Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027 – Fully Funded Master’s in China Studies at Peking University
The Yenching Academy of Peking University runs a two-year, English-taught Master’s in China Studies in Beijing for students from anywhere in the world. Admitted students receive the Yenching Fellowship, a full fellowship for the first academic year covering tuition and accommodation on campus. There is no nationality restriction, and you can apply with a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Deadline: the 2027 cohort portal opened on 1 September 2026. Most published sources give 30 November 2026, 9:00 am Beijing time as the application deadline, and at least one university notice shows the portal staying open until 7 December. Treat 30 November as your real deadline and confirm on the official Yenching Academy admissions page.
What the Programme Offers
- A two-year interdisciplinary Master’s degree in China Studies, taught in English at Peking University
- Fellowship support for the first year, including tuition and campus accommodation
- Study across politics, economics, law, history, culture and society, with Chinese language options for beginners
- A residential cohort drawn from many countries
Eligibility Checklist
- Holding or completing a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
- Strong academic record and a clear interest in China-related study
- Official English proficiency report (for TOEFL, use institution code C488 so scores reach Yenching)
- Two academic recommendation letters
- Not enrolled in another degree programme while studying at Peking University
How to Apply
- Create an account on the Yenching Academy admissions portal and complete the online application.
- Upload your transcripts, diploma or enrolment certificate, CV and personal statements.
- Arrange your two recommenders and your English test report early, since test scores take time to arrive.
- Complete the separate Peking University Graduate Admissions application where it is required for your route. Failing to finish every required step counts as an incomplete application.
- Shortlisted candidates are typically interviewed online between February and March 2027, with final decisions around April to May 2027 and the cohort starting in September 2027.
Tips for a Strong Application
Selectors look for intellectual curiosity and a specific reason to study China from the inside, not a general admiration for the country. Name the questions you want to explore, show how your background prepares you for them, and explain what you will do with the degree afterwards. Start your statements early and get at least one person outside your field to read them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Chinese? No. The programme is taught in English and offers Chinese language study for students of all levels.
Is it open to African applicants? Yes. It is open to international applicants from any country.
Is the second year funded? The fellowship is described as covering the first academic year; check the official page for the current terms of the second year before you plan your budget.
Why the Yenching Academy Stands Out
Most scholarships fund a degree in a subject you already know. Yenching is different because it is built around a single question: how do you understand China as a whole? The curriculum mixes politics, economics, law, history, culture and society, and it places students from many countries in the same residential community at Peking University. That mix of disciplines is the main attraction for applicants who want a career in diplomacy, development, international business, journalism, research or policy, and for graduates who plan to continue to a PhD afterwards.
For applicants from Africa, the programme also offers something practical. China is now one of the largest trading partners and investors across the continent, and professionals who understand how decisions are made in Beijing, and who can read the language and the culture, are scarce. If you are already working on trade, infrastructure, agriculture, education or technology partnerships, the degree gives you a direct route to build that expertise.
Key Dates at a Glance
- 1 September 2026: application portal opens for the 2027 cohort
- 30 November 2026, 9:00 am Beijing time: application deadline given by most published sources
- Early December 2026: some university notices show the portal staying open a few extra days, so do not rely on it
- January to February 2027: shortlist notifications
- February to March 2027: online interviews for shortlisted candidates
- April to May 2027: final admission decisions
- September 2027: the cohort begins at Peking University
Remember that 9:00 am Beijing time is 4:00 am in East Africa on the same date, so convert the time zone carefully and submit at least a full day early.
Complete Documents Checklist
- A completed online application form on the Yenching Academy portal
- Degree certificate or an enrolment certificate if you have not graduated yet
- Official transcripts of your university results
- Official English proficiency report, with scores sent to the institution code given on the portal
- Two academic recommendation letters
- A CV that highlights research, leadership and international experience
- Personal statements and short essays answering the questions on the form
- A passport copy or identification document
- Any additional materials required by the Peking University Graduate Admissions system for your route
Start with the English test and the recommenders. Test scores can take weeks to reach the university, and busy professors need time to write a good letter.
How to Write a Strong Personal Statement
Yenching reads thousands of applications from capable students, so the statement has to be specific. Begin with a concrete experience that made you curious about China rather than a general claim about the country’s importance. Explain what you have already done, such as a research project, a job, a volunteer role, a language course or a visit, and then show what you still cannot explain and why this programme would help you find out. Close with what you will do afterwards in your home country or region. Avoid slogans, avoid repeating your CV, and avoid praising Peking University without saying how it connects to your plans.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Treating 30 November as flexible because the portal appears to stay open
- Forgetting the separate Peking University application step where it applies
- Asking recommenders for letters only a week before the deadline
- Sending test scores to the wrong institution code
- Writing a statement that could be sent to any China-related programme
- Leaving out evidence of leadership and teamwork, which the programme values
Preparing for the Interview
If you are shortlisted, expect an online interview in the first quarter of 2027. Be ready to discuss your statement in depth, a current China-related issue you have followed, how your academic background connects to the programme, and your plans after graduation. Practise answering clearly and concisely, and test your internet connection and camera beforehand.
More Questions Applicants Ask
Can I apply while still finishing my degree? Yes. The programme accepts applicants who hold or are completing a Bachelor’s degree, and you will need proof of enrolment.
Can I work or study elsewhere at the same time? No. Peking University does not allow students to be enrolled in another degree programme while studying there.
What if I am from a partner university? Candidates from partner institutions may need to complete their home university’s internal selection first. Check with your international office.
Is the application free? Fees can change, so read the current instructions on the official admissions page.
Always use the official Yenching Academy website as the final source for instructions, since deadlines and requirements can be updated.
