Yenching Academy at Peking University

Yenching Academy offers a highly customizable Master's program in China studies for English speakers with varied levels of Chinese language competency.

Overview

The Yenching Academy offers a highly customizable Master’s program in China studies for English speakers with varied levels of Chinese language competency. At the core of the program lies its emphasis on interdisciplinarity and the value it assigns to thinking about China; past, present, and future – from both Chinese and international perspectives. It also aims to push the study of China beyond the boundaries of traditionally defined humanities and social science disciplines, and is designed to incorporate the experiences and intellectual training of its diverse student body.

Scholars are allowed flexibility in the design of their study programs and can choose courses from any of six research areas, one of which they will choose for their theses. A wide range of electives offered by the Academy and other Peking University schools and departments supplements core courses. This interdisciplinary approach encourages dialogue across academic disciplines and creates an environment conducive to innovative and fruitful exchanges of ideas.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be a non-Chinese citizen with a valid passport
  • Have a minimum of Bachelor’s degree in any field

Peking University does not allow students to study in other degree programs whilst studying at the university. Therefore, applicants must ensure that their currently enrolled degree program is awarded no later than August 31 of the year in which they wish to enroll. While candidates are not required to have formally studied China or the Chinese language in the past, they must be strongly interested in doing so at the Yenching Academy, and should articulate a study plan related to their career goals.

Award

All admitted students receive the Yenching Fellowship for the first academic year, which covers tuition, accommodation in the Yenching Academy House, a travel stipend for one round-trip journey between your base city and Beijing, basic medical insurance, a monthly stipend, and expenses related to research. Students who maintain good academic standing and plan to stay in Beijing during their second academic year can apply for the second year Yenching Fellowship. This will cover the tuition, accommodation in the Yenching Academy House, basic medical insurance, and a monthly stipend.

Application Status

Closed (will open in Fall 2024)

National Deadline

TBA

Learn more about the Yenching Academy at Peking University