Yenching Academy of Peking University: Fully Funded Interdisciplinary China Studies
By Muntasir • Published Apr 11, 2026 • Updated May 11, 2026 • Study Abroad
The Yenching Academy of Peking University offers 120 fully funded fellowships annually for a two-year Master's degree in China Studies. The program covers full tuition, accommodation, travel, and a monthly stipend of 3,000 RMB. The acceptance rate is approximately 2.7%.
Eligibility Criteria for Yenching Academy
- Academic Degree: You must hold a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any field of study, or expect to graduate by August 31 of the enrollment year.
- Academic Excellence: Peking University requires an outstanding academic record, typically represented by a GPA of 3.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Age Restriction: Applicants must be under 28 years of age on August 31 of the enrollment year, with limited exceptions for military service.
- Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must submit valid test scores with a minimum of 100 on TOEFL iBT or 7.0 on Academic IELTS.
- Chinese Proficiency: No prior Chinese language skill is required at application, but you must complete mandatory Chinese courses upon enrollment.
- Nationality: The fellowship accepts applications from all countries, reserving approximately 80% of spots for international candidates.
Applicants from partner universities must secure an internal nomination before submitting their application to Yenching Academy . This process applies to universities like Harvard University and the University of Oxford .
Complete Fellowship Benefits and Stipends
| Benefit Category | Coverage and Stipend Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Coverage | Full tuition fees for the two-year Master's program |
| Campus Housing | Free single room accommodation in the Yenching Academy dormitories |
| Monthly Stipend | Living allowance of 3,000 RMB paid monthly |
| Travel Allowance | One round-trip economy class flight between your home and Beijing |
| Medical Insurance | Basic medical insurance provided by Peking University |
| Research Funding | Subsidized field research trips and academic study tours |
The fellowship covers all major living costs in Beijing, enabling you to focus entirely on academic work. Funding for the second year is subject to academic evaluation at the end of your first year.
Annual Application Timeline and Nomination Steps
| Phase | Typical Date and Timeline |
|---|---|
| Portal Opening | Mid-August |
| Partner Nominations | October to November |
| Final Application Deadline | Early December |
| Interview Stage | January to February |
| Admissions Results | Late March to April |
| Program Start | Late August |
The final deadline for the 2025 cohort closed on December 3, 2024. If your institution is not a partner university, you must apply directly through the online portal.
Required Documents for Online Submission
- Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from all higher education institutions you attended.
- Personal Statement: A self-introduction statement of maximum 750 words written in English.
- Research Proposal: A detailed study or research plan of maximum 1,500 words.
- Two Letters of Recommendation: Letters from academic referees holding the title of Associate Professor or higher.
- Language Certificate: Official test score report from IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English.
- Diploma or Enrollment Certificate: Official proof of graduation or current enrollment from your university.
You must submit all documents in English or Chinese. Peking University rejects incomplete dossiers without review.
Proven Strategies for a Successful Application
- Align Your Focus: Connect your academic background directly to one of the six research areas in China Studies.
- Define Specific Goals: Express clearly how studying in Beijing advances your career or research trajectory.
- Refine the Personal Statement: Keep your statement under the 750-word limit while highlighting your leadership potential.
- Choose Competent Referees: Secure letters from senior professors who know your work personally and speak to your academic strengths.
- Present a Realistic Research Topic: Propose a research project showing deep academic interest and familiarity with Chinese sources.
Successful applicant Yuxuan Chen highlighted her specific focus on East Asian law to secure her position in the 2024 cohort. The selection committee prioritizes candidates with clear interdisciplinary research goals over those with general interests.