Yenching Academy Scholarship at Peking University is one of the most prestigious fully funded fellowships in China. Each year, around 120 outstanding students from across the globe are selected to live, study, and learn together in Beijing. With approximately 75% of the student body made up of international students, this programme fosters a truly global community.
The Yenching Academy Scholarship is designed for exceptional graduates who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong interest in interdisciplinary study of China. It provides an enriching environment for students to engage in intellectual and cultural exchange while benefiting from the resources of one of the world’s leading universities.
Scholarship Benefits
Yenching Academy Scholarship provides scholars with a fully funded fellowship package that includes:
- Full tuition coverage.
- Free accommodation at Peking University.
- A monthly stipend for living expenses.
- One round-trip travel fare to and from Beijing.
- Coverage of field study costs.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Yenching Academy Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in any field, or be enrolled in a Bachelor’s programme and on track to graduate by August 31, 2026.
- Demonstrate an outstanding academic record.
- Show a strong interest in the interdisciplinary study of China.
- Provide evidence of extracurricular achievement, community engagement, social responsibility, and leadership potential.
- Meet English proficiency requirements:
- IELTS (Academic): Overall 7.0
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 100
- Cambridge English Scale (Advanced): Overall 185
- CET 6: Overall 600
- TEM 4: Pass level of “良好” or above
- Note: Native English speakers or those with an English-taught degree (undergraduate or above) may be exempt from submitting a test. Mainland Chinese applicants must provide an English test score.:
Application Process
The application process for the Yenching Academy Scholarship is completed online through the official Yenching Academy admissions portal. The steps include:
- Create an account on the Yenching Academy admissions portal.
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit all required documents in English.
- Ensure recommendation letters are submitted by professors directly to the portal.
- Submit the application before the stated deadline.
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Required Documents
Applicants to the Yenching Academy Scholarship must prepare the following materials:
- Completed online application form.
- Personal statement (750 words or less).
- Statement of research interest (maximum 1,500 words, excluding citations).
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Official transcript(s).
- Diploma(s) or certificate(s) of enrollment.
- Two academic recommendation letters from professors (full or associate professors, or equivalent titles).
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable).
English proficiency tests must be taken after September 1, 2024, and scores must be sent directly from the testing organizations.
Selection Process
Yenching Academy Scholarship follows a competitive selection process:
- Applications are screened to ensure eligibility and completeness.
- Academic performance, leadership potential, extracurricular involvement, and research interests are assessed.
- Recommendation letters are carefully reviewed.
- Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for further evaluation.
- Final selections are made, and successful candidates are notified in advance of the programme start date.
Scholarship Duration
Yenching Academy Scholarship typically lasts two years, during which scholars undertake interdisciplinary study, cultural exchange, and research activities at Peking University.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Yenching Academy Scholarship 2026 is December 1, 2025 (9:00 am Beijing Time).
