Applications are now open for the Yenching Academy Scholarship in China for the 2027 intake. The Yenching Academy is a postgraduate program at Peking University in Beijing, China.
The scholarship is fully funded, meaning it covers major study and living expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, travel costs, a monthly stipend, and field study expenses.
The scholarship is available to Chinese mainland students and international students living outside China. Around 120 new students are selected each year.
Students from all academic backgrounds can apply for the Yenching Academy Master’s program. Applicants who already have a Bachelor’s degree or are currently completing one in any field are eligible to apply.
The scholarship is open to students from around the world. More information about the eligibility requirements, benefits, application process, and deadline is provided below.
Details About Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027
- Host Country: China
- University: Peking University
- Degree Level: Master’s Degree
- Scholarship Duration: 2 Years
- Benefits: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 30th November 2026
Financial Benefits
The YAS Scholarship Covers:
- Expenses related to research.
- Basic Medical Insurance.
- Full Tuition Fees
- Round-trip airfare ticket
- Monthly Stipend
- Accommodation in Yenching Academy House
Why Should You Apply for the Scholarship?
- The scholarship is open to students from mainland China as well as international students.
- Applications are welcome from students across all disciplines.
- 120 scholarships are awarded.
- Yenching Academy does not impose a strict upper age limit for applicants; however, no student over the age of 28 has been admitted to the program.
- International students make up approximately 80% of the Academy’s student body.
- Between 30% and 35% come from Europe, 25% to 30% from the United States and Canada, and 30% to 35% from the rest of the world.
- This scholarship has attracted students from across the globe. Following graduation, 30% of Yenching Academy alumni have pursued doctoral studies at prestigious universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, Yale, Duke, the University of Chicago, Georgetown University, and Peking University.
- Yenching alumni hold positions in a wide range of organizations, including UNESCO, UNDP, the European Commission, and the British Embassy in Beijing. They are also employed by tech giants like Google, Huawei, and Xiaomi, as well as financial institutions, government agencies, and multinational corporations worldwide.
- See Profiles of 2025 Yenching Scholars
- See Profiles of 2024 Yenching Scholars
- See Profiles of 2023 Yenching Scholars
Type of Degree Will Receive
Yenching Academy graduates earn a Master’s degree in China Studies from Peking University.
- Master of Laws in China Studies (Politics & International Relations)
- Master of Laws in China Studies (Law & Society)
- Master of Economics in China Studies (Economics & Management)
- Master of History in China Studies (History & Archaeology)
- Master of Literature in China Studies (Literature and Culture)
- Master of Philosophy in China Studies (Philosophy & Religion)
Research Areas
Yenching Scholars specialize in one of six China Studies research areas and complete a thesis under faculty guidance.
- Economics and Management
- History and Archaeology
- Philosophy and Religion
- Politics and International Relations
- Law and Society
- Literature and Culture
What are the Requirements for the Yenching Scholarship?
- Bachelor’s degree completed or expected by August 31, 2027.
- Strong academic record.
- Interest in interdisciplinary China studies.
- Good involvement in extracurricular activities and community work.
- Shows leadership skills and social responsibility.
- Good English language skills.
Required Documents
- Completed online application form
- Personal statement (750 words or fewer)
- Statement of Research Interest (maximum 1500 words, excluding citations)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Official transcript(s)
- Diploma(s) or Certificate(s) of Enrollment
- Two academic letters of recommendation
- English requirements and minimum Scores:
- IELTS (Academic): Overall 7.0
- TOEFL (iBT): Overall 100
- Cambridge English Scale (Advanced): Overall 185
- CET 6: Overall 600
- TEM 4: Pass level of “良好” or above.
English Proficiency Exemptions
- International applicants whose native language is English or who have completed an English-taught degree (undergraduate or above) are exempt from submitting English proficiency test scores.
- Applicants from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan (HMT) must submit English proficiency test scores, regardless of previous education. Those without scores will be required to take English as a Second Language upon enrollment at Peking University.
- Applicants from Mainland China must submit English proficiency test scores.
- Accepted English proficiency tests must be taken after September 1, 2024.
Application Process for Scholarship
- For Chinese Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Candidates: All students of Yenching Partner Universities must apply through their home university’s internal pre-selection process before applying to the Yenching Academy.
- Candidates from the Chinese regions of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan must apply through the Yenching Academy application portal, as well as complete a supplementary application through the Peking University Graduate Admissions website
- All Other International Candidates: All students of Yenching Partner Universities must apply through their home university’s internal pre-selection process before submitting applications to the Yenching Academy.
- For Mainland Chinese Students: Application Process
