The Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027 is a prestigious fully funded opportunity for international students who want to pursue a Master’s degree at Peking University in China. The programme brings together talented graduates from different academic and cultural backgrounds to study China and its role in the modern world.
- Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027 Details
- About the Yenching Academy of Peking University
- Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027 Financial Benefits
- Programme Duration
- Available Research Areas
- Degree Awarded
- Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027 Eligibility Criteria
- English-Language Requirements
- Required Documents for Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027
- Selection Process
- Tips for a Successful Application
- Important Application Deadline
- How to Apply for Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027
- Final Thoughts
Successful applicants join an interdisciplinary Master’s programme in China Studies at the Yenching Academy of Peking University. The fellowship covers tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly stipend, basic medical insurance, research expenses and one round-trip travel fare.
Applications for the September 2027 intake opened on 1 September 2026. International applicants must submit their complete applications by 30 November 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Beijing time.
Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027 Details
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Host country | China |
| Host institution | Peking University |
| Scholarship name | Yenching Academy Fellowship |
| Degree level | Master’s degree |
| Field of study | China Studies |
| Programme duration | Two years |
| Funding type | Fully funded |
| Eligible applicants | International and other eligible candidates |
| Applications opened | 1 September 2026 |
| Application deadline | 30 November 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Beijing time |
| Study location | Beijing, China |
| Expected intake | September 2027 |
| Application method | Online |
About the Yenching Academy of Peking University
The Yenching Academy is a postgraduate college within Peking University. It aims to develop future leaders who possess a detailed understanding of China and its relationship with the rest of the world.
The Academy enrols approximately 120 new students each year. International students make up roughly 75% of the student body, creating a diverse environment where scholars from China and other countries study and exchange ideas together.
The Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027 allows students to design their academic pathway within an interdisciplinary China Studies programme. Scholars work closely with academic mentors and participate in lectures, field studies, research activities and cultural programmes.
Students looking for another opportunity in China can explore the USTC Research Internship Program 2027.
Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027 Financial Benefits
All admitted Yenching Scholars receive a generous fellowship during their first academic year. The scholarship includes:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Accommodation at the Yenching Academy House
- A monthly living stipend
- Basic medical insurance
- One round-trip travel fare between the scholar’s base city and Beijing
- Financial support for approved research activities
- Coverage of expenses related to organised field studies
- Access to Peking University’s academic facilities
- Career-development and leadership opportunities
- Participation in academic and cultural events
The round-trip travel allowance is calculated by the Yenching Academy. The applicant’s base city must be located in the country of their nationality.
Students who maintain good academic standing and plan to remain in Beijing during their second academic year may apply for a second-year fellowship. This can include tuition, accommodation or an off-campus housing allowance, basic medical insurance and a monthly stipend.
The Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027 does not publish a fixed monthly stipend amount on its main admissions page. Applicants should rely on the amount stated in their official scholarship or admission offer.
Programme Duration
The Yenching Academy Master’s programme lasts two years.
The initial fellowship is normally offered for the first 12 months. During this period, scholars complete most of their coursework and may begin writing their Master’s thesis.
International students may choose whether to remain in Beijing during the second academic year while completing their thesis and oral defence. Students who maintain good academic standing and continue living in Beijing can apply for the second-year fellowship.
Every scholar must complete all required coursework and successfully defend a Master’s thesis within two years of enrolment.
Applicants seeking another postgraduate scholarship in Asia can also check the GIST Scholarship 2027 in South Korea.
Available Research Areas
The Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027 supports an interdisciplinary Master’s programme in China Studies. Every scholar selects one of the following six research areas:
- Economics and Management
- History and Archaeology
- Philosophy and Religion
- Politics and International Relations
- Law and Society
- Literature and Culture
A scholar’s selected research area helps determine the academic focus of the thesis and the type of Master’s diploma awarded by Peking University.
Students may take elective courses from different research areas. This flexibility allows scholars to examine China from historical, economic, cultural, political, legal and philosophical perspectives.
Degree Awarded
Graduates receive a Master’s diploma in China Studies issued by Peking University. The specific degree type depends on the student’s selected research area.
Possible degrees include:
- Master of Economics in China Studies
- Master of History in China Studies
- Master of Philosophy in China Studies
- Master of Law in China Studies
- Master of Literature in China Studies
All scholars must complete the required credits and successfully defend their Master’s thesis before receiving their degree.
Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027 Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027 should meet the following conditions:
- Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in any academic field.
- Final-year Bachelor’s students may apply if they will receive their degree by August 2027.
- Possess an outstanding academic record.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in the interdisciplinary study of China.
- Show leadership potential and social responsibility.
- Have a record of extracurricular activities or community engagement.
- Demonstrate strong motivation and clear long-term goals.
- Meet the Academy’s English-language requirements.
- Be available to begin the programme in September 2027.
- Not be concurrently enrolled in another degree programme at Peking University.
- International applicants must be non-Chinese citizens holding valid passports.
Applicants do not need to have previously studied China Studies or the Chinese language. However, they should clearly explain why they want to study China and how the programme connects with their future goals.
There is no officially stated strict age limit. However, the Academy explains that, excluding recipients of the Zhuoyue Scholarship, applicants over the age of 29 have generally not been admitted. The average age of incoming scholars is approximately 23.
Students who already hold a Master’s degree may apply. Possessing a previous graduate degree does not provide an advantage during the selection process.
The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship 2027–28 is another valuable opportunity for students planning future doctoral studies in Asia.
English-Language Requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English may need to submit one of the following test results:
- IELTS Academic: minimum overall score of 7.0
- TOEFL iBT: minimum overall score of 100
- Cambridge English Scale Advanced: minimum overall score of 185
- CET 6: minimum overall score of 600
- TEM 4: pass level of “Good” or higher
International applicants whose native language is English or who graduated from an English-taught undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme are generally not required to provide an English-language test report.
English proficiency tests must have been taken after 1 September 2025 for the 2027 application cycle. The Academy does not accept TOEFL MyBest Scores, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, IELTS Indicator, IELTS Online or IELTS One Skill Retake.
IELTS, TOEFL and Cambridge scores must be sent directly by the testing organisation to the Yenching Academy of Peking University. TOEFL applicants should use the institution code C488.
Required Documents for Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027
Applicants must submit the following materials in English:
- Completed online application form
- Personal statement of no more than 750 words
- Statement of Research Interest of no more than 1,500 words, excluding citations
- Updated Curriculum Vitae
- Official academic transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree diploma or certificate
- Certificate of enrolment for current students
- Two academic recommendation letters
- Valid English-language proficiency results when required
- Valid passport information
- Any additional documents requested through the application portal
Both academic recommendation letters must be written by full professors, associate professors or individuals holding equivalent academic titles. The recommenders should work in the applicant’s intended field of study.
The Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027 selection committee places significant importance on academic ability, leadership potential, international experience and the applicant’s long-term aspirations.
Selection Process
The Yenching Academy evaluates applications through a competitive selection process.
The selection committee reviews each applicant’s academic record, personal statement, research interests, recommendations, leadership experience and suitability for the interdisciplinary China Studies programme.
Shortlisted international candidates are invited to an online interview, normally held during the winter or early spring. Finalists are generally contacted approximately one week before their scheduled interview.
Final admission decisions for international applicants are expected around April. Applicants who accept an offer must complete Peking University’s internal admission procedures before receiving their final acceptance letter.
The final Peking University admission letter is normally issued during the summer before enrolment.
International students considering a fully funded Master’s degree in Japan may also explore the APU MEXT Scholarship 2027.
Tips for a Successful Application
The Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027 is highly competitive. Applicants can strengthen their applications by following these tips:
- Explain clearly why China Studies is important to your academic and professional goals.
- Connect your previous education with your proposed research area.
- Prepare a focused and original research-interest statement.
- Demonstrate leadership through specific examples.
- Discuss meaningful community service or extracurricular achievements.
- Choose academic recommenders who understand your abilities and research interests.
- Avoid submitting generic personal statements.
- Check every document carefully before submission.
- Send official English-language scores early.
- Submit the application before the final day to avoid technical problems.
A successful applicant should demonstrate academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, leadership potential and a sincere interest in understanding China.
Important Application Deadline
Applications for the 2027 cohort opened on 1 September 2026.
The official deadline for international candidates and applicants from China’s Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions is:
30 November 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Beijing time
Applicants from partner and cooperating universities may need to complete an internal nomination or pre-selection process at their home institution before submitting the online application.
Candidates should contact their university early because its internal deadline may be earlier than the official Yenching Academy deadline.
How to Apply for Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official Yenching Academy admissions website.
- Review the eligibility and English-language requirements.
- Select one of the six China Studies research areas.
- Create an account on the Yenching Academy application portal.
- Complete the online application form.
- Prepare a personal statement of no more than 750 words.
- Prepare a Statement of Research Interest of no more than 1,500 words.
- Upload your CV, transcripts and degree documents.
- Request two recommendation letters from eligible professors.
- Arrange for your official English-language scores to be sent directly to the Academy.
- Review the complete application carefully.
- Submit the application before 30 November 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Beijing time.
- Monitor your email for an interview invitation or further instructions.
Applicants who are students or alumni of a Yenching Academy partner university must first follow their home university’s internal pre-selection process.
Here are some other great opportunities you can also apply for
UNIL Master’s Scholarship 2027 in Switzerland
University of Coimbra International Students Guide 2026
Wageningen University Scholarships Netherlands 2027
Final Thoughts
The Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027 is an outstanding opportunity for ambitious international students seeking a fully funded Master’s degree at Peking University. The fellowship covers tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly stipend, medical insurance, research costs, field-study expenses and one round-trip travel fare.
The interdisciplinary China Studies programme allows students from many academic backgrounds to explore China’s history, economy, politics, culture, law and international relations.
Applicants should start preparing their personal statement, research-interest statement, academic documents and recommendation letters early. Submit the complete application before 30 November 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Beijing time.
