Scholarship Overview
Overview
The Yenching Academy of Peking University is a prestigious postgraduate scholarship program designed for students worldwide who wish to pursue interdisciplinary study of China. Established in 2014, the Academy annually enrolls approximately 120 new scholars, with international students comprising roughly 75% of the student body. The program leads to a Master of Arts in China Studies, combining rigorous academic training with immersive cultural experiences in Beijing.
For African applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, this represents a significant opportunity to gain deep expertise on China—a country increasingly central to Africa’s economic and diplomatic landscape—while studying at one of Asia’s most renowned universities.
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What the Scholarship Covers
The Yenching Academy provides a comprehensive fellowship package to all admitted scholars:
- Tuition fees: Full coverage of program costs
- Accommodation: On-campus housing provided
- Monthly stipend: Living expenses support
- One round-trip travel fare: International airfare to and from Beijing
- Field study costs: Domestic research travel expenses
This fully funded structure removes financial barriers, allowing scholars to focus entirely on their academic and professional development.
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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
English Language Requirements
Applicants must submit scores from tests taken after September 1, 2025:
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- IELTS (Academic): Overall 7.0
- TOEFL (iBT): Overall 100 (institution code: C488)
- Cambridge English Scale (Advanced): Overall 185
- CET 6: Overall 600 (Mainland Chinese applicants)
- TEM 4: Pass level of “良好” or above
Exemptions: International applicants whose native language is English, or who graduated from English-taught degree programs (undergraduate or above), are exempt from testing. However, applicants from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan must provide test scores even if they attended English-taught programs.
Citizenship Requirements for International Applicants
International applicants must:
- Be non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport
- Former citizens of Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan who emigrated must present valid passport/citizenship documents dated before April 30, 2021, plus proof of Chinese nationality cancellation
Required Application Documents
All materials must be submitted 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) from all post-secondary institutions
- Diploma(s) or Certificate(s) of Enrollment
- Two academic letters of recommendation from full professors or associate professors (or equivalent titles) in your intended field of study
- English proficiency test report (unless exempt)
Important note on recommendations: Peking University only accepts letters from professors with full or associate professor rank. Letters must be submitted directly by the professors.
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
For International Candidates (including Zimbabwe/SADC)
- Check partner university status: If you are a current student or alumnus of a Partner University, you must first complete your home university’s internal pre-selection process before applying to Yenching Academy.
- Create an account: Visit the Yenching Academy admissions portal and register for an account.
- Prepare documents: Gather all required materials, ensuring your English test scores meet the post-September 1, 2025 requirement.
- Complete online application: Fill out all sections of the application form and upload documents.
- Request recommendations: Contact two professors in your intended field who hold full or associate professor rank to submit letters directly.
- Submit by deadline: Ensure all materials are submitted by November 30, 2026, 9:00 AM Beijing time.
Application Timeline
- Application opens: September 1, 2026
- Application deadline: November 30, 2026 (9:00 AM Beijing time)
- Intended enrollment: August 2027
Program Structure and Experience
The Yenching Academy emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, combining coursework in Chinese history, philosophy, economics, law, and society with practical engagement. Scholars live together in Jingyuan Courtyard on Peking University’s historic campus, creating a diverse residential community that fosters cross-cultural dialogue.
The curriculum includes field study components, allowing scholars to conduct research across China. Career development support is integrated into the program, with dedicated staff assisting scholars in identifying post-graduation opportunities in academia, government, business, and civil society.
Contact Information
- General inquiries: yca@pku.edu.cn | Tel: 010-6275 3625
- Admissions (International): yca-admissions@pku.edu.cn | Tel: 86-10-6276 6358
- Address: Jingyuan Courtyard 3, Peking University, 5 Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100871
