Applications are open for the 2027 Yenching Academy scholarship at Peking University in Beijing, a fully funded master's programme in China Studies open to graduates of any subject from any country. The deadline is 30 November 2026.
Graphic: Faddabah Newsroom.
The Yenching Academy is an interdisciplinary college of Peking University, one of China's top universities. Each year it admits about 120 scholars, around three-quarters of them from outside China, to study China's history, politics, economy, law and culture while living on campus in Beijing.
- Host: Yenching Academy of Peking University, Beijing, China
- Programme: Master's in China Studies, starting in 2027
- Funding: Fully funded
- Open to: Graduates of any subject, from any country
- Deadline: 30 November 2026, 9:00 a.m. Beijing time (1:00 a.m. GMT, Sierra Leone time)
- Apply: online through the Academy's official portal (link below)
What the scholarship covers
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation on campus
- A monthly living stipend
- One international round-trip air ticket
- Funding for field study trips in China
What you will study
Scholars take a master's in China Studies and choose one of six research areas: Economics and Management; History and Archaeology; Philosophy and Religion; Politics and International Relations; Law and Society; or Literature and Culture. The programme combines classes, research, field trips across China and leadership activities. Teaching is in English, and no Chinese is required to apply.
Who can apply
- Holders of a bachelor's degree in any field, or final-year students who will graduate by August 2027
- Applicants with a strong academic record and a genuine interest in China
- Applicants who can show leadership, community service or other achievements outside the classroom
- You cannot already be enrolled in another degree programme at Peking University
English requirement
You do not need an English test if English is your first language, or if your undergraduate degree (or higher) was taught in English. That means most graduates of universities in Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and The Gambia are likely to be exempt, but check the official guidance before you apply.
Everyone else needs one of these, taken after 1 September 2025:
- IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall
- TOEFL iBT: 100 overall (institution code C488)
- Cambridge English Advanced: 185 overall
Scores must be sent directly by the testing organisation. Home or online editions such as TOEFL Home Edition, TOEFL MyBest, IELTS Online and IELTS Indicator are not accepted.
Documents you need
- Completed online application form
- Personal statement (up to 750 words)
- Statement of research interest (up to 1,500 words, not counting citations)
- CV
- Official transcript(s)
- Degree certificate, or a letter confirming you are a final-year student
- Two recommendation letters from full or associate professors (or equivalent) in your intended field of study
All documents must be in English. Recommendation letters can be in English or Chinese.
How to apply
- Read the admissions guidance on the official website: yenchingacademy.pku.edu.cn
- Ask your two referees early. They submit their letters through the portal, and late letters can sink an application.
- Create an account and submit everything on the official application portal: apply.yca.pku.edu.cn
Faddabah Newsroom tips
- Do not wait for the last day. 9:00 a.m. in Beijing on 30 November is 1:00 a.m. in Freetown, so in practice your deadline is the night of 29 November.
- The research statement matters most. Pick one clear question about China that connects to your own background, for example China's investment in African mining, roads or energy.
- Applying is free. Use only the official portal. Nobody can sell you a place or "process" your scholarship for a fee.
Sources
- Yenching Academy of Peking University: Admissions
- Opportunity Desk: Yenching Academy at Peking University 2027
- Leap Scholar: Yenching Academy Fellowship 2027
- GKS Scholarships: Peking University's Yenching Academy Scholarship is open for 2027
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