Yenching Academy of Peking University Fellowship 2027 – Fully Funded Master’s

Deadline: November 30, 2026

The Yenching Academy of Peking University is inviting applications for its 2027 cohort, offering outstanding young graduates and emerging leaders the opportunity to pursue an interdisciplinary Master’s degree focused on China Studies at Peking University in China.

The program brings together students from China and around the world to study China’s development, culture, society, economy, politics, law, and its relationship with the wider world.

Approximately 120 new scholars are enrolled each year, with international students making up around 75% of the student body.

About Yenching Academy

Yenching Academy is an interdisciplinary graduate program designed for students with a strong interest in China and its relationship with the world.

Students can approach China Studies from different academic and professional perspectives while developing their research interests and leadership potential.

Applicants from diverse academic backgrounds are welcome. Previous study in China Studies or Chinese language is not required, provided applicants demonstrate a strong interest in interdisciplinary study of China.

Fellowship Benefits

The Yenching Academy provides a comprehensive fellowship to all admitted Yenching Scholars, including:

  • Full tuition fees

  • Accommodation

  • Monthly stipend

  • One round-trip travel fare

  • Field study costs

The fellowship therefore covers major educational and living expenses during the program.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for the international 2027 cohort should generally:

  • Hold a Bachelor’s degree in any field, or be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s program and expected to graduate by August of the intended enrollment year.

  • Have an outstanding academic record.

  • Demonstrate a strong interest in interdisciplinary study of China.

  • Have a record of extracurricular achievement, community engagement, social responsibility, and leadership potential.

  • Meet the required English-language proficiency requirements.

  • Be a non-Chinese citizen with a valid passport.

Applicants cannot remain enrolled in another degree program while studying at Peking University.

English Language Requirements

Accepted English proficiency tests include:

  • IELTS Academic: Overall 7.0

  • TOEFL iBT: Overall 100

  • Cambridge English Scale (Advanced): 185

  • CET 6: 600

  • TEM 4: Pass level of “良好” or above

Applicants whose native language is English, or who have completed an English-taught undergraduate or graduate degree, may be exempt from submitting an English proficiency test report.

For the 2027 cohort, accepted English proficiency tests must have been taken after September 1, 2025.

Yenching Academy does not currently accept TOEFL MyBest Scores, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, IELTS Indicator, IELTS Online, or IELTS One Skill Retake.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit their applications through the Yenching Academy online admissions portal.

Required documents include:

  • Completed online application form

  • Personal Statement of 750 words or less

  • Statement of Research Interest of up to 1,500 words, excluding citations

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Official university transcript(s)

  • Diploma or Certificate of Enrollment

  • Two academic recommendation letters

  • Proof of English proficiency, where required

Recommendation letters should be written by full professors, associate professors, or equivalent academic staff, preferably from professors in the applicant’s intended field of study.

Application Deadline

Opening Date: September 1, 2026
Deadline: November 30, 2026
Deadline Time: 9:00 AM Beijing Time

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

Who Can Apply?

The program may be particularly suitable for graduates and final-year undergraduate students interested in:

  • China Studies

  • International Relations

  • Economics

  • Business

  • Public Policy

  • Society and Culture

  • Environmental Studies

  • Other interdisciplinary fields

Applicants do not need to have previously studied China Studies or Chinese language. Yenching Academy welcomes applicants from diverse academic disciplines and values the different perspectives they bring to the study of China.

Company/Institution

Yenching Academy of Peking University

Location

Beijing, China

Study Level

Master’s Degree

Funding

Fully Funded Fellowship

Deadline

November 30, 2026 at 9:00 AM Beijing Time

Application

Applicants should apply through the Yenching Academy online admissions portal and carefully review the official eligibility requirements and application instructions before submission.