Peking University Application Information for International Students 
 

University Overview

Founded in 1898, Peking University (PKU) is the first national university in Chinese modern history. Peking University now consists of six faculties: Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, Health Science Center,Economic and Management, and Information and Engineering. The University has 49 colleges and departments, and offers 128 undergraduate programs, 285 graduate programs, and 262 doctoral programs. While still emphasizing fundamental sciences, the university has paid special attention to the development of applied sciences. In December 2019, there were 16,328 undergraduate students, 17,830 postgraduate students and 11,816 doctoral candidates. There were also approximately 6,857 long-term international students from 116 different countries enrolled in various programs on campus; among whom 2,783 were Degree-Seeking students.
 
Peking University is also known for outstanding research facilities and highly qualified teachers and researchers with extensive research interests and in-depth knowledge. Today the University has 3,188 full-time faculties, of whom 1,100 are professors and 889 are associate professors, along with 81 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and 19 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. At present, Peking University has 9 national key laboratories, 124 state key laboratories, 2 national engineering research centers and 10 affiliated hospitals and health centers.
 
The Peking University library is the largest university library in Asia, with a collection of 7.331 million books, as well as Chinese and foreign journals and newspapers. The library also serves as a comprehensive modern information center.
 
Peking University Homepage: www.pku.edu.cn
Homepage of the International Students Division, Office of International Relations: http://www.isd.pku.edu.cn
 
If you are interested in applying for the Medical Sciences program, please contact the Peking University Health Science Center, or visit their website: http://www.bjmu.edu.cn for more information.
 
Study period and Academic Schedule

The normal period of study for each program is as follows: 4 years for undergraduate degrees, 3 years (or in some cases, 2 years) for master's degrees, and 4 years for doctoral degrees. Students may, in particular cases, apply for early or delayed graduation. .
 
Peking University divides every academic year into spring and autumn semesters, with the latter marking the commencement of the academic year. The autumn semester starts in September and ends in January of the following year while the spring semester begins in February and ends in June.  There will be a winter and summer vacation every year. The summer vacation usually lasts 2 months and there are various summer vacation courses available for students. The winter vacation lasts 4 weeks and normally coincides with the Chinese New Year. The starting date of every semester differs yearly, depending on the time of the Chinese New Year. Please check the latest academic calendar for details.

Programs

International students have the following options of study at Peking University:
(1) Undergraduate or graduate degree-granting programs;
(2) Visiting students program (non-degree granting);
(3) Pre-university program;
(4) Short-term language courses or Chinese studies programs.

Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with good health, valid passport, above the age of 18, and should abide by Chinese law and the regulations of Peking University. They should also respect Chinese social customs.

Undergraduate program: Students are required to complete the curriculum within 4 to 6 years and fulfill the designated number of credits. Successful graduates will receive a graduation certificate along with a bachelor's degree, according to the regulation of the Degree Committee.

Master's Program: Students are required to complete the curriculum within 2-3 years, fulfill the designated number of credits, complete a master's thesis and defend it in front of a panel of experts. Successful graduates will receive a graduation certificate along with the Master's degree, according to the regulation of the Degree Committee. The application period is usually in the autumn semester of every year, while the faculty test takes place during the spring semester of the following year (to be notified by respective faculties).

Peking University currently offers 12 master’s programs fully conducted in English, in a variety of areas including international relations, Chinese law, public policy and business administration. Detailed descriptions may be found in respective program brochures.

Doctorate Program: Students are required to complete the curriculum within 4-6 years (under normal circumstances), fulfill the designated number of credits, conduct research, complete the doctoral thesis and defend it in front of a panel of experts. Successful graduates will receive a graduation certificate with the doctoral degree, according to the regulation of the Degree Committee.

Senior Visiting Students Program:  Candidates must have at least a Master's degree. Senior Visiting Students are normally supervised by a professor of the accepting college or department to conduct research on a specific subject. The program is one year, however, upon request the student may be considered for an extension.  Upon graduation, the student will receive a certificate of achievement.

General Visiting Students Program: Candidates must have completed at least one year of undergraduate study at their own university.  The following options are available for joining undergraduate courses or enhancing proficiency in the Chinese language:
 

• GVS1: Overseas Universities with university-wide student exchange agreements may select students of non-Chinese nationality for an exchange program at Peking University for Chinese language courses or specific undergraduate courses.

• GVS2: Overseas Universities with department-wide student exchange agreements may select students of non-Chinese nationality for an exchange program at the related Peking University department for specific undergraduate/graduate courses.

• GVS3: Students may apply for a Chinese language courses or undergraduate courses through individual or group applications. Students for learning Chinese please refer to the Chinese Language Studies Program for more information.

Research Scholars: Candidates must have a doctoral degree or have the title of Associate Professor or higher. Research Scholars will be given access to the university’s resources and be allowed to collaborate with professors of the accepting college or department to conduct specific research. Most successful candidates have established prior contact with professors in their particular fields, anyone wishing to come as a Research Scholar is strongly advised to find a supervisor in advance. Research scholars enjoy flexible application dates and durations of research. The applications can be submitted anytime, and duration of study varies between one month, one semester or  one year. 

Note: For detailed application information, please refer to individual program brochures.
 
Requirement of proficiency in Chinese language:
Chinese Language Studies: No Chinese proficiency requirement.Students learn Chinese at PKU School of Chinese as a Second Language.

Undergraduate Course Studies:Students who plan to take Chinese-taught undergraduate courses should have the certificate of new HSK6 (over 180 points). If the Chinese proficiency does not meet the required standard of the target course of study, students may either take English-taught undergraduate courses for one or two semesters, or learn Chinese at School of Chinese as a Second Language for one or two semesters.

Senior Visiting Students and Research Scholars are not required to take the Chinese language proficiency exam, on the premise that the candidate experiences no obstacles in communicating with their supervisor.

Undergraduates, Master and Doctoral candidates are not required to take the Chinese language proficiency exam.

Application Processing

It takes at least 8 to 10 weeks after the application deadline to send out the formal Letter of Admission. We may inform you to attend an interview or request additional materials according to your application process during this period. If you are accepted, we will send you a Letter of Admission and other relevant documents. To track the progress of your application, please contact the International Students Division either by email or telephone. Due to our limited staff, we may not reply promptly to all enquiries.

Visa
Successful applicants should bring their Letter of Admission and their JW201/202 form to the Chinese consulate or embassy to apply for their Student Visa. A study period of 6 months and above requires an X1 visa. Accepted applicants need to exchange their X1 visas to a Residence Permit at the Office of International Relations within 30 days of arrival in China. If your period of study is less than half a year, you may apply for an X2 visa.

Medical insurance

Peking University’s regulations require that all international students must be medically insured throughout their entire planned period of study. Students are required to purchase the Comprehensive Insurance Plan of Foreign Students provided by Ping An insurance company on the day of registration, which has been recognized and recommended by the Chinese Ministry of Education. Students who do not have valid medical insurance are not allowed to register.

Accommodation information

There are different types of housing facilities for international students at PKU.
 
For further information regarding Zhongguanxinyuan, you are welcome to visit the following website: http://www.pkugv.com, or for specific advice please contact 010-62752288.

Self-funded Students are required to find their own living accommodation. Please note that students who live off campus must register at the local police station.
 
Tuition

 
Estimated cost of living (For your reference)

       Accommodation:               approximately 35,000 RMB/year
       Board (meals):                    approximately 15,000 RMB/year
       Transportation and other miscellaneous costs: approximately 5,000 RMB/year
 
Contact information

International Students Division, Office of International Relations
Henry Building
Peking University, Beijing, 100871
People's Republic of China   

Telephone: Long-term programs:  (86-10)-62751230
                  Short term programs:  (86 -10)-62750592
                  Pre-University programs:  (86-10)-62752611
Fax:            Long-term programs:  (86-10)-62751233
E-mail:        Long-term programs:   study@pku.edu.cn
                  Short-term programs:    shortterm@pku.edu.cn
                  Pre-University program:   yklb@pku.edu.cn
Web site:    http://www.isd.pku.edu.cn
                  http://www.oir.pku.edu.cn
 

[NOTE]: This flyer is available in Chinese, English. If inconsistency occurs, the Chinese version shall prevail.