Study in China for Free With the Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027

Applications are open for the Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027 at Peking University in Beijing, China.

The Yenching Academy offers a fully funded postgraduate scholarship for outstanding students from China and around the world. The programme provides financial support covering tuition, accommodation, travel, a monthly stipend, research expenses and medical insurance.

Around 120 new scholars are selected each year.

Scholarship Details

University: Peking University
Academy: Yenching Academy
Country: China
Location: Beijing
Degree: Master’s Degree
Duration: 2 years
Funding: Fully Funded
Eligible Applicants: Chinese mainland and international students
Deadline: November 30, 2026
Scholarships: Approximately 120

Financial Benefits

The Yenching Academy Scholarship covers:

Full tuition fees
Monthly stipend
Round-trip airfare
Accommodation at Yenching Academy House
Research-related expenses
Basic medical insurance

About Yenching Academy

Yenching Academy is a postgraduate college at Peking University that brings together students from different countries and academic backgrounds.

The programme focuses on interdisciplinary China Studies, allowing scholars to explore China from different academic and cultural perspectives while studying alongside an international student community.

Master’s Degree and Research Areas

Yenching Scholars specialize in one of six research areas:

Economics and Management
History and Archaeology
Philosophy and Religion
Politics and International Relations
Law and Society
Literature and Culture

Depending on their research area, scholars may earn a master’s degree in fields such as China Studies, Law, Economics, History, Literature or Philosophy.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should:

Have a Bachelor’s degree or be currently completing one
Complete their Bachelor’s degree no later than August 31, 2027
Have an excellent academic record
Demonstrate strong interest in interdisciplinary China Studies
Show extracurricular involvement, community engagement and social responsibility
Demonstrate leadership potential
Meet the required English language proficiency

There is no strict official age limit, although the programme notes that applicants over 28 have generally not been admitted.

English Language Requirements

Accepted English tests include:

IELTS Academic: Overall 7.0
TOEFL iBT: Overall 100
Cambridge English Scale: Overall 185
CET 6: 600
TEM 4: Pass level of “良好” or above

English Test Exemption

International applicants may be exempt from submitting an English test score if English is their native language or they completed an undergraduate or higher degree taught in English.

For applicants who need to submit a test, scores must generally be from tests taken after September 1, 2024.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

Online application form
Personal statement of 750 words or fewer
Statement of Research Interest of up to 1,500 words
Curriculum vitae
Official academic transcripts
Diploma or certificate of enrollment
Two academic recommendation letters
English language test score, where required

Application Process

The application route depends on your location and university.

International Applicants: Students from partner universities may need to complete their university’s internal pre-selection process before applying to Yenching Academy.
Other eligible international applicants should submit their application through the Yenching Academy application portal.
Applicants From Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan: should complete the required application through the Yenching Academy portal and the Peking University Graduate Admissions system.
Mainland Chinese Applicants: Mainland Chinese students should follow the Peking University graduate admissions process.

Important Deadline

November 30, 2026

Applicants should check their specific application route and university requirements before submitting their application.

Why Apply?

The Yenching Academy Scholarship offers students the opportunity to: