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China Masters Fully Funded

Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Master’s at Peking University

The Yenching Academy Scholarship offers fully funded master's study at Peking University for 120 scholars annually, with 75% international students. Covers tuition, housing, monthly stipend, and travel for interdisciplinary China studies.

September 17, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Nov 30, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountryChina
University/OrgPeking University
Degree LevelMasters
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyArchaeology, China Studies, Economics, History, Philosophy
DeadlineNovember 30, 2026

Scholarship Overview

Overview

The Yenching Academy of Peking University offers one of the most prestigious fully funded master’s scholarships for students worldwide. The program enrolls approximately 120 new students each year, with international students comprising roughly 75% of the student body. For African applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, this represents a rare opportunity to study at China’s top-ranked university with complete financial support.

The scholarship supports interdisciplinary study of China across six research areas: Economics and Management, History and Archaeology, Philosophy and Religion, Politics and International Relations, Law and Society, and Literature and Culture.

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What the Fellowship Covers

The Yenching Academy provides a comprehensive fellowship package that eliminates all financial barriers:

  • Tuition fees – Full coverage for the duration of study
  • Accommodation – On-campus housing provided
  • Monthly stipend – For living expenses
  • One round-trip travel fare – International airfare to and from Beijing
  • Field study costs – Research and experiential learning expenses

This fully funded structure makes the program particularly valuable for African students seeking world-class education without personal financial burden or graduate debt.

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Eligibility Requirements

Academic Qualifications

  • Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in any field, OR
  • Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s program with expected graduation by August 2027
  • Outstanding academic record

Personal Attributes

  • Strong interest in interdisciplinary study of China
  • Record of extracurricular achievement
  • Community engagement and social responsibility
  • Leadership potential

Citizenship Requirements

International applicants (including Zimbabwe/SADC):

  • Must be non-Chinese citizens with valid passport
  • Former Chinese citizens who emigrated must present passport/citizenship documents dated before April 30, 2021, plus proof of Chinese nationality cancellation

Important restriction: Peking University does not allow dual enrollment. You cannot be registered in another degree program while studying at Yenching Academy.

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English Language Requirements

All applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through one of these tests (taken after September 1, 2025):

  • IELTS (Academic): Overall 7.0
  • TOEFL iBT: Overall 100 (institution code: C488)
  • Cambridge English Scale (Advanced): Overall 185

Exemptions: International applicants whose native language is English, or who graduated from an English-taught degree program (undergraduate or above), are exempt from testing.

Not accepted: TOEFL MyBest Scores, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, IELTS Indicator, IELTS Online, or IELTS One Skill Retake.

Required Application Documents

Submit all materials in English through the online portal:

  • Completed online application form
  • Personal statement (750 words maximum)
  • Statement of Research Interest (1,500 words maximum, excluding citations)
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Diploma(s) or Certificate(s) of Enrollment
  • Two academic letters of recommendation

Recommendation Letter Requirements

  • Must be written by full professors or associate professors (or equivalent titles)
  • Must come from professors in your intended field of study
  • May be submitted in Chinese or English

Score Submission

For IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge tests, scores must be sent directly from the testing organization. Select “Yenching Academy of Peking University” as the designated recipient when booking your exam.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Check Partner University Status

If you are a student or alumnus of a Partner University, you must first apply through your home university’s internal pre-selection process before submitting to Yenching Academy.

Step 2: Create Application Account

Visit the Yenching Academy admissions portal and create an account. Detailed instructions become available after account creation.

Step 3: Prepare Documents

Gather all required materials, ensuring your research statement clearly articulates your interdisciplinary interests related to China.

Step 4: Submit Online Application

Complete all sections and upload documents before the deadline.

Step 5: Track Application Status

Monitor your portal for updates and interview invitations.

Application Timeline

  • Application opens: September 1, 2026
  • Application deadline: November 30, 2026, 9:00 AM Beijing time
  • Intended enrollment: 2027 cohort

African applicants should note the Beijing time zone conversion—9:00 AM Beijing time is approximately 3:00 AM in Harare, Zimbabwe. Submit well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.

Contact Information

Admissions (International):
Tel: +86-10-6276 6358
Email: yca-admissions@pku.edu.cn

General Inquiries:
Email: yca@pku.edu.cn

Address:
Yenching Academy of Peking University
Jingyuan Courtyard 3
5 Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District
Beijing, 100871, China

Funding Coverage

Full tuition, on-campus accommodation, monthly living stipend, one round-trip international airfare, field study costs

Eligibility Criteria

Non-Chinese citizens with Bachelor's degree or expected graduation by August 2027; outstanding academic record; leadership potential; English proficiency

Required Documents

Online application form, personal statement (750 words), research interest statement (1500 words), CV, official transcripts, diploma/enrollment certificate, two academic recommendation letters from full/associate professors, English test scores (if applicable)

Application Process

1) Partner university students must complete internal pre-selection first. 2) Create account on Yenching Academy admissions portal. 3) Submit all documents in English. 4) Ensure test scores sent directly from testing organizations. 5) Submit before November 30, 2026 deadline.
Apply Now — Official Website

You will be redirected to the official scholarship application page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You may apply while enrolled in a Bachelor's program if you expect to receive your diploma by August 2027. You must submit a Certificate of Enrollment as part of your application.
No. The program is taught entirely in English. However, you must meet English proficiency requirements through IELTS (7.0), TOEFL iBT (100), or Cambridge English (185), unless you qualify for an exemption as a native English speaker or graduate of an English-taught program.
The Yenching Academy enrolls approximately 120 students annually, with 75% international students. While specific acceptance rates by region are not published, the program actively seeks global diversity. Strong academic records, clear research interests in China, and demonstrated leadership significantly improve your prospects.
No. Peking University prohibits dual enrollment. You cannot be registered in another degree program while studying at Yenching Academy. The monthly stipend is intended to cover living expenses without requiring additional employment.
Scores must be sent directly from the testing organization. For TOEFL, use institution code C488. For all tests, select 'Yenching Academy of Peking University' as the designated recipient when booking your exam. Self-reported scores are not accepted.
Late applications are not accepted. The deadline is fixed at November 30, 2026, 9:00 AM Beijing time (approximately 3:00 AM in Zimbabwe). You must wait for the next application cycle to apply for the 2028 cohort.

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