Peking University's Yenching Academy, founded in 2014, offers full fellowships to outstanding students from around the world to pursue a Master's in China Studies. Courses are taught in English, so there is no requirement of Chinese language proficiency. The program is located in the center of the Peking University campus, and is designed to ensure that Yenching Scholars are fully integrated into life at China's premier university.

The Yenching Academy provides a generous postgraduate scholarship that covers tuition fees, a travel stipend for one round-trip journey between each Scholar’s base city and Beijing, accommodations, and living costs on Peking University's campus. The Academy offers a residential program aimed at creating a community of enthusiastic, globally oriented young innovators in the heart of China's top university. Such close proximity to the academic infrastructure of Peking University provides a unique opportunity to participate and fully immerse oneself in the life of the university.

Fellowships for international Yenching Scholars are for twelve months, during the course of which they complete their coursework and may complete the thesis. A limited number of financial aid packages are available for those who wish to remain on campus for a second year. Degrees are granted upon the completion of all coursework and satisfactory defense of the thesis, and are awarded in January and July of each year.

Scholars design their study experience by choosing one of six academic concentrations, and pursue a number of core courses and electives, including field studies. These include:

• Politics and International Relations
• Philosophy and Religion
• Literature and Culture
• Law and Society
• History and Archaeology
• Economics and Management

Complementing academic courses, Chinese language training is provided for all international students, in accordance with their level of proficiency, while foreign language courses are offered to Chinese students.

Who Should Apply?

In addition to an outstanding academic career, as evidenced by transcripts and letters of recommendation, successful applicants will also have been able to show that they have the potential to be leaders in their chosen fields. The admissions committee looks to the personal statement for a well-reasoned and persuasive explanation of how applicants will benefit from being a Yenching Scholar. Interviews with finalists help the committee get a sense of the applicant’s academic and personal qualities, and how well they are suited for the program.

How to Apply

Please visit the Yenching Academy website for more information about applying as either a Chinese national or international student.

More Information

For official information on the Yenching Academy Scholarship, (which supersedes any information provided here) and access to the online application, please visit the official program website.

Related awards: Schwarzman Scholars

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Last updated: May 2017