Yenching Academy Scholars Program 2027 | Fully Funded Master’s at Peking University

The Yenching Academy Scholars Program 2027 is one of the world’s most prestigious fully funded fellowship programmes offering outstanding graduates from around the world the opportunity to pursue a two-year Master’s degree in China Studies at Peking University, one of Asia’s top-ranked universities, located in the heart of Beijing, China. The Yenching Academy Scholars Program 2027 provides a comprehensive fellowship covering full tuition, on-campus accommodation, a monthly living stipend, one round-trip international travel fare, basic medical insurance, and research expenses to approximately 120 scholars per year, of whom approximately 75% are international students. Applications for the 2027 cohort are expected to open in September 2026. Apply through the official Yenching Academy portal at apply.yca.pku.edu.cn.

The Yenching Academy at Peking University was established in 2014 as an interdisciplinary graduate programme designed to bring together the world’s most promising young leaders for an immersive, rigorous, and transformative academic experience in China Studies. Scholars choose from six research areas — Economics and Management, History and Archaeology, Philosophy and Religion, Politics and International Relations, Law and Society, and Literature and Culture — and graduate with a Peking University Master’s diploma in China Studies, recognised globally as one of the most authoritative credentials in the field.

Key Highlights

Detail Description

The Yenching Academy of Peking University was established in 2014 as a bold institutional initiative to bring the world’s most talented young leaders to China for an intensive interdisciplinary Master’s education in China Studies. Named after Yenching University — the predecessor institution of Peking University’s campus — the Yenching Academy takes its inspiration from the great tradition of internationally focused scholarship that has defined Peking University since its founding in 1898. The programme was designed to address a fundamental gap in global higher education: as China’s influence in world affairs has grown exponentially, the supply of internationally trained, intellectually rigorous China specialists has struggled to keep pace.

The Yenching Academy assembles a cohort of approximately 120 scholars each year — roughly 75% international and 25% from Mainland China — and immerses them in a demanding curriculum combining coursework, a weeklong field study trip, academic writing, and a Master’s thesis, all set against the extraordinary backdrop of Peking University’s historic campus in Beijing. Yenching Scholars do not simply study China from the outside — they live, work, and learn inside one of China’s great intellectual institutions, developing friendships and professional networks that cross national, disciplinary, and cultural boundaries.

Since its founding, the Yenching Academy has produced alumni who have gone on to PhD programmes at Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, Yale, Duke, the University of Chicago, and Georgetown; careers at UNESCO, UNDP, the European Commission, the British Embassy, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, The Associated Press, and dozens of governments, banks, and international organizations worldwide. A Yenching fellowship is widely recognized as one of the most transformative graduate experiences available to young global leaders today.

Benefits

All admitted Yenching Scholars receive the Yenching Fellowship for the first academic year. The fellowship is one of the most comprehensive graduate funding packages available in Asia:

• Full Tuition: 100% of tuition fees at Peking University are covered for the first year of the programme. Scholars pay no tuition during their first year.
• On-Campus Accommodation: Scholars live in newly renovated rooms in the Shaoyuan 6 dormitory on Peking University’s campus. Most scholars are placed in two-bedroom suites sharing a bathroom with one person of the same gender — an intimate living arrangement that fosters strong bonds within each cohort.
• Monthly Living Stipend: A monthly stipend is provided to cover daily living expenses in Beijing during the first academic year.
• One Round-Trip International Travel Fare: The Yenching Academy provides a travel stipend for one round-trip journey between the scholar’s base city and Beijing. The base city must be a city within the scholar’s country of nationality — the cost is estimated and calculated by YCA.
• Basic Medical Insurance: Comprehensive basic medical insurance is provided for the duration of the first academic year fellowship.
• Research and Field Study Expenses: Costs related to the mandatory weeklong Field Study Trip and approved research activities are covered.
• Second-Year Fellowship: Scholars who maintain good academic standing and plan to remain in Beijing during their second academic year may apply for the second-year Yenching Fellowship.

  The second-year fellowship may include:

  • Tuition coverage
  • Accommodation support, either through on-campus housing or an off-campus housing stipend
  • A monthly living stipend
  • Basic medical insurance

  Students who live on campus and participate in eligible student assistantship roles may also receive additional financial support.

Please note: The second-year fellowship is not automatic and is awarded based on academic standing and eligibility.

Six Research Areas — What You Can Study

Each Yenching Scholar selects one of six research areas in the field of China Studies. This choice determines the type of Master’s diploma issued upon graduation by Peking University:

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Must hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in any field — or be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree programme and on track to graduate no later than August 31, 2027. Peking University does not allow students to be enrolled in other degree programmes simultaneously, so any existing degree programme must be completed before enrollment.
• Outstanding Academic Record: Must have an excellent academic record from undergraduate (and graduate, if applicable) studies. Evaluation heavily weights academic merit — GPA, academic awards, research experience, and quality of academic references.
• Interest in China Studies: Must demonstrate a strong, genuine interest in interdisciplinary study of China and articulate a specific, credible study plan related to career goals. Applicants do not need to have previously studied China or the Chinese language — but must explain clearly why they want to do so at Yenching.
• Leadership and Community Engagement: Must have a record of extracurricular achievement, community engagement, social responsibility, and leadership potential. The programme seeks future leaders — candidates should demonstrate they are already making an impact in their fields or communities.
• English Proficiency: Must meet one of the following minimum English language requirements:
  • IELTS (Academic): Overall 7.0
  • TOEFL (iBT): Overall 100
  • Cambridge English (Advanced): Overall 185
  • CET-6: Overall 600
  • TEM-4: Pass level of “良好” or above

  English tests must be taken after September 1, 2025. TOEFL MyBest Scores, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, IELTS Indicator, IELTS Online, and IELTS One Skill Retake are NOT accepted. Scores must be sent directly from the testing organization — for TOEFL, use institution code C488.

• Native English speakers / English-taught graduates: International applicants whose native language is English, or who have graduated from an English-taught degree programme (undergraduate or above), are not required to provide an English proficiency test report.
• Age: No strict age cutoff. In practice, no applicant over the age of 29 has been admitted to the programme (excluding Zhuoyue Scholarship recipients). The average age of entering scholars is 23.
• Nationality: International applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid foreign passport. Different rules apply to Mainland Chinese applicants and applicants from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan — check the official admissions page for their specific process.
• Previous Master’s Degree: Holding a previous Master’s degree does not disqualify you — approximately 16% of previous Yenching Scholars had already obtained a Master’s degree before joining. However, holding a graduate degree is not favoured in the selection process.

Required Documents

1. Completed online application form — submitted through the Yenching Academy admissions portal at apply.yca.pku.edu.cn
2. Personal Statement — 750 words or less. Should offer specific and persuasive explanations of how you would benefit from Yenching’s interdisciplinary China Studies programme and how it connects to your career goals.
3. Statement of Research Interest — maximum 1,500 words excluding citations. Outlines your intended research focus, chosen research area, and academic plan within the programme.
4. Curriculum Vitae (CV) — detailing academic qualifications, work and research experience, extracurricular activities, and achievements.
5. Official Transcripts — from all universities attended. Must be official documents issued by the institution.
6. Diploma(s) or Certificate(s) of Enrollment — official degree certificate(s) or proof of current enrollment and expected graduation date.
7. Two Academic Letters of Recommendation — must be written by full professors or associate professors (or equivalent titles). Letters must be submitted by professors in the applicant’s intended field of study. Only academic references are accepted — professional references are not sufficient.
8. English Proficiency Test Scores — IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge results sent directly from the testing organisation. TOEFL institution code: C488. Not required for native English speakers or graduates of English-taught degree programmes.

Selection Process and Timeline

About the interview: International finalists are interviewed in the winter or early spring. International candidates can attend interviews online or in person — both are equally accepted. Finalists are contacted approximately one week in advance of the interview date. The interview is conducted in English and assesses academic readiness, research interests, leadership potential, and motivation for studying China Studies at Yenching.

Partner Universities — Apply Through Your Home Institution

The Yenching Academy maintains partnerships with leading universities around the world. Students and alumni of Partner Universities must apply through their home university’s internal pre-selection process before submitting an application to the Yenching Academy. This means you first apply to your home university’s Yenching selection process, and — if nominated — then apply directly to Yenching. Check whether your university is a Yenching Partner University at yenchingacademy.pku.edu.cn/ADMISSIONS/Partner_and_Cooperating_Universities.htm. If your university is not a partner, you can apply directly to the Yenching Academy through the application portal.

Application Process

Step 1: Monitor the Official Admissions Page — Starting Now

The 2027 application cycle is expected to open in September 2026. Go to yenchingacademy.pku.edu.cn/ADMISSIONS.htm regularly from September 2026 onwards to check for the official announcement. You can also contact the Yenching admissions team at yca-admissions@pku.edu.cn or +86-10-6276 6358 to be added to their mailing list for notifications.

Step 2: Check If Your University Is a Partner University

Visit the Partner Universities page to check if your institution has a formal partnership with the Yenching Academy. If it does, contact your university’s international office or scholarship coordinator to ask about their internal Yenching selection process and deadline — which may be several weeks before Yenching’s own deadline. Apply through your university’s internal process first before submitting to Yenching. If your university is not a partner, apply directly through the Yenching portal.

Step 3: Start Writing Your Personal Statement and Research Interest Statement NOW

The personal statement (750 words) and statement of research interest (1,500 words) are the most critical parts of your Yenching application. The personal statement must specifically and persuasively explain how you would benefit from Yenching’s interdisciplinary China Studies programme and how it connects to your career goals. The statement of research interest must outline your specific research focus, your chosen research area, and your academic plan. Start writing now — the strongest statements take multiple drafts over weeks or months. Review profiles of previous Yenching Scholars at yenchingacademy.pku.edu.cn/student.jsp to understand the calibre of applicants selected.

Step 4: Secure Your Two Academic Recommendation Letters

Contact two full professors or associate professors in your intended field of study and give them at least 6-8 weeks to write strong, specific letters. Explain your research interests, your Yenching application, and your career goals clearly. Share your personal statement and research interest statement with each recommender. Letters of recommendation must be submitted by professors — professional references from employers or supervisors are not accepted. Arrange for your professors to submit their letters through the Yenching online portal before the application deadline.

Step 5: Take or Send Your English Proficiency Test Scores

If you need to provide English proficiency scores (i.e. you are not a native English speaker or graduate of an English-taught programme), book your IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge test now — well before the application deadline. Tests must be taken after September 1, 2025. For IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge, scores must be sent directly from the testing organisation — not uploaded by the applicant. For TOEFL, use institution code C488. Do not use TOEFL MyBest Scores, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, IELTS Indicator, IELTS Online, or IELTS One Skill Retake — these are not accepted.

Step 6: Submit Your Application Through the Official Portal

When the 2027 application opens, create an account on the Yenching admissions portal at apply.yca.pku.edu.cn. Complete all required fields, upload all documents, and submit your application before the deadline. After submission, two academic referees will receive instructions for uploading their recommendation letters directly. Monitor your email and the portal regularly for updates about your application status and any interview invitation.

How to Apply

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Yenching Academy Scholars Program 2027?

The Yenching Academy Scholars Program 2027 is a fully funded two-year Master’s degree programme in China Studies at Peking University, Beijing, China. Established in 2014, it enrolls approximately 120 scholars per year — 75% international — from any country and any academic background. The fellowship covers full tuition, on-campus accommodation, monthly stipend, one round-trip international travel fare, basic medical insurance, and research expenses. Applications for the 2027 cohort are expected to open in September 2026. Apply at apply.yca.pku.edu.cn.

2. When do Yenching Academy 2027 applications open?

Applications for the 2027 cohort are expected to open in September 2026, based on previous cycles. The 2026 cohort applications are now closed. Monitor yenchingacademy.pku.edu.cn/ADMISSIONS.htm for the official announcement. The expected application deadline is December 2026 or January 2027. Interviews for international applicants take place in winter or early spring, with admission decisions around April 2027.

3. Is the Yenching Academy fully funded?

Yes. All admitted Yenching Scholars receive the Yenching Fellowship for the first academic year, covering: full tuition, on-campus accommodation in Shaoyuan 6 dormitory at Peking University, a monthly living stipend, one round-trip travel fare between your base city and Beijing, basic medical insurance, and research/field study expenses. Scholars who maintain good academic standing and remain in Beijing during the second year can apply for the second-year fellowship, which covers tuition, accommodation support, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend.

4. Who is eligible for the Yenching Academy Scholars Program?

You are eligible if you hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in any field (or will graduate by August 31, 2027), have an outstanding academic record, demonstrate a strong interest in China Studies, have a record of extracurricular achievement and leadership, and meet the English proficiency requirements (IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL 100 / Cambridge 185 / CET-6 600 / TEM-4 良好 — or are a native English speaker / graduate of an English-taught programme). Non-Chinese citizens of any nationality are eligible to apply as international applicants.

5. Do I need to know Chinese to apply?

No. Knowledge of Chinese is not a requirement for applying to the Yenching Academy. All international scholars are required to take a Chinese language course during their studies (those with high Chinese proficiency can apply to waive this). The programme is conducted in English and all application materials must be submitted in English. However, scholars who already have Chinese language skills will find their academic experience richer and their daily life in Beijing significantly easier.

6. Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree?

Yes — holding a previous Master’s degree does not disqualify you. Approximately 16% of previous Yenching Scholars had already obtained a Master’s degree before joining the programme. However, the selection process does not favour applicants who already hold graduate degrees — the fellowship is primarily designed for those pursuing their first postgraduate degree. Applicants should make a compelling case for why the Yenching Academy specifically meets their academic and career needs despite already holding a graduate qualification.

7. What degree does the Yenching Academy award?

Yenching Scholars receive an official Master’s diploma in China Studies issued by Peking University upon completing all coursework and successfully defending their thesis. The specific degree type depends on the chosen research area: Master of Economics (Economics and Management), Master of History (History and Archaeology), Master of Philosophy (Philosophy and Religion), Master of Law (Politics and International Relations or Law and Society), or Master of Literature (Literature and Culture). Degrees are awarded in January and July of each year.

Final Thoughts

The Yenching Academy Scholars Program 2027 is one of the most exceptional fully funded academic opportunities available to young graduates worldwide — a two-year immersive Master’s experience at one of Asia’s greatest universities, in one of the world’s most dynamic and consequential cities, studying a subject that sits at the very heart of 21st-century global affairs. With a fellowship that covers tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, travel, and medical insurance; a cohort of 120 brilliant scholars from across the world; faculty drawn from Peking University’s finest academic departments; and an alumni network that reaches Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, UNESCO, Google, and the highest levels of government and civil society worldwide — the Yenching Academy offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to understand China from the inside and emerge as a genuinely global leader. Applications for the 2027 cohort are expected to open in September 2026. Monitor yenchingacademy.pku.edu.cn, begin drafting your personal statement and research interest statement today, and contact your two academic referees now — well in advance of the expected December 2026 deadline.

For enquiries, contact the Yenching Academy Admissions team at yca-admissions@pku.edu.cn or call +86-10-6276 6358 (International admissions line). Apply at apply.yca.pku.edu.cn.