentrationsResearch tracks
- Peking UniversityHost university (Beijing)
At a glance
full
Funding
from €5k
Max amount
Jan 12, 2027
Deadline
All countries
Country
Peking University — Yenching Academy
Provider
The Yenching Academy Scholarship funds the Master of China Studies at Peking University in Beijing, an interdisciplinary, English-taught programme that brings together a global cohort of Yenching Scholars. The award is fully funded: it waives tuition and provides accommodation, a monthly living stipend of about ~RMB 3,000 (est.), a travel allowance and funded study trips within China. Each cohort has roughly ~100–125 (est.) scholars drawn from China and around the world, with international students typically forming about 80% (est.) of the group. The one-year programme (with a possible extension to two years for some scholars) offers six research concentrations spanning economics, history, law, politics, literature and philosophy. Applicants normally hold a bachelor’s degree by the time they enrol, are usually under ~25, and show strong academics plus a genuine interest in understanding China. Exact stipend figures, the age guideline and deadlines change each cycle, so confirm them on the official page before you apply.
What's covered
- Tuition — Full waiver of tuition for the Master of China Studies.
- Accommodation — On- or near-campus housing provided for scholars.
- Living stipend — A monthly stipend of ~RMB 3,000 (est.) to cover day-to-day costs.
- Travel allowance — A round-trip international travel allowance for overseas scholars.
- Funded study trips — Academic field trips and cultural visits within China are organised and funded.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the Yenching Academy online system in the relevant round for your applicant pool.
- Prepare your materials — Assemble transcripts, references, a personal statement and a research interest aligned to a concentration.
- Complete the online application — Apply through the Yenching Academy admissions portal in your applicant round.
- Submit references — Arrange for recommenders to submit letters by the deadline.
- Interview if shortlisted — Shortlisted candidates are interviewed, usually online.
- Receive the admission and award — Selected scholars receive admission with the funded scholarship package together.
Eligibility
DegreeA bachelor’s degree completed before enrolment in the programme.
AgeUsually under ~25 for international applicants, with some flexibility (confirm the current guideline).
NationalityOpen to applicants of all nationalities, including mainland Chinese students.
LanguageProficiency in English, the language of instruction; Chinese is not required to apply.
FitA clear interest in China studies and evidence of leadership or academic promise.
Application rounds and deadlines differ for international versus mainland-Chinese applicants. Check the round that applies to you.
Eligible countries
All countries
Deadlines
Autumn enrolment~January 2026 (est.)
Selection
Scholars are chosen on academic strength, the quality and fit of their research interests, leadership potential and motivation to engage with China, assessed through the written application and an interview.
Verified sources
- Yenching Academy of Peking Universityyenchingacademy.pku.edu.cnofficial
- Yenching Academy — Admissionsyenchingacademy.pku.edu.cnapply
About the provider
The Yenching Academy is a residential graduate college at Peking University, one of China’s oldest universities, created to build understanding of China among a global community of scholars.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Is the Yenching Academy scholarship fully funded?
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Yes. It waives tuition and provides housing, a ~RMB 3,000/month (est.) stipend, a travel allowance and funded study trips.
What degree do scholars earn?
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A Master of China Studies from Peking University, taught in English across six concentrations.
How long is the programme?
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One year, with the possibility of extending to two years for some scholars.
Do I need to speak Chinese?
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No. The programme is taught in English and Chinese is not required to apply, though it can help.
Who can apply?
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Graduates of any nationality with a bachelor’s degree before enrolment, usually under ~25, with strong academics and an interest in China.
How many scholars are admitted?
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Around ~100–125 (est.) per cohort, with international students typically about 80% (est.).
What is the application deadline?
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For international applicants it is usually around ~January 2026 (est.). Confirm the date for your round.
Are there research concentrations?
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Yes — six, spanning economics, history, law, literature, philosophy and politics.
Is there an interview?
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Shortlisted candidates are interviewed, usually online.
Can mainland Chinese students apply?
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Yes, through a separate application round with its own timeline.
Is there an age limit?
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International applicants are usually expected to be under ~25, with some flexibility. Check the current guideline.
Where do I confirm current figures and deadlines?
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On the official Yenching Academy website linked in the sources, updated each cycle.