Yenching Academy Scholarship 2026 for international students

If you are a student with a passion for China, interdisciplinary studies, and global leadership, the Yenching Academy Scholarship at Peking University has just opened its 2026 cohort application. This fully funded master’s‐level program offers a unique opportunity to study and live in Beijing, engage with outstanding peers from around the world, and gain a deep understanding of China from multiple perspectives.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: Beijing, China

• Host Institution: Yenching Academy, Peking University

• Study Level: Master’s degree (graduate level)

• Target Group: International students (non‐Chinese citizens), plus Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan applicants under specific rules.

• Fields of Study/Focus: Interdisciplinary China Studies. Research areas include Economics & Management; History & Archaeology; Philosophy & Religion; Politics & International Relations; Law & Society; Literature & Culture.

• Value & Coverage: Fully funded – covers tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, one round‐trip travel fare, field study costs.

• Duration: Typically 2 years for the Master’s program.

• Application Deadline: December 1, 2025, 9:00 am Beijing Time.

• Start Date: The cohort will begin after the selection process; as a guideline, applicants must be able to graduate their prior degree by August 31, 2026 if still enrolled.

  
  

📚 Scholarship Overview

• Programme Name: Yenching Academy Scholars (also called Yenching Scholars Program) under Yenching Academy at Peking University.

• Curriculum Structure:

  • Interdisciplinary core courses + electives drawn from many departments at Peking.

  • Research component: students produce a thesis under faculty supervision in their chosen research area.

  • Additional activities: field study, cultural immersion, possibly leadership training, guest lectures, seminars etc. The field study costs are covered.

• Living & Learning Environment:

  • Scholars live in the purpose‐built Yenching Academy residential college on Peking University’s campus (Jingyuan Courtyard).

  • English is the primary medium. Chinese language courses may be offered (often for those who want them / need them).

🎁 Benefits

The fellowship provides generous support to remove financial barriers for scholars:

• Full tuition fees covered.

• Accommodation (housing) provided.

• Monthly stipend to cover living expenses.

• One round-trip travel fare (to/from your home country).

• Field study costs are also covered.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you should meet all of the following:

1. Educational Requirements:

   • Hold a Bachelor’s degree in any field; OR be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program and expected to graduate no later than August 31, 2026.

2. Academic & Personal Achievement:

   • Outstanding academic record.

   • Strong interest in interdisciplinary study of China.

   • Active in extracurriculars, community engagement, leadership potential, social responsibility.

3. English Proficiency:

   • Must satisfy one of the accepted tests with the minimum scores:

     • IELTS (Academic): 7.0 overall

     • TOEFL iBT: 100 overall

     • Cambridge English Scale (Advanced): 185

     • CET-6: 600

     • TEM-4: “good” or above

   • Exemptions: Applicants whose native language is English, or who have already graduated from an English-taught program (undergrad or above), may be exempt. But note, applicants from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan must still supply test report even if their degree was in English.

   • The test must be taken after September 1, 2024. Certain test types are not accepted (e.g. TOEFL MyBest, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, IELTS Indicator, etc.).

4. Other Requirements:

   • Applicants must not be simultaneously enrolled in another degree program during the scholarship at PKU.

   • Former citizens of Mainland China/Hong Kong/Macao/Taiwan who emigrated and now hold foreign citizenship have to present proof of their cancellation of Chinese nationality (if relevant) etc.

✍🏻 Application Procedure

Here’s how to apply and what to prepare:

1. Application Timing:

   • Applications open September 10, 2025.

   • Deadline is December 1, 2025 (9:00 am Beijing Time).

2. How to Apply:

   • Use the Yenching Academy’s online admissions portal. Create an account.

   • If you are from a Partner University or from Hong Kong/Macao/Taiwan, you may also need to go through internal pre-selection or supplementary application via Peking University’s Graduate Admissions.

3. Documents to Submit (in English):

   • Completed online application form.

   • Personal statement (≤ 750 words).

   • Statement of Research Interest (≤ 1500 words, excluding citations).

   • Curriculum Vitae (CV).

   • Official transcript(s).

   • Diploma(s) or Certificate(s) of Enrollment.

   • Two academic letters of recommendation – from full or associate professors (or equivalent) in applicant’s intended field.

   • English proficiency test scores (if required).

4. Submission of English Scores:

   • Tests must be taken after September 1, 2024.

   • Only certain formats accepted; some versions / online / home editions or indicator tests are not accepted.

   • Make sure the test-report is sent directly from the testing agency to Yenching Academy. For TOEFL, use institution code C488.

ℹ️ Additional Information

• Contact & Address:

  Yenching Academy, Peking University, Jingyuan Courtyard 3, 5 Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100871.

• Admission/Contact Emails:

  • General enquiries: yca@pku.edu.cn 

  • Admissions: yca-admissions@pku.edu.cn 

• Expect Competition: It's a highly selective program, with about 120 new students each year.

🔗 Details & Apply

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