The Yenching Academy of Peking University is now accepting applications for its 2027 cohort, giving international students the opportunity to pursue a fully funded, interdisciplinary master's programme in China Studies in Beijing.

Applications for international candidates opened on September 1, 2026, and the deadline is November 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Beijing time.

The programme brings together students from China and around the world and allows scholars to develop an individualized academic pathway around different aspects of China's history, society, economy, politics and culture.

Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027: Quick Overview

The Academy states that all admitted scholars receive the Yenching Fellowship for the first academic year.

What Is the Yenching Academy?

The Yenching Academy of Peking University is an interdisciplinary graduate programme designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of China and its role in the world.

The programme combines coursework, independent research, field studies and extracurricular activities. Students work with academic advisers to develop their own study paths within six research areas.

The 2027 cohort will be part of a programme that brings together international and Chinese students in an academic and residential environment in Beijing.

What Does the Yenching Scholarship Cover?

The Yenching Fellowship provides substantial financial support.

For the first academic year, the fellowship covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Monthly stipend
• One round-trip travel allowance between the student's base city and Beijing
• Basic medical insurance
• Expenses related to designated research activities

Students who maintain good academic standing and remain in Beijing for the second year can apply for a second-year Yenching Fellowship. This provides tuition, accommodation support, medical insurance and a monthly stipend.

The Academy describes the programme as a fully funded residential programme.

Who Is Eligible?

International applicants should meet the following requirements:

1. Hold a Bachelor's degree

Applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in any field.

Students currently completing their bachelor's degree can also apply if they are expected to receive their diploma by August of the intended enrollment year.

For the 2027 intake, this means eligible final-year students should be able to graduate by August 2027.

2. Have an outstanding academic record

Yenching Academy seeks applicants with strong academic backgrounds.

Academic performance is one of the factors considered during selection.

3. Demonstrate an interest in China

Applicants should have a strong interest in interdisciplinary study of China.

Your academic background does not necessarily have to be in Chinese studies.

4. Demonstrate leadership and community engagement

The Academy also looks for evidence of:

• Extracurricular achievement
• Community engagement
• Social responsibility
• Leadership potential

5. Meet the English-language requirement

International applicants generally need to demonstrate English proficiency unless they qualify for an exemption.

Previous published requirements include:

• IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall
• TOEFL iBT: 100 overall
• Cambridge English Scale: 185

Applicants whose native language is English or who completed an eligible degree programme taught primarily in English may be exempt from submitting an English test score. Applicants should verify their individual circumstances against the current application instructions.

Six Areas of Study

One of the distinctive features of Yenching Academy is its interdisciplinary structure.

Scholars can develop their academic pathway through six research areas:

1. Economics and Management
2. History and Archaeology
3. Philosophy and Religion
4. Politics and International Relations
5. Law and Society
6. Literature and Culture

Students work with academic advisers to select courses and develop their research interests.

How Long Is the Programme?

The Yenching Academy Master's Programme in China Studies is two years.

During the first academic year, scholars complete the required coursework.

After completing the required credits, students work on a master's thesis during the second year and must successfully complete the thesis defence and other degree requirements.

International students are required to live on campus during the first academic year.

What Do Students Study?

The programme includes compulsory academic components such as:

• China in Transition
• Field Study
• Topics in China Studies Lecture Series
• Academic Writing
• Chinese language studies for international scholars

Students can also select courses from the six research areas.

This structure allows students from different academic backgrounds to develop an interdisciplinary understanding of China.

Can Students With a Previous Master's Degree Apply?

Yes.

The Academy states that international applicants who already hold a master's degree may apply.

However, having a previous graduate degree does not give an applicant an advantage in the selection process.

Is There an Age Limit?

Yenching Academy does not have a strict age cut-off for applicants.

However, the Academy notes that, excluding recipients of the Zhuoyue Scholarship, no person over 29 has been admitted historically and that the average age of incoming students is 23. This is historical information rather than a formal eligibility requirement.

Can Ghanaian Students Apply?

Yes.

Ghanaian applicants can apply as international candidates because the programme accepts non-Chinese citizens with valid passports.

A Ghanaian applicant should meet the academic, English-language and other programme requirements and submit the application through the Yenching Academy admissions portal.

How to Apply for the Yenching Academy Scholarship

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Confirm that you:

• Are a non-Chinese citizen
• Hold or will obtain a bachelor's degree by August 2027
• Have a strong academic record
• Have an interest in China Studies
• Can demonstrate leadership or community engagement
• Meet the English-language requirement or qualify for an exemption

Step 2: Choose your research area

Review the six research areas and consider which one best aligns with your academic background and proposed research interests.

Step 3: Prepare your documents

International applicants should prepare their application materials in English.

The application typically includes:

• Online Yenching Academy application
• Personal statement
• Statement of Research Interests
• Curriculum vitae
• Official academic transcripts
• Bachelor's diploma or certificate of enrollment
• Two academic recommendation letters
• English-language test results, where required

The Academy's application instructions should be checked carefully for the current 2027 requirements before submission.

Step 4: Submit the online application

International applicants apply through the Yenching Academy online application portal.

Students and alumni of partner universities may have to complete their institution's internal pre-selection process before submitting the Yenching Academy application.

Step 5: Submit before the deadline

For the 2027 cohort, the official deadline is:

November 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Beijing Time.

Applicants should not wait until the final day because documents such as recommendation letters and English-language test results may require additional time.

Important Dates

Application Tips

A strong application should clearly explain why China Studies is relevant to your academic and professional goals.

Pay particular attention to your:

Personal statement

Use the statement to explain your background, interests and motivation for applying.

Research interests

Your research statement should demonstrate that you have thought carefully about the topic you want to investigate.

Connect your proposed research to one of the Academy's six research areas.

Leadership and community involvement

Do not simply list leadership positions.

Explain what you actually did, what you learned and the impact of your work.

Academic preparation

Show how your previous studies have prepared you for interdisciplinary graduate-level study.

Long-term goals

Explain how studying China at Peking University fits into your longer-term academic or professional plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Yenching Academy scholarship fully funded?

The Yenching Fellowship provides tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, one round-trip travel allowance, basic medical insurance and designated research expenses for the first academic year. Eligible students can apply for second-year fellowship support subject to the Academy's conditions.

Is the 2027 application currently open?

Yes. Applications for international candidates for the September 2027 intake opened on September 1, 2026.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is November 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Beijing time.

Can I apply if my bachelor's degree is not in China Studies?

Yes. The Academy accepts applicants with a bachelor's degree in any field, provided they meet the other requirements.

Can I apply while completing my bachelor's degree?

Yes, provided you are on track to receive your bachelor's diploma by August of the intended enrollment year.

Is the programme taught in English?

Yes. Yenching Academy is an English-taught master's programme, although Chinese language study is part of the programme for international scholars.

Can I choose my own research area?

Students select one of six China Studies research areas and work with an academic adviser on their thesis and academic pathway.

Can I apply with a previous master's degree?

Yes. International applicants who already have a master's degree are permitted to apply.

Official Application

Yenching Academy Admissions: Official Yenching Academy Admissions Page

Peking University: Peking University Official Website

Final Thoughts

The Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027 at Peking University offers international students the opportunity to pursue an interdisciplinary master's degree in China Studies while receiving substantial financial support.

For the 2027 intake, applications are currently open and the deadline is November 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Beijing time.

Applicants should begin by reviewing the official eligibility requirements, selecting a research area and preparing a strong personal statement and research-interest statement well before the deadline.