Peking University
Beijing, China • Founded 1898 • World Rank #6
Overview
Established in 1898, the Peking University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of Beijing (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants).
Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of The People's Republic of China, Peking University (PKU) is a very large-sized coeducational Chinese higher education institution. Peking University (PKU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
This 126-year-old Chinese higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
PKU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Looking to reach Peking University? Address, contact details, and online links below. For finance and tuition payment queries, the bursar or finance office is typically a separate contact point.
Academic Details
Peking University's student body, faculty composition, and recognition framework are summarised below. Use this section to gauge institutional weight before drilling into specific programmes.
Academic Structures
The schools and colleges that constitute Peking University's academic body are organised below. Each often controls its own admissions criteria, scholarships, and programme entry standards.
Unit 35 items
- China Center for Economic Research
- College of Chemistry
- College of Engineering
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering
- College of Urban and Environmental Sciences
- Department of Chinese Language and Literature
- Department of History
- Department of Information Management
- Department of Philosophy
- Department of Physical Education
- Department of Psychology
- Department of Sociology
- Graduate School of Education
- Guanghua School of Management
- Institute of Computer Science and Technology
- Institute of Molecular Medicine
- Institute of Population Research
- Law School
- School of Archaeology and Museology
- School of Arts
- School of Chinese as a Second Language
- School of Earth and Space Sciences
- School of Economics
- School of Electronics Engineering and Computer Science
- School of Foreign Languages
- School of Government
- School of International Studies
- School of Journalism and Communication
- School of Life Sciences
- School of Marxism
- School of Mathematical Sciences
- School of Physics
- School of Software and Microelectronics
- ShenZhen Graduate School
- Yuanpei School
Degrees
The degree levels available at Peking University — bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and others — are organised below. Each tier signals a different depth of specialisation and minimum study duration.
Bachelor's 8 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Arts and Humanities
- Economics
- Engineering
- Fine Arts
- Management
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
Master's 90 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- Administrative Law
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- African Studies
- Ancient Languages
- Applied Mathematics
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Architectural and Environmental Design
- Archiving
- Arts and Humanities
- Asian Studies
- Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- Civil Law
- Commercial Law
- Comparative Literature
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Law
- Data Processing
- Ecology
- Economic History
- Economics
- Educational Administration
- Electronic Engineering
- Electronics and Automation
- Engineering Drawing and Design
- Engineering Management
- English
- English Studies
- Environmental Studies
- Film
- Finance
- Fine Arts
- Foreigners Education
- French
- French Studies
- Geography
- Geography (Human)
- German
- Higher Education
- Hindi
- History
- History of Law
- Industrial and Production Economics
- Information Sciences
- Insurance
- International Business
- International Law
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Japanese
- Journalism
- Landscape Architecture
- Law
- Library Science
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Management
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanics
- Media Studies
- Meteorology
- Museum Studies
- Music
- Optics
- Philosophical Schools
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Radio and Television Broadcasting
- Regional Studies
- Russian
- Singing
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Software Engineering
- Spanish
- Statistics
- Systems Analysis
- Taxation
- Technology Education
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Theatre
- Translation and Interpretation
Doctoral 69 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Accountancy
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- African Studies
- Arabic
- Archaeology
- Archiving
- Art Criticism
- Asian Studies
- Astrophysics
- Biochemistry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- Commercial Law
- Comparative Literature
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Law
- Documentation Techniques
- Ecology
- Economic History
- Economics
- Educational Administration
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering Management
- English
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Foreigners Education
- French
- Geography
- Geography (Human)
- Geology
- German
- Higher Education
- Hindi
- History
- History of Law
- Industrial and Production Economics
- Information Sciences
- International Economics
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Japanese
- Journalism
- Linguistics
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanics
- Media Studies
- Mining Engineering
- Molecular Biology
- Paleontology
- Philosophy
- Philosophy of Education
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Regional Studies
- Russian
- Sociology
- Software Engineering
- Spanish
- Statistics
- Technology Education
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education of The People's Republic of China.
Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies (Academy) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Opera (Academy) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Music
- Music Theory and Composition
- Singing
Yenching (Academy) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Beijing International Center for Mathematical Research (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mathematics
Economic Research (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
Software Engineering CN (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Software Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Architecture and Landscape Architecture (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
Common Career Paths
- Architect
- Urban Planner
- Interior Designer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (College) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Electronics and Automation
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanics
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Environmental Science and Engineering (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Urban and Environmental Sciences (College) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Ecology
- Environmental Studies
- Geography
- Geography (Human)
- Regional Planning
- Urban Studies
Common Career Paths
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Officer
- Climate Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Chinese Language and Literature (Department/Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chinese
- Linguistics
- Literature
History (Department/Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Ancient Civilizations
- History
Information Management (Department/Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Information Management
- Information Sciences
- Library Science
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Philosophy and Religious Studies (Department/Division) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aesthetics
- Ethics
- Logic
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
Physical Education (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Physical Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Sociology (Department/Division) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Administration
- Anthropology
- Demography and Population
- Environmental Studies
- Political Sciences
- Public Administration
- Regional Studies
- Rural Studies
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Urban Studies
Common Career Paths
- Sociologist
- Researcher
- Community Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Graduate School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Technology
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Shenzhen (Graduate School) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Chemistry
- Computer Engineering
- Design
- Economics
- Electronic Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- International Law
- Mechanics
- Social Sciences
- Town Planning
Advanced Technology (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Technology
Astronomy and Astrophysics (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Astrophysics
Common Career Paths
- Physicist
- Research Scientist
- Data Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Computer Science and Technology (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Microelectronics
- Technology
Common Career Paths
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Systems Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Humanities and Social Sciences (Institute) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Astrophysics
Common Career Paths
- Physicist
- Research Scientist
- Data Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Molecular Medicine (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Nuclear Sciences & Technology (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Radiophysics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Ocean Research CN (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Maritime Law
Population Research (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Demography and Population
Social Science Survey (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Social Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Advanced Agricultural Sciences (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Equipment
- Food Science
- Plant and Crop Protection
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Archaeology and Museology (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Archaeology
- Museum Studies
Arts (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Film
- Fine Arts
- Musicology
- Radio and Television Broadcasting
Basic Medical Sciences (School) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biochemistry
- Cardiology
- Cell Biology
- Embryology and Reproduction Biology
- Genetics
- Histology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Neurosciences
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine and Therapy
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Clinical Researcher
- Healthcare Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Chemistry and Molecular Engineering (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Analytical Chemistry
- Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Polymer and Plastics Technology
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Chinese as a Second Language (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chinese
- Foreigners Education
Continuing Medical Education CN (School) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Clinical Researcher
- Healthcare Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Development (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Econometrics
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Statistics
Earth and Space Sciences (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- Earth Sciences
- Geochemistry
- Geology
- Mineralogy
- Natural Resources
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
- Finance
- Insurance
- International Business
- International Economics
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Electronics Engineering and Computer Science (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Electronic Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Systems Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Foreign Languages (School) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arabic
- English Studies
- French Studies
- Germanic Studies
- Oriental Languages
- Russian
- South and Southeast Asian Languages
Common Career Paths
- Translator
- Interpreter
- Language Teacher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Government (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
- Government
- Political Sciences
- Public Administration
Health Humanities (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biomedicine
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
International Studies (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Business
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- International Studies
- Political Sciences
Journalism and Communication (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Advertising and Publicity
- Communication Studies
- Information Technology
- Journalism
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Civil Law
- Commercial Law
- Criminal Law
- History of Law
- International Law
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Life Sciences (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Ecology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Management (School) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Information Technology
- Management
- Marketing
- Transport Management
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Marxism (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Political Sciences
Mathematical Sciences (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Actuarial Science
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Information Sciences
- Mathematics
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
New Media CN (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Management
- Media Studies
- Psychology
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Media Producer
- Content Strategist
- Broadcast Journalist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Nursing (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nursing
- Social Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Registered Nurse
- Clinical Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Pharmaceutical Sciences (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
- Pharmacology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Physics (School) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Nuclear Physics
- Optics
- Physics
- Radiophysics
- Solid State Physics
- Sound Engineering (Acoustics)
Common Career Paths
- Physicist
- Research Scientist
- Data Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Psychological and Cognitive Sciences (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Psychology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Public Health (School) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Common Career Paths
- Public Health Officer
- Epidemiologist
- Health Policy Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Software and Microelectronics (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Microelectronics
- Software Engineering
Transnational Law (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Yuanpei (School) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Programs Offered
Peking University's teaching offering by degree level. Programmes archived in past intakes may still appear on search engines; the live list here is the current source of truth.
Bachelor's Degree
29 programmes
These 29 programmes make up Peking University's undergraduate catalogue. A bachelor's degree is the baseline credential for most graduate careers and advanced study.
History 历史学类 History
Urban and Rural Planning 城乡规划 Business & Management
Sociology 社会学类 Social & Cultural Studies
Science Experimental Program (Yuanpei) / Liberal Arts Experimental Program (Yuanpei) 理科试验班类（元培）/文科试验班类（元培） Liberal Arts
Public Administration 公共管理类 Public Administration
Psychology 心理学类 Psychology
Physics 物理学类 Physics & Astronomy
Philosophy 哲学类 Philosophy & Ethics
Mathematics 数学类 Mathematics
Marxist Theory 马克思主义理论类
Liberal Arts Experimental Program 人文科学试验班 Liberal Arts
Law / Science Experimental Program (School of Law) 法学/理科试验班类（法学院） Law
Journalism and Communication 新闻传播学类 Communication Studies
International Politics / Liberal Arts Experimental Program (School of International Relations) 国际政治/文科试验班类（国关） Liberal Arts
Information Management and Information Systems / Library Science 信息管理与信息系统/图书馆学 Information Systems & Technology
Archaeology 考古学 Archaeology
Geophysics 地球物理学类 Earth Sciences & Geology
Geology 地质学类 Earth Sciences & Geology
Foreign Languages 相关外语专业 Linguistics & Language Studies
Environmental Science 环境科学 Environmental Sciences
Engineering Pilot Program 工科试验班类 General Engineering
Electronic Information 电子信息类 Robotics & Automation
Economics / Science Experimental Program (Economics) 经济学类/理科试验班类（经济） Economics
Computer Science 计算机类 Computer Sciences
Chinese Language and Literature 中国语言文学类 Linguistics & Language Studies
Chemistry 化学类 Chemistry
Business Administration / Science Experimental Program (Guanghua School) 工商管理类/理科试验班类（光华） Business Administration
Biological Sciences 生物科学类 Biological Sciences
Astronomy 天文学 Physics & Astronomy
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Peking University
How to apply to Peking University — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.
- 1 Research programmes at Peking University
Peking University's catalogue includes 29 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
- 2 Review admissions criteria
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Peking University's admissions process.
- 3 Gather supporting documents
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
- 4 Lodge your application
Submit your completed application through Peking University's official website at www.pku.edu.cn. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
- 5 Confirm receipt and track progress
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +86 (10) 6275 1246. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Peking University
Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Peking University, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.
How old is Peking University?
The institution opened in 1898 (approximately 128 years ago).
In which city is Peking University?
Peking University is based in Beijing, China.
Is Peking University a public or private institution?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students study at Peking University?
Peking University has approximately 30,000-34,999 students.
Where does Peking University stand in university rankings?
Peking University is ranked #6 globally and #5 in China.
What degrees does Peking University offer?
Peking University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
What is Peking University's academic structure?
Peking University has 35 academic units.
Who recognises Peking University?
Peking University is accredited by Ministry of Education.
How do I find Peking University online?
Peking University's official website is www.pku.edu.cn.
Members of Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)
Membership criteria for Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) signal what the network values — research output, teaching quality, internationalisation, or institutional governance. Knowing the criteria helps interpret what membership means.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Industry placements and co-op programmes around Peking University draw on the same regional employer base. The nearby universities listed below often compete for similar internship slots.
Where Else to Study Liberal Arts
For students considering Liberal Arts, these China institutions deliver the discipline alongside Peking University. Look beyond programme names to compare module content, assessment methods, and stated graduate outcomes.
Universities Often Compared with Peking University
Peer cohort post-graduation outcomes — employment rates, graduate-school placement, salary data — often track closely across institutions at Peking University's level. Comparable cohorts tend to land in comparable places.
