According to the relevant regulations of the Ministry of Education for postgraduate admissions and Peking University’s “2023 Application Information of Master’s Degree and Ph.D Degree for International Students”, Yenching Academy of Peking University accepts foreign students to study a master's degree in China Studies using the method of “Application and Review System.”

1. ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Yenching Academy of Peking University aims to build bridges between China and the rest of the world through an interdisciplinary Master's program in China Studies. This initiative brings together young people who have demonstrated a talent for leadership and innovation. At Yenching, they are immersed in an intensive learning environment where they can explore China and its role in the world — past, present, and future. The Academy's goal is to shape new generations of global citizens with a nuanced understanding of China.

Yenching Academy is a fully-funded residential program offering a wide array of interdisciplinary courses on China within the Humanities and Social Sciences. Working closely with their academic advisors, Yenching Scholars have the flexibility to create their own study paths by choosing from six research areas and a variety of extracurricular activities. Studying at the Academy represents a unique opportunity not only for intercultural and academic exchange, but also for personal and professional development.

2. CURRICULUM

Yenching Scholars must complete all required credits within the first academic year. After completion of credits, scholars will work on a thesis during the second academic year, in which they need to pass a thesis defense as well as obtain approval from the Peking University Academic Degree Committee before awarded a diploma and degree.

All Yenching Scholars must complete compulsory core courses, including China in Transition, Chinese Language, Field Study, Topics in China Studies Lecture Series, and Academic Writing.

Working closely with their academic advisors, Yenching Scholars have the flexibility to create their own study paths by choosing from six research areas, elective courses taught by Peking University faculty and a variety of extracurricular activities.

3. RESEARCH AREAS

Research Areas offered in the Yenching Academy include:

· China Studies (Economics and Management)

· China Studies (History and Archaeology)

· China Studies (Law and Society)

· China Studies (Literature and Culture)

· China Studies (Philosophy and Religion)

· China Studies (Politics and International Relations)

4. FELLOWSHIP & STUDY TIMEFRAME

The Yenching Academy Master of China Studies Program is two years in duration. All admitted students will receive the Yenching Fellowship and are required to live on campus for the first academic year. The Yenching Fellowship covers tuition fees, on-campus accommodation, a travel stipend for one round-trip journey between the student’s base city and Beijing, a monthly stipend, medical insurance and expenses for designated research trips.

Scholars who maintain good academic standing and continue to live in Beijing can apply for the second-year Yenching Fellowship, which covers tuition fees, on-campus accommodation or an off-campus housing stipend, a monthly stipend, and medical insurance.

5. APPLICATION

Yenching Academy annually enrolls approximately 120 new students from both China and abroad, to study, live, and learn together. It opens its application system to applicants for the 2023 cohort on August 15, and accepts applications until November 27, 2022 (12:00 noon Beijing time).

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants should have:

· Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any field or currently enrolled on a degree program awarded no later than August 31 of the year in which they wish to enroll;

· An outstanding academic record;

· Strong interest in interdisciplinary study of China;

· A record of extracurricular achievement, community engagement, social responsibility, and leadership potential;

· English proficiency requirements and minimum scores:

o IELTS (Academic): Overall 7.0

o TOEFL (iBT): Overall 100

o Cambridge English Scale (Advanced): Overall 185

o Native English speakers and students or alumni of primarily English taught degree programs (undergraduate or above) are not required to provide English proficiency test scores.

· Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport. Residents of the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan who have emigrated to other countries and are applying to Peking University as international students must present valid passport or citizenship documents dating from before April 30, 2017, along with proof of cancellation of Chinese nationality.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Each applicant must submit the following materials in English:

· Yenching Academy online application (note that all students and alumni of Partner Universities are required to apply through their universities);

· Personal statement (750 words or less);

· Statement of Research Interest (maximum 1500 words, excluding citations);

· Curriculum vitae (maximum two pages);

· Official transcript(s);

· Diploma(s) or Certificate(s) of Enrollment;

· Two academic letters of recommendation (Chinese or English):

o Peking University will only accept recommendation letters written by full professors or associate professors (or equivalent titles).

· International English proficiency test report(s):

o TOEFL and IELTS English proficiency tests must be taken after September 1, 2021. Currently, we do not accept TOEFL MyBest Scores and results from TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition;

o Submission of English scores: For IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge tests, we will only accept scores sent directly to us from these organizations. Make sure you choose “Yenching Academy of Peking University” as the designated recipient of your scores when you book the exam time. For TOEFL, use the institution code: C488.

PROCEDURES

International candidates may begin to submit applications on August 15, 2022. Applicants must submit all materials before November 27, 2022 (12:00 noon Beijing time).

The Yenching Academy works with Partner Universities that conduct application processes and nominate outstanding candidates for consideration. All students and alumni of Partner Universities are required to apply through both their universities' processes and the Yenching Academy admissions portal.

For detailed application procedures, please visit the Yenching Academy website.

6. APPLICATION SCREENING AND INTERVIEW

Application screening is completed by the Admissions Committee within the Yenching Academy. Finalists will be invited for interviews during winter and early-spring, and invitations will normally be sent out approximately one week in advance. Interviews can be done remotely online or in person at Peking University.

7. ADMISSIONS

Applications of those who successfully pass the interview will be reviewed by the Graduate School of Peking University. Upon obtaining approval of admissions from the Graduate School, the offers of admission will be mailed out by the end of June of the enrollment year.

8. OTHERS

· Further information about the 2023 cohort application, admissions and visa application for international students can be found on the Graduate School of Peking University website and on the Yenching Academy website.

· Students are not allowed to be enrolled in other programs or universities when enrolled in Peking University.

· In circumstances where Peking University has amended the policies on admissions and/or enrollment for the 2023 cohort, the Yenching Academy will ensure these are announced in a timely manner.

CONTACT US

· Email: yca-admissions@pku.edu.cn

· Tel: +86-1-6274 4510 or + 86-1-6276 6358

Address: Jingyuan Courtyard 3, Peking University, 5 Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China 100871