Yenching Academy of Peking University Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Master’s Fellowship in China for International Students

The Yenching Academy of Peking University Scholarship 2027 offers an exceptional opportunity for outstanding students from China and around the world to pursue an interdisciplinary graduate education focused on China at Peking University in Beijing, China.

Through the Yenching Academy, approximately 120 new students are enrolled annually, bringing together students from the Chinese Mainland and international students to study, live and learn in a highly diverse academic environment. International students make up approximately 75% of the student body, creating an environment in which scholars from different countries and academic backgrounds can engage with one another and develop a deeper understanding of China.

The programme is designed for academically outstanding students who have a strong interest in the interdisciplinary study of China and who can demonstrate extracurricular achievements, community engagement, social responsibility and leadership potential.

One of the most attractive aspects of the Yenching Academy opportunity is its generous fellowship package. Selected Yenching Scholars receive support covering tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly stipend, one round-trip travel fare and field study costs.

For the 2027 cohort, applications from international candidates and candidates from China’s Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions open on September 1, 2026, with the application deadline set for November 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Beijing time.

About the Yenching Academy of Peking University

The Yenching Academy is a graduate-level academic programme at Peking University, one of China’s leading universities.

The Academy brings together students from China and other parts of the world with the aim of encouraging interdisciplinary learning and deeper engagement with China.

Rather than restricting students to a single narrow academic discipline, the programme emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of China. This allows scholars with different academic backgrounds and interests to explore China from multiple perspectives.

The Academy’s international composition is also an important part of the programme. Approximately 120 new students are admitted each year, with international students accounting for roughly 75 percent of the student body.

This creates opportunities for students to develop international networks while studying alongside peers from different countries, academic disciplines and cultural backgrounds.

What Is the Yenching Academy Scholarship?

The Yenching Academy provides a generous fellowship to all scholars admitted to the programme.

The fellowship is intended to provide comprehensive financial support for selected students during their studies.

The fellowship includes:

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

This combination of financial benefits makes the Yenching Academy particularly attractive to students seeking an internationally oriented graduate education in China with substantial financial support.

Yenching Academy 2027 Application Timeline

Applications for the 2027 cohort from international candidates and candidates from China’s Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions open on:

September 1, 2026

The application deadline is:

November 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Beijing time

Applicants should pay close attention to the time zone because the deadline is specified according to Beijing time, rather than the applicant’s local time.

Students should also begin preparing their application materials well before the deadline because the application requires several documents, including academic records, recommendation letters, a personal statement, a research-interest statement and proof of English proficiency where applicable.

Who Can Apply for the Yenching Academy?

The Yenching Academy welcomes applications from both Chinese Mainland candidates and students from abroad, although the application procedures differ depending on the applicant’s location and status.

The Academy generally expects applicants to demonstrate strong academic performance, intellectual curiosity, interest in China and evidence of leadership and community engagement.

Applicants should meet the following core qualifications.

1. Bachelor’s Degree or Current Bachelor’s Student

Applicants must either:

• Hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in any field; or
• Be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s programme and expect to receive their diploma by August of the intended enrollment year.

This means that students who have not yet completed their undergraduate education may still be eligible if they are expected to graduate by the specified date.

The Academy does not restrict the Bachelor’s degree to a particular discipline. Applicants from different academic backgrounds can therefore be considered as long as they satisfy the other requirements.

2. Outstanding Academic Record

Applicants are expected to have an outstanding academic record.

Academic excellence is an important part of the Yenching Academy selection process because the programme is designed for high-achieving students capable of engaging with rigorous graduate-level interdisciplinary study.

Applicants should therefore ensure that their transcripts accurately demonstrate their academic strengths.

3. Strong Interest in the Interdisciplinary Study of China

A key requirement is a strong interest in interdisciplinary study of China.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate why they want to study China and how their academic, professional, research or personal interests connect with the interdisciplinary focus of the Academy.

A generic interest in studying abroad may not adequately demonstrate this requirement. Applicants should instead develop a clear explanation of the questions, issues or areas concerning China that they want to explore.

4. Extracurricular Achievement and Community Engagement

The Academy also looks for applicants with a record of:

• Extracurricular achievement
• Community engagement
• Social responsibility
• Leadership potential

This means that academic performance is not the only consideration.

Applicants should demonstrate how they have contributed beyond the classroom, whether through community initiatives, student organizations, volunteering, professional activities, social-impact projects, leadership roles or other meaningful engagements.

The strongest applications should show evidence of initiative and a willingness to contribute to communities beyond one’s immediate academic environment.

5. English Proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency unless they fall within an exemption category specified by the Academy.

The required minimum scores include:

• 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

Applicants should carefully determine which English-language qualification applies to them and ensure that their test results meet the minimum requirement.

English Language Test Exemptions

Not every applicant is required to submit an English proficiency test report.

International applicants whose native language is English do not need to provide an English proficiency test report.

Applicants who have graduated from an English-taught degree programme at undergraduate level or above are also exempt from providing an English proficiency test report.

However, there is an important exception for applicants from China’s Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions.

Applicants from these regions must provide an English proficiency test report even if they have attended or graduated from an English-taught degree programme.

Without an English proficiency test report, such candidates will need to take English as a Second Language after enrolling at Peking University.

For applicants from the Chinese Mainland, an English proficiency test report is a compulsory application material.

Validity Period for English Tests

The Yenching Academy specifies that English proficiency tests must have been taken after September 1, 2025.

Applicants should therefore check the date of their examination before submitting their application.

The Academy also specifies that certain alternative or modified test formats are not accepted.

The following are not accepted:

• TOEFL MyBest Scores
• TOEFL iBT Home Edition
• IELTS Indicator
• IELTS Online
• IELTS One Skill Retake

Applicants should make sure that their English test meets the Academy’s accepted format and validity requirements.

How English Test Scores Must Be Submitted

For IELTS, TOEFL and Cambridge English tests, applicants cannot simply rely on uploading a copy of their score report where the Academy requires scores to be sent directly.

The Academy states that these scores must be sent directly by the relevant testing organizations.

When registering for the examination, applicants should select Yenching Academy of Peking University as the designated recipient of their scores.

For TOEFL applicants, the institution code is:

C488

Applicants should arrange this early enough to ensure that their scores reach the Academy before the application deadline.

Application Materials

Applicants are required to submit several materials through the Yenching Academy’s online application portal.

The application must be completed in English.

Required materials include:

1. Completed online application form
2. Personal statement of no more than 750 words
3. Statement of Research Interest of no more than 1,500 words, excluding citations
4. Curriculum Vitae
5. Official transcript or transcripts
6. Diploma or Certificate of Enrollment
7. Two academic letters of recommendation
8. Required English proficiency evidence, where applicable

Each component serves a different purpose in demonstrating the applicant’s academic preparation, research interests, leadership potential and suitability for the programme.

Personal Statement

The personal statement must be 750 words or less.

This is an opportunity for applicants to present their background and explain why they are suitable candidates for the Yenching Academy.

Rather than simply repeating information already available in the CV, applicants should use the statement to provide context around their academic journey, interests, achievements and motivation.

A strong personal statement should help admissions reviewers understand the applicant as a person and explain why the Yenching Academy is an appropriate next step.

Statement of Research Interest

Applicants must also submit a Statement of Research Interest of no more than 1,500 words, excluding citations.

This is particularly important because the Yenching Academy emphasizes interdisciplinary study of China.

Applicants should use the statement to explain the research questions or areas they are interested in exploring and demonstrate their intellectual engagement with issues concerning China.

The statement should be focused, coherent and academically grounded.

Applicants should avoid treating the statement as a generic essay about why they want to study in China. Instead, they should clearly communicate their research interests and explain the issues they would like to investigate.

Curriculum Vitae

Applicants must submit a Curriculum Vitae.

The CV should provide a clear overview of the applicant’s:

• Academic background
• Research experience
• Professional experience, where applicable
• Leadership activities
• Extracurricular achievements
• Community engagement
• Relevant projects
• Awards and accomplishments

Because the Academy specifically values extracurricular achievement, social responsibility and leadership potential, applicants should ensure that their CV captures relevant activities beyond academic qualifications.

Academic Transcripts

Applicants must provide official transcript(s).

The transcripts allow the Academy to assess the applicant’s academic record and verify educational performance.

Applicants should ensure that their academic documents are official and complete and that any required translation or certification requirements are satisfied where applicable.

Diploma or Certificate of Enrollment

Applicants must also submit the appropriate educational-status documentation.

This may be:

• A diploma demonstrating completion of a Bachelor’s degree; or
• A Certificate of Enrollment for applicants who are still completing their Bachelor’s programme.

Students who are currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s programme must expect to receive their diploma by August of the intended enrollment year.

Academic Recommendation Letters

Applicants must provide two academic letters of recommendation.

The recommendation letters may be written in:

• Chinese; or
• English.

However, the Academy imposes specific requirements concerning who may write these letters.

Peking University will only accept recommendation letters written by:

• Full professors; or
• Associate professors; or
• Individuals holding equivalent academic titles.

In addition, the recommendation letters must be submitted by professors in the applicant’s intended field of study.

Applicants should therefore select their referees carefully.

A recommendation from an individual who does not meet the specified academic rank or who is not connected to the applicant’s intended field may not satisfy the Academy’s requirements.

International Student Eligibility

For the 2027 cohort, international applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport.

This is an important nationality requirement for candidates applying through the international admissions route.

Former citizens of the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan who have emigrated to another country and are applying to Peking University as international students have additional documentation requirements.

They must provide:

• Valid passport or citizenship documents dating from before April 30, 2021; and
• Proof of cancellation of Chinese nationality.

Applicants with complicated nationality or citizenship histories should carefully consult Peking University’s international student admissions information before submitting an application.

Applicants from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan

Candidates from China’s Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions have a separate application process.

Applications for the 2027 Yenching Scholars cohort open on:

September 1, 2026

The deadline is:

November 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Beijing time

Candidates from these regions must apply through the Yenching Academy application portal and also complete a supplementary application through the Peking University Graduate Admissions website.

Additional information is provided through Peking University’s admissions resources.

Applicants from the Chinese Mainland

The application process for candidates from the Chinese Mainland is handled through the relevant Peking University graduate admissions system.

The Academy directs Mainland Chinese candidates to the Graduate School of Peking University for additional information about the application process.

Applicants from the Chinese Mainland should therefore carefully follow the specific admissions instructions applicable to their applicant category rather than assuming that the international application procedure applies to them.

Learn More HERE

Partner University Applicants

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

This is a particularly important requirement for candidates associated with partner institutions.

Applicants should therefore determine whether their university is included among the Academy’s partner universities and, if it is, find out whether their university has an internal nomination or pre-selection process.

Waiting until the Yenching Academy application deadline may be too late if the applicant’s university has an earlier internal deadline.

Application Portal

Candidates can submit their applications through the Yenching Academy’s online application portal.

Applicants are required to create an account before accessing additional application information and submitting their materials.

The application portal is also where applicants can find further instructions concerning the admissions process.

Applicants should make sure that all information entered into the portal is accurate and consistent with the supporting documents they submit.

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Important Rule Regarding Other Degree Programmes

Peking University does not allow students to be enrolled in another degree programme while studying at the university.

Applicants who are currently enrolled in another degree programme should therefore consider this rule when planning their studies.

They should review their existing academic commitments and ensure that they understand Peking University’s requirements before accepting an offer.

Fellowship Benefits

The Yenching Academy provides a comprehensive fellowship package to all scholars.

The fellowship includes five major forms of support.

Tuition Fees

Selected scholars receive coverage of tuition fees.

This removes one of the major financial costs associated with pursuing graduate education.

Accommodation

The fellowship also provides accommodation.

This is particularly valuable for international students relocating to Beijing because housing can represent a significant component of the overall cost of studying abroad.

Monthly Stipend

Scholars receive a monthly stipend.

The supplied programme information does not specify the exact amount of the monthly stipend, so applicants should consult the admissions portal or official programme information for the current figure.

One Round-Trip Travel Fare

The fellowship includes one round-trip travel fare.

This provides travel support for the scholar and can help reduce the cost associated with travelling to and from Beijing.

Field Study Costs

The fellowship also covers field study costs.

This component is particularly relevant to the Academy’s interdisciplinary approach, as field-based academic experiences can provide scholars with opportunities to deepen their understanding of China beyond classroom-based study.

Why Study at Yenching Academy?

The Yenching Academy offers more than financial support.

Its structure is particularly suited to students who want to develop a deeper understanding of China through interdisciplinary academic inquiry.

Several characteristics make the programme distinctive.

Interdisciplinary Academic Environment

Students can explore China through different academic perspectives rather than being limited to a single disciplinary framework.

This can be particularly beneficial for students interested in complex issues that cross traditional academic boundaries.

International Community

With international students making up approximately 75 percent of the student body, the Academy provides a highly international learning environment.

Students can interact with peers from different countries and backgrounds while developing a deeper understanding of China.

Leadership Development

The Academy looks for applicants with leadership potential, community engagement and social responsibility.

This creates an environment where academic development can be combined with broader leadership and social-impact interests.

Research Opportunities

The requirement for a Statement of Research Interest highlights the programme’s emphasis on intellectual inquiry.

Students with clearly developed research interests can use the programme to investigate questions relating to China from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Field Study

The fellowship’s inclusion of field study costs provides scholars with financial support for field-based academic activities.

Such experiences can complement classroom learning and help scholars connect academic concepts with real-world contexts.

How to Prepare a Competitive Application

Because the Yenching Academy attracts high-achieving candidates, applicants should begin preparing well before the deadline.

Start With Eligibility

First, confirm that you meet the fundamental requirements.

Check:

• Your Bachelor’s degree status
• Your expected graduation date if you are still an undergraduate
• Your academic record
• Your interest in interdisciplinary study of China
• Your extracurricular and leadership experience
• Your English proficiency
• Your nationality and applicant category

Develop a Clear Research Interest

The Statement of Research Interest is one of the most important components of the application.

Applicants should spend sufficient time identifying a focused area of inquiry.

Rather than selecting an extremely broad topic, consider a specific question or problem related to China that can be examined through an interdisciplinary perspective.

Choose Recommendation Writers Early

Because recommendation letters must come from full professors, associate professors or equivalent academic titles and should be from professors in the intended field of study, applicants should approach potential referees early.

This is especially important because academic referees may have multiple commitments and may require considerable time to prepare a thoughtful recommendation.

Prepare English Test Scores Early

Applicants who require an English proficiency test should avoid waiting until immediately before the deadline.

The Academy requires eligible English tests to have been taken after September 1, 2025 and does not accept several alternative test formats.

Applicants should also allow sufficient time for scores to be sent directly from the testing organization to Yenching Academy.

Review Every Document

Before submitting the application, applicants should ensure that:

• Names are consistent across documents.
• Academic dates are accurate.
• Transcripts are official.
• Recommendation letters meet the academic-rank requirements.
• The personal statement does not exceed 750 words.
• The Statement of Research Interest does not exceed 1,500 words excluding citations.
• The CV is complete and professionally presented.
• English test scores meet the required minimum where applicable.
• Required documents have been submitted in the correct format.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the 2027 Yenching Scholars cohort for international candidates and candidates from China’s Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions is:

November 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Beijing time.

Applications open on September 1, 2026.

Applicants should not wait until the final day to submit their applications because the process involves multiple supporting documents and, for some candidates, university-level pre-selection procedures.

Important Application Considerations

Applicants should keep several requirements in mind when preparing their applications.

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

Second, applicants who need English proficiency tests must ensure that their test was taken after September 1, 2025 and that the examination format is accepted.

Third, international candidates must satisfy the nationality requirements for international admission.

Finally, applicants should carefully follow any additional instructions displayed in the admissions portal after creating an account.

Key Facts About the Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027

Feature	Details
Programme	Yenching Academy of Peking University
Cohort	2027
University	Peking University
Location	Beijing, China
New students annually	Approximately 120
International student proportion	Approximately 75%
Minimum education	Bachelor’s degree or current Bachelor’s student
Bachelor’s field	Any field
Academic requirement	Outstanding academic record
Academic interest	Strong interest in interdisciplinary study of China
Leadership	Leadership potential expected
Community engagement	Required as part of the desired applicant profile
Social responsibility	Expected
English	Required unless an exemption applies
IELTS	Overall 7.0
TOEFL iBT	Overall 100
Cambridge English Scale	Overall 185
CET 6	600
TEM 4	Pass level of “良好” or above
Personal statement	Maximum 750 words
Research Interest statement	Maximum 1,500 words excluding citations
Recommendation letters	Two academic letters
Recommendation writers	Full professors, associate professors or equivalent
Fellowship	Tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, one round-trip travel fare and field study costs
International applicant requirement	Non-Chinese citizen with valid passport
Application opens	September 1, 2026
Application deadline	November 30, 2026, 9:00 a.m. Beijing time
Expected Bachelor’s completion for current students	August of intended enrollment year

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Yenching Academy Scholarship?

The Yenching Academy provides a generous fellowship to students admitted to its interdisciplinary graduate programme at Peking University. The fellowship includes tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly stipend, one round-trip travel fare and field study costs.

Is the Yenching Academy programme open to international students?

Yes. International students make up approximately 75 percent of the Yenching Academy student body. For the international admissions route, applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport.

What degree do I need to apply?

Applicants need at least a Bachelor’s degree in any field or must currently be enrolled in a Bachelor’s programme and expect to receive their diploma by August of the intended enrollment year.

Can students from any Bachelor’s field apply?

Yes. The Academy states that applicants may hold a Bachelor’s degree in any field.

Do I need to demonstrate leadership experience?

The Academy seeks applicants with a record of extracurricular achievement, community engagement, social responsibility and leadership potential. Applicants should therefore demonstrate meaningful involvement and evidence of initiative.

What is the English requirement?

Accepted minimum scores include IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 100, Cambridge English Scale 185, CET 6 600 or TEM 4 at the required “良好” or above level.

Are English tests required for everyone?

No. International applicants whose native language is English or who have graduated from an English-taught degree programme at undergraduate level or above do not need to provide an English proficiency test report. However, applicants from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan must provide one even if their degree was taught in English.

How many recommendation letters are required?

Two academic recommendation letters are required.

Who can write the recommendation letters?

Letters must be written by full professors, associate professors or individuals with equivalent academic titles, and they must come from professors in the applicant’s intended field of study.

How much is the monthly stipend?

The supplied programme information confirms that a monthly stipend is provided but does not specify the amount. Applicants should check the admissions portal for the current stipend amount.

Does the fellowship cover tuition?

Yes. Tuition fees are included in the fellowship.

Does the fellowship cover accommodation?

Yes. Accommodation is included.

Does the fellowship include travel support?

Yes. The fellowship includes one round-trip travel fare.

Does it cover field study?

Yes. Field study costs are included in the fellowship.

When does the 2027 application open?

Applications for international candidates and candidates from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan open on September 1, 2026.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline is November 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Beijing time.

Can students from Partner Universities apply directly?

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

Can international students who were previously Chinese citizens apply?

Potentially, but additional documentation requirements apply. Former citizens of the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan who have emigrated to other countries must provide qualifying passport or citizenship documents dating from before April 30, 2021, together with proof of cancellation of Chinese nationality.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Yenching Academy of Peking University Scholarship 2027.

Conclusion

The Yenching Academy of Peking University Scholarship 2027 is a highly attractive opportunity for academically outstanding students who want to pursue an interdisciplinary graduate education focused on China in an international academic environment.

The programme combines rigorous academic study with an internationally diverse student community and places considerable emphasis on intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, community engagement and social responsibility.

For successful scholars, the financial package is particularly significant. The Yenching Academy provides tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly stipend, one round-trip travel fare and field study costs, allowing selected students to undertake their studies with substantial financial support.

Applicants should nevertheless recognize that this is a competitive programme. A strong application should go beyond meeting the minimum eligibility requirements. Candidates should present an outstanding academic record, demonstrate meaningful extracurricular and community engagement, articulate a convincing interest in the interdisciplinary study of China and submit carefully prepared application materials.

For international candidates and candidates from China’s Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions, applications for the 2027 cohort open on September 1, 2026, and the application deadline is November 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Beijing time.

Prospective applicants should begin preparing their transcripts, CV, personal statement, research-interest statement, recommendation letters and English-language documentation well in advance. Candidates from Partner Universities should also investigate their institution’s internal pre-selection deadline because this process must be completed before submitting the Yenching Academy application.

Overall, the Yenching Academy provides an opportunity for talented students from diverse academic and geographic backgrounds to study at Peking University, deepen their understanding of China and develop an international network while receiving substantial fellowship support.

For the latest application instructions and to begin the application process, prospective candidates should consult the official Yenching Academy admissions portal.

Discover more global Scholarship opportunities on the OFY HERE.