According to the relevant regulations of the Ministry of Education for postgraduate admissions and Peking University, 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’s Program in China Studies 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. Application for the 2024 cohort is open on August 15 until December 3, 2023 (12:00 noon Beijing time).

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants should have:

· Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any field, or be currently enrolled in a Bachelor degree program and be on track to graduate 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, Macao 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, 2018, 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), Certificate(s) of Enrollment, and Overseas Credential Evaluation:

o Diploma(s) and/or Certificate(s) of Enrollment are compulsory for all applicants:

§ Candidates whose official university documents are in languages other than English or Chinese must submit copies of both the original documents and certified English translations. This requirement also applies to diplomas issued in Latin. Please ensure that the translation indicates your degree type (e.g. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree).

o An Overseas Credential Evaluation are required only for offer holders, and are only required for undergraduate degree programs.

§ Candidates who have graduated from a degree program outside of the Chinese Mainland need to provide a Credential Evaluation issued by the CHESICC (中国教育部留学服务中心). Candidates who have graduated from a degree program within the Chinese Mainland need to provide a Credential Evaluation issued by the CSSD (中国高等教育学生信息网).

§ Candidates who have already graduated from an undergraduate degree should submit the Credential Evaluation during the Peking University Office of International Relations (OIR) application stage in April.

§ Candidates who have not yet graduated from an undergraduate degree need to submit the Credential Evaluation, as well as the original copy of the diploma(s), during enrollment in September.

· 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, 2022. Currently, we do not accept TOEFL MyBest Scores, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, IELTS Indicator test, or IELTS Online;

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.