Study in China - Apply now for The Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027.
If you are fascinated by China's expanding role on the global stage and wish to understand its politics, economy, history, and society from an interdisciplinary perspective, there is no better launchpad than the Yenching Academy of Peking University (PKU).
Located in Beijing, Peking University is widely recognized as one of Asia's most prestigious institutions. Each year, the Yenching Academy welcomes approximately 120 forward-thinking scholars from around the world to complete an intensive, fully funded Master’s in China Studies.
Covering tuition, on-campus accommodation, round-trip international flights, monthly stipends, and field study travel, the Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027 ensures that financial boundaries do not stand in the way of cross-cultural academic leadership.
At a Glance: Scholarship Summary
Here is a quick overview of what the Yenching Academy Scholarship package includes:
- Host Institution: Yenching Academy of Peking University (PKU)
- Location: Beijing, China
- Degree Level: Master’s Degree in China Studies (Interdisciplinary)
- Duration: 2 Years
- Cohort Size: Approximately 120 Scholars per year (~80% international)
- Academic Background: Open to bachelor’s degree holders in any discipline
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Financial Value: Fully Funded
- 100% Tuition Fees covered.
- Accommodation in Yenching Academy House on the PKU campus.
- Monthly Living Stipend for living expenses.
- Round-Trip Airfare between your home country and Beijing.
- Field Study & Research Funding for on-the-ground academic exploration across China.
- Basic Medical Insurance included.
- Application Deadline: November 30, 2026
Why Choose Yenching Academy?
Yenching Academy is designed to bridge the gap between China and the rest of the world through rigorous dialogue and experiential learning:
- Diverse Global Cohort: Approximately 80% of scholars are international, with balanced representation from Europe (30–35%), North America (25–30%), and the rest of the world (30–35%), learning alongside top Chinese scholars.
- Prestigious PhD Pathways: About 30% of Yenching alumni continue their academic journey into PhD programs at world-leading universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Yale, Chicago, Georgetown, Duke, and Peking University.
- High-Impact Career Placement: Alumni work globally at multilateral organizations (UNESCO, UNDP, European Commission), diplomatic embassies, leading financial institutions, and global tech innovators like Google, Huawei, and Xiaomi.
- Open to All Academic Disciplines: Whether your background is in STEM, business, literature, or law, the program welcomes interdisciplinary perspectives.
Degree Concentrations & Research Areas
Scholars graduate with a Master’s degree in China Studies from Peking University, specializing in one of six core research concentrations:
- Politics and International Relations (Master of Laws)
- Law and Society (Master of Laws)
- Economics and Management (Master of Economics)
- History and Archaeology (Master of History)
- Philosophy and Religion (Master of Philosophy)
- Literature and Culture (Master of Literature)
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the 2027 cohort, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Standing: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline, or be on track to graduate no later than August 31, 2027.
- Academic Track Record: Outstanding academic performance and intellectual curiosity.
- Interdisciplinary Drive: A demonstrated interest in China Studies, coupled with an ability to connect local Chinese developments to global challenges.
- Leadership & Character: Demonstrated engagement in extracurricular activities, social responsibility, and leadership potential.
- Age Guidance: While there is no strict official age limit, admitted candidates are generally under the age of 28.
English Language Requirements
Instruction at Yenching Academy is conducted in English. Non-native English speakers must submit valid scores from tests taken after September 1, 2024:
- IELTS (Academic): Overall 7.0
- TOEFL (iBT): Overall 100
- Cambridge English Scale (Advanced): Overall 185
- CET 6 (Mainland): Overall 600
- TEM 4 (Mainland): Pass level of “良好” (Good) or above
Exemption: International applicants who are native English speakers or who earned a degree from an institution where English was the sole language of instruction are exempt from submitting standardized language scores.
Required Application Documents
All materials must be submitted through the Yenching online portal:
- Completed Online Application Form
- Personal Statement: Maximum 750 words outlining your story, motivations, and goals.
- Statement of Research Interest: Maximum 1,500 words (excluding citations) outlining your proposed academic project in your chosen concentration.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV / Resume)
- Official University Transcripts
- Degree Diploma or Official Enrollment Certificate
- Two Academic Letters of Recommendation (submitted directly by your professors)
- Proof of English Language Proficiency (if applicable)
Step-by-Step Application Roadmap
Step 1: Check Partner University Status
If your current or alma mater university is an official Yenching Partner University, check with your campus scholarship/international office first. Partner universities typically run an internal pre-selection process to nominate candidates.
Step 2: Prepare Your Research Statement
Yenching places significant weight on your Statement of Research Interest (1,500 words). Craft a focused, feasible research question connected to one of the six China Studies tracks.
Step 3: Complete the Yenching Online Application
Create an account on the Yenching Academy admissions portal, input your personal details, and upload your essays, CV, and transcripts before November 30, 2026.
Step 4: Supplemental Regional Steps (If Applicable)
- Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan (HMT) Candidates: Must complete the Yenching application portal and an additional supplementary application through the Peking University Graduate Admissions website.
- Mainland Chinese Candidates: Follow the specialized national postgraduate exemption admission pipeline.
Step 5: Interviews & Final Notification
Shortlisted international candidates will be invited to participate in virtual interviews with faculty members in early 2027, with final cohort decisions announced shortly thereafter.