Yenching Academy of Peking University – Yenching Scholars 2027

About this opportunity

The Yenching Academy is an interdisciplinary graduate college of Peking University in Beijing. Each year it admits about 120 Yenching Scholars, roughly three-quarters of them international, to a two-year Master's in China Studies. Applicants from any field are welcome — you do not need to have studied China or Chinese before, but you must show a serious interest in doing so.

Every admitted student receives the Yenching Fellowship for the first year. It covers tuition, a room in the Academy's campus residence, a monthly stipend, basic medical insurance, research expenses and one round trip between Beijing and a city in your country of nationality. Scholars who keep good academic standing and stay in Beijing can apply for second-year support covering tuition, housing, insurance and a stipend.

International applicants need a Bachelor's degree (or to finish one by August 2027), an outstanding academic record, leadership and community involvement, and English proficiency unless they are native speakers or studied in English. You apply online with a personal statement, a research-interest statement, transcripts and two letters from full or associate professors. Students at partner universities must first go through their own university's pre-selection. Check the official page for the final rules.

Purpose & benefits

• Tuition fees.
• Accommodation in the Yenching Academy residence on campus.
• Monthly stipend and basic medical insurance.
• One round-trip fare between Beijing and a city in your country of nationality.
• Research / field-study expenses.
• Second-year fellowship available on application for scholars who stay in Beijing in good standing.

Eligibility

• Non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport (international track).
• A Bachelor's degree in any field, or due to graduate by August 2027.
• An outstanding academic record, leadership potential and community engagement.
• English proficiency (IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 100 or equivalent), unless you are a native English speaker or graduated from an English-taught degree.

Holders of a Master's degree may apply. Students and alumni of partner universities must use their university's internal pre-selection first.

• Nationality: see the requirements below or the official guidelines.
• Country of residence: any country.
• Where it takes place: China.
• Field of study or work: China Studies (Politics & IR, Law & Society, Economics & Management, History & Archaeology, Literature & Culture, Philosophy & Religion)

Citizenship requirements

Non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport (international track). Former Chinese citizens must meet extra documentation rules.

Required qualifications

Bachelor's degree (any field) by August 2027 and English proficiency.

Who should consider applying

Graduates from any discipline — Nigerians included — with strong grades, leadership experience and a clear reason to study China.

Important restrictions

• You cannot be enrolled in another degree programme while studying at Peking University.
• English test results must be from tests taken after 1 September 2025 and sent directly by the test body; IELTS Online, TOEFL Home Edition and MyBest scores are not accepted.
• Former Chinese citizens have extra documentation rules.

How to apply

1. Check whether your university is a Yenching partner university — if so, go through its internal pre-selection first.
2. Create an account on the Yenching Academy admissions portal.
3. Write the personal statement and statement of research interest, and choose one of the six research areas.
4. Ask two professors in your field to submit recommendation letters, and have your English scores sent directly.
5. Submit by 30 November 2026, 9:00am Beijing time. International finalists are interviewed online in winter or early spring; decisions come around April 2027.

Documents you'll need

• Online application form
• Personal statement (750 words or less)
• Statement of research interest (up to 1,500 words, excluding citations)
• CV
• Official transcripts and diplomas or certificates of enrolment
• Two academic recommendation letters from full or associate professors
• English test score sent directly to the Academy (TOEFL code C488), if required

How applicants are selected

Evaluation looks at academic merit, leadership potential, international experience and long-term aspirations. International finalists have an online interview; final decisions are released around April.

Preparing a strong application

• Explain specifically how studying China connects to your career plans — generic statements are weak.
• Brief your recommenders early; letters must come from full or associate professors in your intended field.
• Book an accepted, in-person English test in time if you need one.