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Peking University emblem

Peking University

Beijing, China • Founded 1898 • QS 2027 #13

Updated May 2026 · Source: pku.edu.cn

Overview

English Name: Peking University
Local Name: 北京大学
Acronyms: PKU
Founded: 1898
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Religious Affiliation: None
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #13 Times Higher Education 2026 #13 ARWU (Shanghai) 2026 #22 CWTS Leiden 2025 #102 SCImago 2026 #6
Motto: Diligence, Rigorousness, Pragmatism, Innovation
Peking University emblem

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

Peking University's physical location and contact details are listed below.

Address: 5 Yiheyyuan Road Haidan District
Postal Code: 100871
Other Sites: Also 232 research labs and centers;8 affiliated hospitals
Phone: +86 (10) 6275 1246
Fax: +86 (10) 6275 1240

Academic Details

Peking University's key academic numbers — student body size, staffing, and accreditation context.

Academic Year: September to July (September-February; March-July)
Recognition: Ministry of Education of The People's Republic of China
Accrediting Agency: Ministry of Education
Admission Requirements: Graduation from high school and National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao) Foreign students: for further information see CUCAS https://school.cucas.edu.cn/Peking-University-256/program/
Student Enrollment: 30,000-34,999
Academic Staff Range: 3,000-3,499
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) International Forum of Public Universities (IFPU)

Academic Structures

Peking University's academic units are listed below, by type.

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

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
Architecture and Landscape Architecture (College) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Architecture
  • Landscape Architecture
Engineering (College) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Electronics and Automation
  • Energy Engineering
  • Engineering Management
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mechanics
Environmental Science and Engineering (College) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Studies
Urban and Environmental Sciences (College) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Ecology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Geography
  • Geography (Human)
  • Regional Planning
  • Urban Studies
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
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
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
Education (Graduate School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Education
  • Educational Administration
  • Educational Technology
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
Computer Science and Technology (Institute) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Science
  • Microelectronics
  • Technology
Humanities and Social Sciences (Institute) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Astronomy and Space Science
  • Astrophysics
Molecular Medicine (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Medicine
  • Molecular Biology
Nuclear Sciences & Technology (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics
  • Radiophysics
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
Advanced Agricultural Sciences (School) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Agricultural Economics
  • Agricultural Equipment
  • Food Science
  • Plant and Crop Protection
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
Business (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Business Administration
Chemistry and Molecular Engineering (School) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Polymer and Plastics Technology
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.

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
Economics (School) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Insurance
  • International Business
  • International Economics
Electronics Engineering and Computer Science (School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Science
  • Electronic Engineering
Foreign Languages (School) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arabic
  • English Studies
  • French Studies
  • Germanic Studies
  • Oriental Languages
  • Russian
  • South and Southeast Asian Languages
Government (School) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics
  • Government
  • Political Sciences
  • Public Administration
Health Humanities (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biomedicine
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
Law (School) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Civil Law
  • Commercial Law
  • Criminal Law
  • History of Law
  • International Law
  • Law
Life Sciences (School) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Ecology
Management (School) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Business Administration
  • Finance
  • Information Technology
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Transport Management
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
New Media CN (School) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Science
  • Management
  • Media Studies
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
Nursing (School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Nursing
  • Social Sciences
Pharmaceutical Sciences (School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Chemistry
  • Pharmacology
Physics (School) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics
  • Nuclear Physics
  • Optics
  • Physics
  • Radiophysics
  • Solid State Physics
  • Sound Engineering (Acoustics)
Psychological and Cognitive Sciences (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Psychology
Public Health (School) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Software and Microelectronics (School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Microelectronics
  • Software Engineering
Transnational Law (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Law
Yuanpei (School) Faculty details available

Specialisations & Subjects

No specified subjects listed.

Programs Offered

Peking University's programme catalogue is grouped by level below.

29 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in China

Bachelor's Degree 29 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Archaeology
Archaeology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Astronomy
Physics & Astronomy

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences
Biological Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration / Science Experimental Program (Guanghua School)
Business Administration

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Chinese Language and Literature
Linguistics & Language Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science
Computer Sciences

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Economics / Science Experimental Program (Economics)
Economics

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Electronic Information
Robotics & Automation

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Pilot Program
General Engineering

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 29.

How to apply to Peking University

The application path for Peking University, in five steps.

  1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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

Below are key facts about Peking University, drawn directly from institutional records.

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 QS 2027 #13.

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)

Members of Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), alongside Peking University.

Faculties at nearby universities

Below are universities in the same area as Peking University.

Where Else to Study Liberal Arts

Liberal Arts is also taught at these universities in China.

Universities Compared with Peking University

Universities of a similar scale and standing to Peking University are listed below.

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