Applications are now open for the Yenching Academy Scholarship 2026 at Peking University, one of the most prestigious universities in Beijing, China. This fully funded scholarship offers international students and Chinese mainland students the chance to pursue a Master’s degree in China Studies with no restriction on academic background.
Every year, around 120 outstanding scholars from across the globe are selected to join the program. The scholarship covers all expenses including tuition, accommodation, travel costs, research funding, and a monthly stipend—making it one of the most competitive postgraduate opportunities in Asia.
Details of Yenching Academy Scholarship 2026
- Host Country: China
- Host University: Peking University, Beijing
- Degree Level: Master’s Degree
- Program Duration: 2 Years
- Scholarship Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
Financial Coverage
The Yenching Academy Scholarship 2026 provides:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly living stipend
- Round-trip airfare to Beijing
- Accommodation in Yenching Academy dorms
- Field study and research expenses
- Basic medical insurance
Why Apply for the Yenching Academy Scholarship?
- Open to both Chinese mainland and international students.
- No restriction on academic background – applicants from any field can apply.
- Around 120 scholarships available each year.
- No strict age limit, though most admitted scholars are under 28 years old.
- An 80% international student body with strong representation from Europe, North America, and other regions.
- Graduates pursue PhDs at world-leading universities such as Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, and Yale.
- Alumni work at organizations like UNESCO, UNDP, Google, Huawei, European Commission, embassies, and multinational corporations.
Degrees Offered
Yenching Scholars graduate with a Master’s in China Studies at Peking University. Available tracks include:
- Master of Laws in China Studies (Politics & International Relations)
- Master of Laws in China Studies (Law & Society)
- Master of Economics in China Studies (Economics & Management)
- Master of History in China Studies (History & Archaeology)
- Master of Literature in China Studies (Literature & Culture)
- Master of Philosophy in China Studies (Philosophy & Religion)
Research Areas
Students specialize in one of six China Studies research areas:
- Economics and Management
- History and Archaeology
- Philosophy and Religion
- Politics and International Relations
- Law and Society
- Literature and Culture
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Yenching Academy Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or be on track to graduate by August 31, 2026.
- Have an excellent academic record.
- Show strong interest in interdisciplinary China Studies.
- Demonstrate community engagement, leadership potential, and social responsibility.
- Be proficient in English.
Required Documents
- Online application form
- Personal statement (max. 750 words)
- Statement of Research Interest (max. 1500 words, excluding references)
- CV / Resume
- Official academic transcripts
- Degree certificate(s) or proof of enrollment
- Two academic recommendation letters
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, CET-6, or TEM-4) unless exempt
English Language Requirements
- IELTS (Academic): 7.0 overall
- TOEFL iBT: 100 overall
- Cambridge English Advanced: 185 overall
- CET 6: 600
- TEM 4: “良好” or above
Exemptions apply to applicants who completed an English-taught degree.
Application Process
- Chinese Mainland Applicants: Apply directly through Peking University’s Graduate Admissions portal.
- Hong Kong, Macao & Taiwan Applicants: Apply via both the Yenching Academy portal and Peking University Graduate Admissions.
- International Applicants: Apply through the Yenching Academy application portal. Students from Yenching Partner Universities may need to undergo an internal nomination process.
Check other opportunities:
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University of Twente Scholarship 2026 in the Netherlands | Study in Europe
World Bank Government Analytics Fellowship 2026 in USA | Fully Funded
