Yenching Academy Scholars Program 2026/2027 | Fully Funded Master’s at Peking🇨🇳

You want a master’s that opens doors across Asia and the world. You also want full funding, a powerful alumni network, and the credibility of a global top university. This is that opportunity.

The Yenching Academy Scholars Program at Peking University offers a fully funded two-year Master’s in China Studies. Tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, one round-trip travel, and medical insurance are covered. Applications for the 2027 cohort open in 2026. If you are a high-achieving final-year student or recent graduate, this is your chance to study in Beijing with all costs covered.

Competition is strong, but the program is designed for international talent. Foreigners welcome. Apply early and submit a sharp research vision. Here’s how to win your spot.

Why this scholarship stands out

Yenching Academy blends rigorous academic training with real-world exposure. You choose one of six research areas, study with top faculty, and build leadership skills through fieldwork, lectures, and China-focused seminars. The program brings together scholars from every continent, so your classroom is truly global.

It’s fully funded, hosted at Peking University, and recognized by employers, governments, NGOs, and PhD programs worldwide. If you want to deepen your expertise on China and Asia while keeping your career options wide open, this is one of the strongest master’s offers available now.

Program overview

Host University	Peking University (Yenching Academy), Beijing, China
Degree	Master’s in China Studies (two-year program)
Funding	Fully Funded: tuition, on-campus accommodation, monthly stipend, one round-trip travel, medical insurance
Eligibility	Open to graduates worldwide from any nationality and academic background
Intake	2027 cohort
Application Window	2026
Application Portal	apply.yca.pku.edu.cn
Language of Instruction	Primarily English, with Chinese language study opportunities

What the scholarship covers

• Full tuition for the entire program duration
• Accommodation in Yenching Academy’s on-campus housing
• Monthly stipend to support living costs in Beijing
• One round-trip travel to and from Beijing at the start/end of your program
• Comprehensive medical insurance for enrolled scholars

Additional academic support may include funding for field research, conferences, and special projects, subject to Academy policies.

Six research areas — what you can study

• Economics and Management — China’s markets, development, business strategy, and policy
• Politics and International Relations — governance, foreign policy, regional and global geopolitics
• Law and Society — legal systems, social change, public policy, and institutions
• Philosophy and Religion — intellectual history, belief systems, and ethics
• History and Archaeology — China’s past, material culture, and historical transformations
• Literature and Culture — language, media, arts, and contemporary cultural trends

You will choose a primary concentration and can take interdisciplinary electives across the Academy and wider Peking University.

Who can apply

Education	Bachelor’s degree completed, or final-year undergraduate expected to graduate by 2027
Academic Excellence	Strong GPA and evidence of research potential
Nationality	Open to all nationalities; foreigners welcome
Background	Any field accepted; prior China studies helpful but not required
English Proficiency	Valid proof of English ability (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL/Cambridge) unless exempt by an English-medium degree
Leadership & Motivation	Demonstrated leadership, community impact, and a clear plan for study and career
Age	No official age limit stated; recent graduates and early-career professionals typically apply

Required documents

• Online application form via apply.yca.pku.edu.cn
• Curriculum Vitae or resume
• Personal statement outlining your goals and why Yenching Academy
• Research proposal indicating your intended concentration and topic
• Official academic transcripts
• Two recommendation letters submitted by referees
• Proof of English proficiency, if required
• Passport biodata page
• Writing sample or academic essay, if requested

Prepare your statements early. Your personal statement should show direction, and your research proposal must be focused, feasible, and aligned with faculty expertise.

Selection process and timeline

• Application review in 2026: Academic record, research fit, leadership, and references are evaluated.
• Interview in 2027: Shortlisted candidates are invited for an online interview.
• Final decision in 2027: Offers are sent by email with next steps for enrollment and visa.
• Onboarding in 2027: Pre-arrival guidance, housing allocation, and orientation at Peking University.

Exact timing can vary each cycle. Check your email and the portal regularly after you submit.

How to apply

1. Create an account at apply.yca.pku.edu.cn.
2. Choose your application route: direct application or partner-university nomination (if available at your institution).
3. Complete all sections: personal info, education history, honors, leadership, and proposed research area.
4. Upload documents: transcripts, CV, personal statement, research proposal, passport, and English test results if required.
5. Register your referees: Yenching will email them instructions to upload letters to the portal.
6. Review and submit: double-check accuracy, especially research area and contact details.
7. Track your application: monitor the portal and your email for updates or interview invitations.
8. Prepare for interview: know your research proposal, show regional awareness, and connect your goals to Yenching’s resources.

There is typically no application fee for the Yenching Academy online application. Always verify on the portal before submitting.

Partner universities — apply through your home institution

Yenching Academy works with selected partner universities worldwide. If your university has a partnership, you may be able to apply via an internal nomination process in addition to submitting the online application. Partner-nominated candidates follow each home institution’s internal timeline and instructions, then complete the Yenching portal submission.

• Check with your international office or scholarships office to confirm partnership status.
• Follow any internal deadlines for nomination, which may occur before the Yenching portal closing date.
• Even if you are nominated, ensure all documents are uploaded to the Yenching portal on time.

If your university is not a partner, you can apply directly as an independent applicant. Both routes are competitive and fully considered.

Deadline

Applications for the 2027 intake open in 2026. Visit the official website for the current deadline.

FAQs

Is the Yenching Academy scholarship fully funded?

Yes. It covers tuition, on-campus accommodation, a monthly stipend, one round-trip travel, and medical insurance for the duration of the program.

Do I need Chinese language skills to apply?

No. The program is primarily taught in English. Chinese language study opportunities are available after admission and are encouraged.

Can final-year undergraduates apply?

Yes. You can apply if you will complete your bachelor’s degree by 2027 and can provide final transcripts before enrollment.

What English tests are accepted?

Yenching Academy accepts widely recognized tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge qualifications. You may be exempt if your prior degree was taught in English. Check the portal for the latest test policy.

Is there an application fee?

The Yenching Academy portal typically does not charge an application fee. Confirm on apply.yca.pku.edu.cn during your application.

Can I apply without a China-related undergraduate degree?

Yes. Applicants from any academic discipline are welcome. Your research proposal should clearly connect your background to your chosen concentration in China Studies.

Pro tips to strengthen your application

• Write a focused research proposal with a clear question, method, and why Yenching is the right fit.
• Choose referees who can assess your research potential and leadership, not just confirm grades.
• Show impact: awards, projects, internships, publications, or community leadership count.
• Align your statement with one of the six research areas and potential faculty interests.
• Proofread everything and submit well before the final deadline to avoid portal rush.

Where to apply

All applications are submitted online at the official portal: apply.yca.pku.edu.cn. For program details and updates, also check the Academy’s site via Peking University.

Final call

This is a rare, fully funded master’s at a world-class university in Beijing. If you are serious about China, policy, culture, business, or global affairs, the Yenching Academy Scholars Program 2026/2027 is your moment. Start your documents now and apply at apply.yca.pku.edu.cn. Seats are limited. Apply now and put yourself in the 2027 cohort.