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China Masters Fully Funded

Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Masters in China Studies at Peking University

The Yenching Academy Scholarship offers fully funded Masters degrees in China Studies at Peking University for 120 students annually, with 75% international enrollment. Open to graduates from any discipline with strong leadership potential and English proficiency.

October 7, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Nov 30, 2026

Quick Overview

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

Scholarship Overview

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Overview

The Yenching Academy of Peking University offers one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships for international students seeking to pursue interdisciplinary graduate study focused on China. Established in 2014, the Academy enrolls approximately 120 new scholars 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.

What the Scholarship Covers

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

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  • Tuition fees – Full coverage for the duration of the program
  • Accommodation – On-campus housing provided
  • Monthly stipend – Living expenses support
  • One round-trip travel fare – International airfare from your home country
  • Field study costs – Research and experiential learning expenses

This funding structure makes the program particularly attractive for students from Zimbabwe and other SADC countries where currency fluctuations and foreign exchange limitations often complicate overseas study.

Degree and Program Structure

The Yenching Academy offers a one-year Masters program in China Studies with an interdisciplinary curriculum. Scholars select from six research concentrations: Economics and Management, History and Archaeology, Philosophy and Religion, Politics and International Relations, Law and Society, and Literature and Culture. The program emphasizes leadership development, with dedicated programming to cultivate global citizenship and cross-cultural competence.

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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:

  • International applicants: Must be non-Chinese citizens with valid passports. Former Chinese citizens who emigrated must present passport/citizenship documents dated before April 30, 2021, plus proof of Chinese nationality cancellation.
  • Applicants from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan: Must provide English proficiency test reports even if previously enrolled in English-taught programs.
  • Mainland Chinese applicants: Apply through Peking University Graduate School; English proficiency test compulsory.

English Language Requirements

All applicants except native English speakers and graduates of English-taught degree programs must submit test scores 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 (Mainland China)
  • TEM 4: Pass level of “良好” or above

Important: The Academy does NOT accept TOEFL MyBest Scores, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, IELTS Indicator, IELTS Online, or IELTS One Skill Retake. Scores must be sent directly from the testing organization with “Yenching Academy of Peking University” designated as recipient.

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)
  • 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 (where applicable)

Application Process and Deadlines

For the 2027 cohort:

  • Application opens: September 1, 2026
  • Application deadline: November 30, 2026, 9:00 am Beijing time

Step-by-step process:

  1. Create an account on the Yenching Academy admissions portal
  2. Complete all required fields and upload documents
  3. Request recommendation letters through the portal (recommenders submit directly)
  4. Arrange for official test scores to be sent directly from testing organizations
  5. Submit application before the deadline

Partner University applicants: Students and alumni from Partner Universities must complete their home university’s internal pre-selection process before applying to Yenching Academy. Check with your institution’s international office.

Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan applicants: Must complete both the Yenching Academy portal application AND a supplementary application through the Peking University Graduate Admissions website.

Selection and Competition

With approximately 120 places and thousands of applications annually, admission is highly competitive. The selection committee evaluates academic excellence, leadership potential, commitment to social responsibility, and the coherence of your research interests with the Academy’s interdisciplinary mission. Strong candidates demonstrate not just intellectual capability but concrete evidence of community impact and cross-cultural engagement.

Contact Information

Admissions:
Tel: 86-10-6274 4510 (Domestic) / 86-10-6276 6358 (International)
Email: yca-admissions@pku.edu.cn

General:
Address: Jingyuan Courtyard 3, Peking University, 5 Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100871
Email: yca@pku.edu.cn

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Official scholarship page: https://yenchingacademy.pku.edu.cn/ADMISSIONS.htm

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

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

Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor's degree holders or final-year students from any discipline; non-Chinese citizens with valid passports (international applicants); outstanding academic record; demonstrated leadership and community engagement; English proficiency

Required Documents

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

Application Process

Create account on Yenching Academy admissions portal; complete application form; upload all documents; request recommendations through portal; arrange direct submission of English test scores; submit by November 30, 2026. Partner university applicants must complete internal pre-selection first. Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan applicants must also complete supplementary Peking University Graduate Admissions application.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You may apply if you are currently enrolled in a Bachelor's program with the expectation of receiving your diploma in August 2027. You must provide a Certificate of Enrollment with your application.
No. The program is taught entirely in English. However, you will have opportunities to study Chinese during your enrollment. English proficiency is required; Chinese language ability is not an admission criterion.
Successful African applicants typically demonstrate: (1) strong academic performance in any discipline; (2) concrete leadership experience in community, university, or professional settings; (3) a clear, specific research interest related to China that connects to your background; and (4) evidence of social responsibility through volunteer work, activism, or community development projects.
The fellowship provides sufficient financial support that part-time work is unnecessary. Peking University regulations and the intensive nature of the one-year program generally preclude external employment. The Academy focuses on full-time academic and leadership development.
You must designate "Yenching Academy of Peking University" as the score recipient when booking your exam. For TOEFL, use institution code C488. The Academy only accepts scores sent directly from the testing organization—not copies or screenshots. Scores must be from tests taken after September 1, 2025.
Shortlisted candidates are typically invited to interview between January and March. Final decisions are usually announced by April. The academic year begins in September 2027. All communications proceed through the admissions portal and registered email.

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