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.
CURRICULUM
All Yenching Scholars must complete compulsory core courses, includingChina in Transition,Chinese Language,Field Study,Topics in China Studies Lecture Series, andAcademic 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.
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)
FELLOWSHIPS & 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.
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 2021cohort on August 15, 2020, and accepts applications until December4, 2020.
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 CEFR: C1 level
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. Former citizens of the P.R.C., Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan must have switched their citizenship for at least six years before being eligible to apply as an international student. Such applicants will need to provide a non-PRC, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan passport that became valid before April 30, 2015. They will also need to provide proof of their renunciation of Chinese citizenship.
APPLICATION MATERIALS
Each applicant must submit the following materials in English:
· Yenching Academy online application(note that all students and alumni ofPartner Universitiesare required to apply through their universities);
· Personal statement (750 words or less);
· Research proposal (maximum one page);
· Curriculum vitae(maximum two pages);
· Official transcript(s);
· Diploma(s) or Certificate(s) of Enrollment;
· Two letters of recommendation from associate professors and/or full professors (or equivalent titles); can be written in Chinese or English;
· International English proficiency test report(s):
o English proficiency tests must be taken after September 1, 2019;
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, 2020. Applicants must submit all materials before December 4, 2020 (12:00 noon Beijing time).
The Yenching Academy works withPartner Universitiesthat 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 theYenching Academy website.
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.
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.
OTHERS
· Further information about the 2021 cohort application and admissions for international students can be found on theGraduate School of Peking University websiteand on theYenching 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 2021 cohort, the Yenching Academy will ensure these are announced in a timely manner.
CONTACT US
· Email:yca-admissions@pku.edu.cn
· Tel:+86-1-62744510or +86-1-62766358
· Address: Jingyuan Courtyard 3, Peking University, 5 Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China 100871
