The Yenching Academy Scholarship 2026 at Peking University, Beijing, is a prestigious and fully funded opportunity for international and Chinese students aspiring to pursue a Master’s degree in China Studies. This scholarship program offers a unique interdisciplinary curriculum focusing on Chinese culture, politics, economics, law, and related social sciences. It is designed to prepare a new generation of global leaders with deep knowledge and understanding of China in the 21st century. Every year, about 120 scholars are selected worldwide for this competitive program.
Basic Information About the Scholarship
- Host University: Yenching Academy, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Degree Level: Master’s Degree in China Studies
- Program Duration: 2 years
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2025 (12:00 noon Beijing Time)
- Start of Application Period: September 10, 2025
The Yenching Academy selects approximately 120 new students annually, comprising about 80% international scholars and 20% Chinese mainland students.
University and Institution Details
The Yenching Academy is an elite interdisciplinary graduate college at Peking University, one of China’s most prestigious and oldest universities located in Beijing. The Academy offers a vibrant academic environment with access to comprehensive research resources, a rich cultural context, and a multicultural cohort of scholars from across the globe.
Study Areas and Available Programs
Students admitted to the Yenching Academy can specialize in one of six research fields within the Master’s program:
- Economics and Management
- History and Archaeology
- Philosophy and Religion
- Politics and International Relations
- Law and Society
- Literature and Culture
The program emphasizes interdisciplinarity and allows students to explore China through multiple academic lenses. All courses are offered in English, and Chinese language study is compulsory for international students.
Yenching Academy Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition coverage for the two-year Master’s program
- Accommodation in the Yenching Academy residential college with shared suites
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses
- One round-trip airfare between scholars’ home countries and Beijing
- Basic medical insurance coverage
- Funding for research-related field study costs
- Career advising, internship opportunities, and access to cultural excursions and networking events
Benefits Not Included
While the scholarship covers most essential costs, the scholar must budget for personal expenses outside of the monthly stipend and covered benefits—such as additional travel, personal entertainment, or family visits.
Eligibility Criteria for the Yenching Academy Scholarship
To apply for the Yenching Academy Scholarship 2026, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree (any field) or on track to graduate by Aug 31, 2026.
- Strong academics, interest in China studies, leadership, and community engagement.
- Scholars cannot enroll in another degree program while studying at PKU.
- Demonstrate an excellent academic record
- Exhibit leadership potential, social responsibility, and community engagement
- Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English (they must send official English test scores directly to the Academy).
- Be willing and able to live in Beijing throughout the duration of the program
- The Academy does not require prior knowledge of Chinese, but it requires students to take the Chinese language courses offered.
English Test Requirements
- IELTS Academic: 7.0
- TOEFL iBT: 100 (institution code: C488)
- Cambridge English (Advanced): 185
- CET 6: 600
- TEM 4: Pass “良好” or above
- Must be taken after Sept 1, 2024.
- Some online/at-home versions not accepted.
- Scores must be sent directly from testing organizations.
There is no strict age limit; however, the average age of admitted students is around 23 to 25 years.
Required Documents for the Application
Applicants must submit the following documents through the Yenching Academy online application portal:
- Completed online application form
- Personal statement (up to 750 words)
- Statement of Research Interest (up to 1500 words, excluding citations)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Official academic transcript(s)
- Bachelor’s degree diploma or certificate of current enrollment
- Two academic recommendation letters from full or associate professors (or equivalent titles) in the applicant’s intended field of study
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent) sent directly from the testing agency to Yenching Academy
Yenching Academy Scholarship Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
- Create an Account: Register on the official Yenching Academy admissions portal.
- Prepare Documents: Collect all required documents including CV, personal statement, research proposal, transcripts, and recommendation letters.
- Submit Application: Complete the online application form and upload all required documents before December 1, 2025.
- Recommendation Letters: Ensure professors submit letters directly to Yenching Academy by the deadline.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview, typically occurring between December and March.
- Final Decision: Scholarship offers will be announced by April 2026.
- Acceptance and Enrollment: Successful candidates confirm scholarship acceptance and prepare for enrollment at Peking University.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start early and carefully follow all application instructions.
- Write a compelling personal statement that highlights your leadership potential and interdisciplinary interests in China.
- Craft a well-researched and focused statement of research interest that aligns with the Academy’s academic disciplines.
- Choose recommenders who know your academic abilities well and can write strong letters addressing your suitability.
- Demonstrate commitment to living and studying in Beijing for the full program duration.
- Highlight any previous cross-cultural experiences or extracurricular activities.
- Ensure your English proficiency scores are sent directly to Yenching Academy before the deadline.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)
The Yenching Academy provides a monthly stipend sufficient to cover the average living expenses in Beijing, approximately:
- Food: $150 – $250
- Accommodation (covered by scholarship): $0
- Local Transportation: $30 – $50
- Personal expenses (phone, entertainment): $50 – $100
- Miscellaneous expenses: $50
The total monthly living expense is generally around $300 to $450 USD, which the stipend aims to cover comfortably.
Why Choose This Scholarship? (Top 5 Reasons)
- Fully Funded Elite Program: Covers tuition, accommodation, stipend, medical insurance, and travel costs.
- World-Class University: Study at Peking University, ranked among the best universities globally.
- Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Unique China Studies program spanning humanities, social sciences, politics, law, and economics.
- International Cohort: Opportunity to network with global peers from diverse backgrounds, broadening intercultural understanding.
- Career Advancement: Access to internships, mentoring, and a global alumni network that opens doors to careers in academia, government, and international organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can applicants from all countries apply?
A: Yes, the scholarship is open to both international students and those from mainland China.
Q: Is knowledge of the Chinese language required?
A: No prior knowledge is required, but international students must take Chinese language courses during the program.
Q: What if I am still completing my Bachelor’s degree?
A: Students expected to graduate by August 31, 2026, are eligible to apply.
Q: Are there any age limits?
A: There is no official age limit, but most admitted students are in their early to mid-20s.
Q: How competitive is the scholarship?
A: It is highly competitive, with about 120 students selected annually from applicants worldwide.
Q: Can I work while studying at Yenching Academy?
A: The program requires scholars to focus full-time on their studies and research; work outside is generally not permitted.
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The Yenching Academy Scholarship 2026 offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study at a top Chinese university with full financial support while gaining an unparalleled interdisciplinary perspective on China’s role in the world.