Yenching Academy 2026 Master’s Fellowship at Peking University
- Omran Aburayya
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Are you a driven young professional passionate about understanding China and ready to engage with a global network of changemakers? Applications are now open for the Yenching Academy of Peking University 2026 Master’s Fellowship — a fully-funded, two-year interdisciplinary Master’s programme in China Studies, based at Peking University (Beijing) that brings together approximately 120 students from around the world to live, learn and lead. Here's everything you need to know
🎓 Fellowship Summary
Location: Beijing, China (Haidian District campus of Peking University)
Host institution: Yenching Academy of Peking University
Study level: Master’s Degree Fellowship (Interdisciplinary China Studies)
Target group: Applicants from all nationalities (international and Chinese-mainland) holding or on track to complete a Bachelor’s degree.
Fields of study or focus: The programme offers six research areas: Economics & Management; History & Archaeology; Law & Society; Literature & Culture; Philosophy & Religion; Politics & International Relations.
Value and coverage: Fully funded fellowship covering — tuition, accommodation (on-campus), monthly stipend, one round-trip airfare, field study costs; sometimes health insurance and travel allowance.
Duration: Two years (1st year: coursework and core requirements; 2nd year: thesis/research)
Application deadline: December 2025 (noon Beijing time) for international candidates.
📚 Fellowship Overview
The Yenching Academy programme is designed to cultivate global leaders with nuanced understanding of China through interdisciplinary learning, research, and intercultural experience.
Curriculum & Structure:
During the first academic year, all scholars live on‐campus and complete required core courses such as “China in Transition”, Chinese Language, Field Study, the Topics in China Studies Lecture Series and Academic Writing.
Scholars choose one of six research areas (listed above) and then customise their study path with electives offered by the Yenching Academy and other departments at Peking University.
In the second year, students focus on thesis research and defence under faculty mentorship.
The programme emphasises: interdisciplinary approaches, Chinese/English learning, field study in China, seminars, guest lectures, and a vibrant multicultural cohort.
💲 Benefits
Full tuition and living support: The fellowship covers tuition fees, on-campus accommodation in the Yenching Academy House (or stipend support), a monthly living stipend, travel allowance for one round trip from home country to Beijing, and field study research cost.
Academic and professional enrichment: You will study within one of China’s top universities, engage with global peers, access China-focused faculty and research, and benefit from the multicultural environment of Yenching.
Research and leadership development: The programme prepares you for future leadership roles, PhD opportunities, or global careers by combining rigorous academic study, real-life field study, and community engagement.
Network and cultural immersion: Studying in Beijing, you live and learn alongside students from many countries (international students make up approximately 75-80% of the cohort).
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria (at minimum):
Hold a Bachelor’s degree (or be in their final year and on track to graduate no later than August 31, 2026).
Have an outstanding academic record.
Demonstrate strong interest in the interdisciplinary study of China (past, present and future).
Show evidence of extracurricular engagement, community service or leadership potential.
Provide evidence of English proficiency (tests such as IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 100, Cambridge scale 185) unless exempt.
Not be enrolled in a different degree programme while pursuing the Yenching Master’s at Peking University.
📝 Application Procedure
Complete the online application on the Yenching Academy admissions portal (in English).
Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria and prepare your materials ahead of the deadline (expected early December for international applicants).
🗂️ Required documents
A completed online application form.
Personal statement (maximum ~750 words, in English) detailing your motivations and how you will make the most of the programme.
Statement of Research Interest (maximum ~1,500 words, excluding citations) defining your proposed research question, academic context and design.
Curriculum Vitae / Resume.
Official transcripts from all tertiary institutions you attended.
Diploma(s) or Certificate(s) of Enrollment for degrees in progress.
Two letters of recommendation from full professors or associate professors (or equivalent).
Proof of English proficiency (if applicable) — IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge test scores as required; some exemptions apply if you are a native English speaker or hold an English-taught degree.
👌🏻Tips for Applicants
Begin preparing early: draft your personal statement and research interest well in advance, select recommenders (full or associate professors) and plan any necessary English tests.
Choose a research theme or question that links your background with the interdisciplinary China Studies context — this can help your application stand out.
Show evidence of community engagement or leadership, even informal: your extracurricular, volunteer or analytic project experience counts.
Demonstrate your genuine interest in China — reflect on how the interdisciplinary programme will expand your perspective and what you plan to do with the experience.
Ensure your English proficiency is current and valid (check testing rules, e.g., Yenching doesn’t accept certain home editions or “MyBest” scores).
Make sure you are not enrolled in another full degree programme during the Yenching Master’s.
Plan your timeline: applications deadline early December 2025 (Beijing time). Confirm final dates on the official website.
Tailor your research interest statement: while you need not commit to a final thesis topic, it should showcase your ability to frame a real research question and reflect on your academic and professional background.