Scholarship Overview
Overview
The Yenching Academy of Peking University offers one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships for graduate study in China. Established to cultivate global leaders with deep understanding of China, the program brings together approximately 120 scholars each year from across the world. For African applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, this represents a rare opportunity to study at China’s top-ranked university with all costs covered.
The Academy emphasizes interdisciplinary study of China across six research areas: Economics and Management, History and Archaeology, Law and Society, Literature and Culture, Philosophy and Religion, and Politics and International Relations. Scholars live and study together in a residential college environment at Peking University’s historic campus in Beijing.
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What the Fellowship Covers
The Yenching Academy provides a comprehensive fellowship package that eliminates financial barriers for admitted scholars:
- Tuition fees – Full coverage for the duration of the program
- Accommodation – On-campus housing provided
- Monthly stipend – Living expenses covered
- One round-trip travel fare – International airfare to and from Beijing
- Field study costs – Research and experiential learning expenses
This funding structure makes the program particularly attractive for African students who might otherwise face significant financial obstacles to studying abroad.
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Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in any field, or be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s program with expected graduation by August 2027
- Demonstrate an outstanding academic record
- Show strong interest in interdisciplinary study of China
- Present evidence of extracurricular achievement, community engagement, social responsibility, and leadership potential
- Meet English proficiency requirements
Nationality-specific requirements:
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- International applicants: Must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport. Former citizens of Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan who have emigrated must present valid passport or citizenship documents dating from before April 30, 2021, plus proof of cancellation of Chinese nationality.
- Applicants from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan: Must provide English proficiency test reports even if they attended English-taught programs; otherwise, they must take English as a Second Language after enrollment.
- Mainland Chinese applicants: English proficiency test report is compulsory.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following tests taken after September 1, 2025:
- IELTS (Academic): Overall 7.0
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 100 (institution code: C488)
- Cambridge English Scale (Advanced): Overall 185
- CET 6: Overall 600 (Chinese Mainland applicants)
- TEM 4: Pass level of “良好” or above
Exemptions: International applicants whose native language is English, or who have graduated from an English-taught degree program (undergraduate or above), are not required to submit test scores.
Important restrictions: The Academy does not accept TOEFL MyBest Scores, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, IELTS Indicator, IELTS Online, or IELTS One Skill Retake. For IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge tests, scores must be sent directly from the testing organization to “Yenching Academy of Peking University.”
Required Application Documents
All materials must be submitted in English through the online application portal:
- Completed online application form
- Personal statement (750 words maximum)
- Statement of Research Interest (maximum 1,500 words, excluding citations)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Official transcript(s)
- Diploma(s) or Certificate(s) of Enrollment
- Two academic letters of recommendation
Recommendation letter requirements: Peking University only accepts letters written by full professors or associate professors (or equivalent titles). Recommenders must be in the applicant’s intended field of study. Letters may be submitted in Chinese or English.
How to Apply
Step 1: Create an account on the Yenching Academy admissions portal.
Step 2: Complete the online application form and upload all required documents.
Step 3: Ensure English test scores are sent directly from testing organizations (for applicable applicants).
Step 4: Submit by the deadline.
For Partner University applicants: All students and alumni of Partner Universities must first complete their home university’s internal pre-selection process before submitting to Yenching Academy.
For Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan applicants: Must apply through both the Yenching Academy portal and complete a supplementary application through the Peking University Graduate Admissions website.
For Mainland Chinese applicants: Application information is available through the Graduate School of Peking University website.
Key Dates
- Application opens: September 1, 2026
- Application deadline: November 30, 2026, 9:00 AM Beijing time
- English test validity: Tests must be taken after September 1, 2025
Contact Information
General inquiries:
Email: yca@pku.edu.cn
Tel: 010-6275 3625
Admissions:
Email: yca-admissions@pku.edu.cn
Tel (Domestic): 86-10-6274 4510
Tel (International): 86-10-6276 6358
Address:
Yenching Academy of Peking University
Jingyuan Courtyard 3
5 Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District
Beijing, 100871, China
