Peking University Yenching Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Master’s Degree Covering Tuition, Accommodation and Living Stipend

Peking University Yenching Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Master’s Degree Covering Tuition, Accommodation and Living Stipend. The Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027 at Peking University is offering an exceptional opportunity for outstanding international students to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in China Studies in Beijing, China.

The scholarship is provided through the Yenching Academy of Peking University, an interdisciplinary graduate programme designed to develop future leaders with a deeper understanding of China and its relationship with the rest of the world.

The programme brings together talented students from China and other countries to study China’s history, politics, economics, society, culture and international relations.

Successful applicants receive the Yenching Fellowship, which covers tuition fees, accommodation at the Yenching Academy House, a monthly living stipend, basic medical insurance, a travel stipend for one round-trip journey between their home-country base city and Beijing, and expenses related to designated research trips.

The master’s programme lasts two years. All admitted students receive the fellowship for their first academic year. Students who maintain good academic standing and plan to remain in Beijing during their second year may apply for a second-year fellowship.

The 2027 application cycle is open to international applicants who hold, or expect to obtain before August 2027, a bachelor’s degree in any academic discipline.

Application deadline: 30 November 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Beijing time.

1. Peking University Yenching Scholarship 2027: Quick overview

Opportunity detail	Information
Scholarship	Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027
Host institution	Peking University
Academy	Yenching Academy
Host country	China
Study location	Beijing
Degree	Master’s degree in China Studies
Programme duration	Two years
Academic level	Postgraduate
Eligible academic backgrounds	Bachelor’s degree in any field
Funding	Fully funded fellowship
Tuition fees	Covered
Accommodation	Covered during the first year
Monthly stipend	Provided
Medical insurance	Basic medical insurance covered
Travel	One round-trip journey supported
Research expenses	Designated research costs covered
Nationality	International applicants who are non-Chinese citizens
Application opening date	1 September 2026
Application deadline	30 November 2026, 9:00 a.m. Beijing time
Expected enrolment	September 2027

2. About the Yenching Academy of Peking University

The Yenching Academy is a graduate institution at Peking University dedicated to interdisciplinary education and research on China.

Its central objective is to build bridges between China and the rest of the world by developing a new generation of globally minded leaders, researchers and professionals with a strong understanding of Chinese society and its international role.

The Academy brings together students from different nationalities, academic disciplines and professional backgrounds.

Approximately 120 new students are admitted annually from mainland China and abroad. International students make up a substantial proportion of the student community.

The programme combines academic study, research, fieldwork, cultural learning and opportunities for international exchange.

Students benefit from the wider academic environment of Peking University, one of China’s major research universities.

The Yenching Academy is particularly attractive to students interested in understanding China’s political, economic, social and cultural development and its influence on global affairs.

3. What does the Yenching Scholarship cover?

The Yenching Fellowship provides substantial financial support to admitted students.

All admitted international students receive the fellowship for their first academic year.

Full tuition fee coverage

The fellowship covers tuition fees for the programme’s first academic year.

Students therefore do not have to finance the standard tuition costs independently during the funded period.

Students who maintain good academic standing and intend to remain in Beijing during the second academic year can apply for a second-year fellowship, which also covers tuition.

Free on-campus accommodation

The fellowship covers accommodation in the Yenching Academy House during the first academic year.

Students live in the Academy’s residential facilities on the Peking University campus.

According to the Academy’s accommodation information, scholars are generally placed in two-bedroom suites, sharing a bathroom with another student of the same gender.

This residential arrangement allows students to interact with classmates from different countries and academic backgrounds.

Monthly living stipend

The Yenching Fellowship includes a monthly stipend to help students meet their living expenses while studying in Beijing.

The official 2027 programme announcement does not publish a specific monthly stipend amount.

Applicants should therefore avoid relying on unofficial figures when estimating the value of the award.

One round-trip journey to Beijing

Peking University Yenching Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Master’s Degree Covering Tuition, Accommodation and Living Stipend

The fellowship includes a travel stipend for one round-trip journey between the student’s base city and Beijing.

The base city must be located within the country of the student’s nationality.

The Academy estimates and calculates the cost of the journey.

This is an important benefit for international students who must travel to China to begin their studies.

Basic medical insurance

The fellowship covers basic medical insurance.

International students are required to maintain medical insurance throughout their studies in China.

The Academy explains that students must purchase the applicable Comprehensive Insurance Plan for Foreign Students themselves, with the cost reimbursed by Yenching Academy.

Students should follow the university’s insurance instructions and registration requirements.

Designated research expenses

The fellowship also covers expenses related to designated research trips.

This is particularly important because the programme includes field study and other academic activities designed to deepen students’ understanding of China.

Second-year fellowship opportunity

The master’s programme lasts two years, but second-year fellowship support is not automatically guaranteed under the same conditions as the first year.

Students who maintain good academic standing and plan to remain in Beijing during their second academic year can apply for the second-year Yenching Fellowship.

The second-year fellowship covers:

Tuition fees.
On-campus accommodation or an off-campus housing stipend.
Basic medical insurance.
Monthly living stipend.

Students should plan carefully for their second year and understand that they must satisfy the relevant academic and residency conditions to qualify.

4. What will students study?

The Yenching Academy offers an interdisciplinary master’s programme in China Studies.

Students explore China’s development and its relationship with the international community through academic courses, research activities, fieldwork and independent study.

The curriculum combines compulsory core courses with elective subjects.

Compulsory courses

All Yenching Scholars must complete the programme’s compulsory core courses.

These include:

China in Transition.
Field Study.
Topics in China Studies Lecture Series.
Academic Writing.
Chinese Language.

These courses provide a foundation for understanding China’s historical development, contemporary society and international relationships.

Flexible academic pathways

Students work with academic advisers to develop their individual study plans.

They can select electives taught by Peking University faculty and participate in a range of extracurricular activities.

The programme is designed to encourage interdisciplinary learning rather than limiting students to a narrow academic specialisation.

5. Six research areas available

The Yenching Academy offers six main research areas.

Applicants should identify the area that best matches their academic interests and proposed research direction.

1. China Studies: Philosophy and Religion

This area explores China’s philosophical traditions, religious practices, intellectual history and cultural development.

Students interested in Chinese philosophy, ethics, religious studies and intellectual traditions may find this pathway relevant.

2. China Studies: Economics and Management

This research area examines China’s economic development, business environment, economic policies and management systems.

It is particularly relevant to applicants interested in economics, international business, finance, management and development.

3. China Studies: Law and Society

This area explores the relationship between Chinese law, institutions and society.

Potential subjects include legal development, governance, social institutions and the relationship between law and public policy.

4. China Studies: Politics and International Relations

Students explore China’s political institutions, domestic governance, foreign policy and international relationships.

This pathway may appeal to applicants with backgrounds in political science, international relations, diplomacy and public administration.

5. China Studies: Literature and Culture

This area examines Chinese literature, cultural production, language, artistic traditions and contemporary cultural developments.

It is suitable for students interested in literature, cultural studies, communication and the humanities.

6. China Studies: History and Archaeology

This research area focuses on China’s historical development, archaeological discoveries, historical interpretation and the relationship between past and present.

It may be particularly relevant to students interested in history, heritage, archaeology and historical research.

6. Who can apply for the Peking University Yenching Scholarship 2027?

Peking University Yenching Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Master’s Degree Covering Tuition, Accommodation and Living Stipend

The programme welcomes outstanding international applicants from a wide range of academic disciplines.

Applicants must meet the following requirements.

Bachelor’s degree requirement

Applicants must hold, or be on track to receive before August 2027, a bachelor’s degree in any academic field.

The programme does not restrict applicants to one specific undergraduate discipline.

Students from fields such as economics, law, political science, international relations, history, sociology, business, literature, philosophy, education and other areas may apply.

Applicants who are still completing their undergraduate studies can apply if they are expected to graduate before the required August 2027 deadline.

Outstanding academic record

Candidates must demonstrate strong academic performance.

The Academy seeks students with the intellectual ability and academic preparation necessary to complete a demanding interdisciplinary master’s programme.

Applicants should submit official university transcripts as part of their application.

Interest in interdisciplinary China Studies

Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in studying China from multiple academic perspectives.

This does not mean that applicants must already have a degree in Chinese studies.

However, they should explain why they want to understand China’s history, economy, politics, society, culture or international role.

Leadership and extracurricular achievements

The Academy considers applicants’ achievements beyond their academic qualifications.

Candidates should demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities, community engagement, social responsibility and leadership.

Relevant experiences may include:

Student leadership.
Community development projects.
Volunteer activities.
Research initiatives.
Social entrepreneurship.
Professional leadership.
Youth engagement.
Public service.
Cultural exchange activities.

Applicants should provide concrete examples of their contributions and achievements.

English-language proficiency

The programme is taught in English, and applicants must demonstrate the required level of English proficiency.

The published requirements include:

IELTS Academic: Overall 7.0.
TOEFL iBT: Overall 100.
Cambridge English Scale (Advanced): Overall 185.

The 2027 application instructions also list specific Chinese English-language examination qualifications.

International applicants whose native language is English, or who have graduated from an English-taught undergraduate or higher degree programme, may qualify for an English-test waiver.

Applicants seeking a waiver should provide official university evidence, such as a letter from the Registrar confirming the language of instruction.

English test reports must satisfy the programme’s validity requirements and be submitted directly by the relevant testing organisation.

The Academy does not accept certain alternative test formats, including TOEFL MyBest Scores, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, IELTS Indicator, IELTS Online and IELTS One Skill Retake.

Nationality requirement

International applicants must be non-Chinese citizens and hold a valid passport.

Applicants with particular former citizenship or residency circumstances involving mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan must follow the additional nationality documentation requirements stated by Peking University.

Health and conduct requirements

Applicants must be in good physical and psychological health, have no criminal record and agree to comply with the laws and regulations of China and Peking University.

7. Can Zimbabwean students apply?

Yes. Zimbabwean students can apply for the Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027.

The international application route is open to non-Chinese citizens with valid passports. The programme does not publish a restricted list of eligible nationalities for its international applicants.

Zimbabwean applicants must therefore satisfy the same academic, English-language, leadership and other eligibility requirements as applicants from other countries.

For students and graduates from Zimbabwe, the following points are particularly important:

You must hold a bachelor’s degree or expect to receive one before August 2027.
Your academic record should be strong.
You should demonstrate a genuine interest in interdisciplinary China Studies.
You should provide evidence of extracurricular involvement, community engagement or leadership.
You must meet the English-language requirement or qualify for an exemption.
You must hold a valid non-Chinese passport.
You must provide the required academic and supporting documents.

Zimbabwean applicants should also prepare certified translations of academic documents that are not issued in English or Chinese.

The scholarship’s travel support is calculated using a base city within the applicant’s country of nationality. For a Zimbabwean applicant, the relevant base city must therefore be in Zimbabwe.

8. Required application documents

Peking University Yenching Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Master’s Degree Covering Tuition, Accommodation and Living Stipend

Applicants must prepare and submit the required materials in English through the Yenching Academy online application portal.

Personal statement

Applicants must submit a personal statement of no more than 750 words.

The statement should explain their academic interests, background, motivation for applying and reasons for wanting to study at Yenching Academy.

It should also demonstrate how their experiences and future ambitions relate to the programme.

Statement of Research Interest

Applicants must submit a Statement of Research Interest of no more than 1,500 words, excluding citations.

This document should identify the applicant’s intended research interests and explain the questions or topics they would like to explore during the programme.

Applicants should select a suitable research area and develop a clear, coherent statement.

Curriculum vitae

A CV of no more than two pages is required.

It should include:

Academic qualifications.
Employment history, where relevant.
Research experience.
Leadership positions.
Community engagement.
Extracurricular activities.
Publications and academic achievements.
Relevant technical or professional skills.

Official academic transcripts

Applicants must submit official university transcripts.

The Academy accepts official transcripts and may require universities to send them directly or provide university-certified documents for pre-admitted candidates.

Degree certificate or enrolment certificate

Applicants who have already graduated should provide their bachelor’s degree certificate.

Students who are still completing their degrees must submit an official certificate of enrolment.

Candidates expecting to graduate in 2027 must provide an official university letter confirming their expected graduation date and submit the final graduation certificate when required.

Two academic recommendation letters

Applicants must submit two academic recommendation letters.

The letters must be written by full professors, associate professors or individuals holding equivalent academic titles.

The recommenders should be familiar with the applicant’s academic work and intended field of study.

English-language test report

Applicants must submit an accepted English-language proficiency report unless they qualify for the exemption.

For IELTS, TOEFL and Cambridge examinations, scores must be sent directly by the testing organisations to Yenching Academy.

The TOEFL institution code is C488.

Certified translations

Applicants whose official university documents are in languages other than English or Chinese must provide copies of the original documents together with certified translations into English or Chinese.

This requirement also applies to diplomas issued in Latin.

All supporting documents should be clear, colour-scanned copies. The Academy does not accept photographs taken with mobile phones or cameras as substitutes for properly scanned documents.

9. How to apply for the Peking University Yenching Scholarship 2027

Applications are submitted online through the Yenching Academy admissions portal.

Follow these steps.

Step 1: Visit the official application website

Access the Yenching Academy admissions portal.

Create an account and review the application instructions for the 2027 intake.

Step 2: Confirm your eligibility

Peking University Yenching Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Master’s Degree Covering Tuition, Accommodation and Living Stipend

Before beginning your application, ensure that you:

Are a non-Chinese citizen with a valid passport.
Hold or expect to receive a bachelor’s degree before August 2027.
Have a strong academic record.
Meet the English-language requirement or qualify for an exemption.
Can demonstrate leadership, community engagement or extracurricular achievements.

Step 3: Select your research area

Review the six research areas offered by the Academy.

Choose the area that best reflects your academic interests and proposed research direction.

Your research statement should demonstrate a clear connection between your background and the chosen field.

Step 4: Prepare your personal statement

Write a personal statement of no more than 750 words.

Explain your motivation for studying at Yenching Academy, your academic background and your future goals.

Step 5: Prepare your research statement

Develop a Statement of Research Interest of no more than 1,500 words, excluding citations.

Identify the China-related topic or research questions you would like to explore.

Step 6: Obtain your academic recommendation letters

Contact two suitable professors or associate professors.

Give them enough time to prepare detailed recommendations and follow the submission instructions provided by the Academy.

Step 7: Upload your academic documents

Prepare your official transcripts, degree or enrolment certificate, CV and English-language test report where required.

Ensure that the documents are complete, properly scanned and translated where necessary.

Step 8: Complete the online application

Fill in the required application information and upload all supporting documents.

Check that the information in your application matches your official academic and identification documents.

Step 9: Submit before the deadline

Submit your completed application before:

30 November 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Beijing time.

Applicants from partner universities must also complete their university’s internal pre-selection procedure.

Step 10: Prepare for the interview

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview during the winter and spring selection period.

Interviews for international applicants are conducted online through a video-conferencing platform.

Candidates should be prepared to discuss their academic background, research interests, leadership experience and motivation for studying China.

10. Application deadline and important dates

Event	Date
Applications open	1 September 2026
Application deadline	30 November 2026
Deadline time	9:00 a.m. Beijing time
Shortlisting and interviews	Winter and spring 2026–2027
Admission offers	Around the end of June 2027
Expected enrolment	Early September 2027

Time-zone reminder for Zimbabwean applicants: Beijing is six hours ahead of Zimbabwe. The 9:00 a.m. Beijing deadline corresponds to 3:00 a.m. in Zimbabwe on 30 November 2026.

Applicants should submit their applications well before the deadline.

11. Important information for applicants from partner universities

The Yenching Academy works with selected partner universities that conduct internal selection procedures and nominate outstanding candidates.

Students and alumni of these partner universities must apply through their home university’s internal pre-selection process before submitting the application to Yenching Academy.

This means that applicants from partner institutions may have an earlier internal deadline than the Academy’s final deadline.

If your university is listed as a Yenching Academy partner, contact the relevant international office, graduate school or scholarship coordinator as soon as possible.

Applicants from universities that are not partner institutions should follow the normal international application procedure through the Yenching Academy portal.

12. What happens after submitting the application?

Peking University Yenching Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Master’s Degree Covering Tuition, Accommodation and Living Stipend

The selection process involves application screening, interviews and final admission approval.

Application screening

The Yenching Academy Admissions Committee reviews submitted applications.

Candidates are assessed based on their academic achievements, intellectual interests, leadership potential, community engagement and suitability for the programme.

Interviews

Finalists are invited to interviews during the winter and spring.

International applicants are interviewed online.

Candidates should be ready to explain their academic interests, research plans and reasons for wanting to study at Peking University.

Final admission review

Shortlisted candidates’ application materials are reviewed by the Peking University Graduate School and the university’s International Students Division.

Admission offers are expected around the end of June 2027.

Enrolment

Successful applicants are expected to register at Peking University in early September 2027.

International students must complete the relevant visa and registration procedures.

13. Understanding the two-year scholarship arrangement

Although the master’s programme lasts two years, applicants should understand how the fellowship is structured.

First academic year

All admitted students receive the Yenching Fellowship for the first academic year.

The fellowship covers:

Tuition fees.
On-campus accommodation.
Monthly living stipend.
Basic medical insurance.
One round-trip journey between the student’s home-country base city and Beijing.
Designated research expenses.

Students are required to live on campus during this first year.

Second academic year

Students who maintain good academic standing and plan to remain in Beijing during their second academic year can apply for the second-year fellowship.

The second-year award covers tuition, accommodation support, basic medical insurance and a monthly stipend.

Accommodation support may take the form of an on-campus place or an off-campus housing stipend.

International students may choose whether to remain in Beijing during the second academic year to complete their thesis and defence. However, students who want to receive the second-year fellowship must meet its conditions, including the requirement to remain in Beijing.

Students should not assume that second-year funding is automatic.

14. Is the Yenching Academy Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. The Yenching Fellowship is described by the Academy as a fully funded residential fellowship.

For the first academic year, it covers the main costs associated with studying and living at Peking University, including tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, medical insurance, a return journey and designated research expenses.

Second-year support is available through an additional application for students who meet the academic and residency conditions.

However, applicants should note that the Academy does not publish a specific monthly stipend amount in the 2027 admission announcement.

The exact value of the monthly allowance and travel support should therefore be confirmed through official programme communications rather than assumed from unofficial scholarship listings.

15. Frequently asked questions

Is the Peking University Yenching Scholarship 2027 fully funded?

Yes. The first-year Yenching Fellowship covers tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, basic medical insurance, one round-trip journey and designated research expenses.

Eligible students can apply for a second-year fellowship if they maintain good academic standing and remain in Beijing.

Can Zimbabweans apply for the Yenching Scholarship?

Yes. International applicants who are non-Chinese citizens with valid passports may apply. Zimbabwean applicants must meet the academic, English-language and other programme requirements.

What degree does the scholarship offer?

The programme awards a master’s degree in China Studies through Peking University. The specific degree title corresponds to the student’s chosen research area.

How long is the programme?

The master’s programme lasts two years.

Does the scholarship cover accommodation?

Yes. First-year scholars receive accommodation at the Yenching Academy House. Second-year scholars who qualify for the additional fellowship may receive on-campus accommodation or an off-campus housing stipend.

How much is the monthly stipend?

The Academy confirms that the fellowship includes a monthly stipend, but the official 2027 admission announcement does not specify the exact amount.

Does the scholarship cover flights?

The first-year fellowship includes a travel stipend for one round-trip journey between the student’s base city and Beijing. The base city must be within the country of the student’s nationality.

What academic background is required?

Applicants must hold or expect to obtain a bachelor’s degree in any academic field before August 2027.

Is IELTS required?

The published English-language requirement includes IELTS Academic overall 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 100. Certain applicants whose native language is English or who graduated from an English-taught degree programme may qualify for an exemption if they provide acceptable evidence.

Can final-year undergraduate students apply?

Peking University Yenching Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Master’s Degree Covering Tuition, Accommodation and Living Stipend

Yes. Students who expect to receive their bachelor’s degree before August 2027 may apply.

Is there an age limit?

The official 2027 international admissions announcement does not specify a general age limit.

When is the application deadline?

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

Do applicants need to submit a research proposal?

Yes. Applicants must submit a Statement of Research Interest of no more than 1,500 words, excluding citations.

Are recommendation letters required?

Yes. Two academic recommendation letters from full professors, associate professors or equivalent academic staff are required.

Can students apply for the second year of funding?

Yes. Students who maintain good academic standing and plan to remain in Beijing during the second academic year may apply for the second-year Yenching Fellowship.

Final Thoughts

Peking University Yenching Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Master’s Degree Covering Tuition, Accommodation and Living Stipend

Peking University Yenching Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Master’s Degree Covering Tuition, Accommodation and Living Stipend. The Peking University Yenching Scholarship 2027 is an excellent opportunity for outstanding graduates seeking a fully funded master’s degree in China Studies.

The fellowship provides tuition coverage, accommodation, a monthly living stipend, medical insurance, travel support and designated research expenses. It also offers an opportunity to study at Peking University, engage with an international academic community and develop a deeper understanding of China’s role in the world.

The programme is open to eligible international applicants, including Zimbabweans, who hold or expect to obtain a bachelor’s degree before August 2027.

Applicants should pay particular attention to the 30 November 2026 deadline, the English-language requirements, the research statement and the two academic recommendation letters. Students at partner universities should also check their internal nomination deadlines.

Submit your application early and ensure that all supporting documents meet the Academy’s requirements.

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