Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027–2028 in China | Fully Funded Master’s Opportunity at Peking University

The Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027–2028 at Peking University in China is an outstanding opportunity for international students seeking an interdisciplinary postgraduate education focused on China. The prestigious Yenching Academy Fellowship provides financial support to selected scholars, including tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly stipend, one round-trip travel fare, and field study costs.

Applications for the 2027 cohort of Yenching Scholars opened on September 1, 2026, and the application deadline is November 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Beijing time.

The Yenching Academy Scholarship is designed for academically outstanding graduates who demonstrate a strong interest in interdisciplinary studies of China, leadership potential, community engagement, and social responsibility. Applicants from different academic backgrounds are encouraged to explore this opportunity, provided they meet the eligibility and application requirements.

For students interested in studying in China with comprehensive financial support, the Yenching Academy Fellowship 2027 offers an opportunity to learn alongside scholars from China and around the world at one of the country’s leading universities.

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Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027–2028: Overview

• Scholarship Name: Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027–2028
• Host Institution: Peking University
• Academy: Yenching Academy of Peking University
• Study Location: Beijing, China
• Study Level: Postgraduate master’s-level programme
• Field of Study: Interdisciplinary China Studies
• Eligible Applicants: International candidates and other eligible applicants under the relevant admissions procedures
• Scholarship Type: Fully funded fellowship
• Funding Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, round-trip travel, and field study costs
• Application Opening Date: September 1, 2026
• Application Deadline: November 30, 2026
• Deadline Time: 9:00 a.m. Beijing time
• Application Method: Online application through the Yenching Academy admissions portal

Applicants should consult the official admissions portal to confirm the complete requirements applicable to their nationality and application category.

What Is the Yenching Academy Scholarship?

The Yenching Academy at Peking University is an interdisciplinary academic programme that brings together outstanding students from China and other countries to study, live, and learn together.

The academy annually enrolls approximately 120 new students from the Chinese Mainland and abroad. International students account for roughly 75% of the student body, creating an academically diverse environment for exchanging ideas and perspectives.

The Yenching Academy Scholarship supports students interested in developing a deeper understanding of China through interdisciplinary study. Rather than limiting applicants to one undergraduate discipline, the academy welcomes candidates from different academic backgrounds who demonstrate academic excellence and a genuine interest in China.

For the 2027 cohort, the Yenching Academy Fellowship is particularly relevant to graduates seeking international academic exposure, cross-cultural learning, and opportunities to develop leadership skills.

Benefits of the Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027

One of the major attractions of the Yenching Academy Scholarship in China is its comprehensive fellowship package. The academy provides a generous fellowship to all selected scholars.

Successful applicants receive the following benefits:

1. Tuition Fees

The fellowship covers tuition fees, helping selected scholars pursue their studies without bearing the covered tuition costs themselves.

2. Accommodation

Scholars receive accommodation support during their time at Peking University, reducing the financial burden associated with studying and living in Beijing.

3. Monthly Stipend

The scholarship includes a monthly stipend to assist scholars with living expenses throughout their programme. The official information provided does not specify the stipend amount, so applicants should consult the admissions portal for further details.

4. One Round-Trip Travel Fare

The fellowship covers one round-trip travel fare, helping eligible scholars with the cost of travelling to and from their place of study.

5. Field Study Costs

The scholarship also covers field study costs, supporting the academy’s interdisciplinary learning experience.

Important: Although the fellowship is described as generous, applicants should check the official terms for details about the duration and conditions of each benefit. No specific monetary value for the overall scholarship package is stated in the supplied admissions information.

Eligibility Criteria for the Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027

To apply for the Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027, candidates must meet the academy’s academic and personal requirements.

Applicants should have the following qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s Degree

Applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any field.

Students currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree programme may also apply if they expect to receive their diploma by August of the intended year of enrollment.

2. Outstanding Academic Record

Candidates must demonstrate strong academic performance. A competitive academic record can help applicants show that they are prepared for demanding postgraduate study.

3. Interest in Interdisciplinary China Studies

Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in interdisciplinary study of China. Their academic interests, research goals, personal statements, and previous experiences should communicate a clear motivation for joining the programme.

4. Extracurricular Achievement and Community Engagement

The academy looks for applicants with a record of extracurricular achievement, community engagement, and social responsibility.

Candidates should highlight relevant activities such as volunteering, community projects, student leadership, research initiatives, or other meaningful contributions.

5. Leadership Potential

Applicants should demonstrate the potential to become effective leaders and contribute positively to their academic communities and society.

Leadership does not necessarily have to come from a formal job title. Relevant examples may include organizing initiatives, leading projects, mentoring others, or helping address community challenges.

6. English Proficiency

Applicants must meet the applicable English-language requirements unless they qualify for an exemption under the academy’s rules.

International applicants should carefully review the accepted tests, minimum scores, and submission procedures before completing their applications.

English Language Requirements for the Yenching Academy Scholarship

Applicants who are required to provide English proficiency test results must meet the applicable minimum score for an accepted examination.

The listed requirements are:

English Test	Minimum Requirement
IELTS Academic	Overall 7.0
TOEFL iBT	Overall 100
Cambridge English Scale (Advanced)	Overall 185
CET 6	Overall 600
TEM 4	Pass level of “良好” or above

Applicants should confirm which tests are applicable to their particular admissions category.

English Test Exemptions

According to the official admissions information, international applicants whose native language is English, or who have graduated from an English-taught degree programme at undergraduate level or above, are not required to provide an English proficiency test report.

However, applicants from China’s Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan regions must provide an English proficiency test report even if they have attended or graduated from an English-taught programme.

For applicants from the Chinese Mainland, an English proficiency test report is compulsory.

English Test Dates and Submission Rules

Applicants must take their English proficiency tests after September 1, 2025.

The academy does not currently accept the following:

• TOEFL MyBest Scores
• TOEFL iBT Home Edition
• IELTS Indicator
• IELTS Online
• IELTS One Skill Retake

For IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge examinations, scores must be sent directly to Yenching Academy by the relevant testing organization.

Applicants taking TOEFL should use institution code C488 and select Yenching Academy of Peking University as the designated recipient when arranging their test.

Candidates should review the latest instructions on the official admissions portal before submitting their scores.

Required Documents for the Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027

Applicants must submit their application materials in English through the Yenching Academy online admissions portal.

The required documents include:

1. Completed Online Application Form

Candidates must create an account on the official admissions portal and complete the online application form.

2. Personal Statement

Applicants must prepare a personal statement of 750 words or fewer.

The statement should communicate their background, academic interests, motivations, relevant experiences, and reasons for applying to Yenching Academy.

3. Statement of Research Interest

Applicants must submit a statement of research interest with a maximum length of 1,500 words, excluding citations.

This document should clearly explain their proposed research interests and demonstrate a strong intellectual interest in China and interdisciplinary study.

4. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Applicants must provide a CV presenting their education, research experience, professional experience, extracurricular activities, leadership achievements, and other relevant qualifications.

5. Official Academic Transcripts

Candidates must submit their official academic transcripts as required by the admissions portal.

6. Diploma or Certificate of Enrollment

Applicants should provide their degree diploma or an appropriate certificate of enrollment, depending on their current academic status.

7. Two Academic Letters of Recommendation

Two academic recommendation letters are required. They may be written in Chinese or English.

Peking University accepts recommendation letters only from full professors or associate professors, or individuals holding equivalent academic titles. The recommenders must be professors in the applicant’s intended field of study.

Applicants should approach their recommenders early to allow enough time for the letters to be prepared and submitted.

8. English Proficiency Test Report

Applicants who are required to demonstrate English proficiency must submit the appropriate test report in accordance with the academy’s rules.

Additional information and any further requirements will be available through the official admissions portal after an applicant creates an account.

How to Apply for the Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027

Candidates interested in the Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027–2028 should follow the appropriate admissions process.

Step 1: Visit the Official Application Portal

Open the official Yenching Academy application website and create an account.

Application portal: https://apply.yca.pku.edu.cn/

Step 2: Review the Eligibility Requirements

Confirm that you meet the academic qualifications, English-language requirements, and other conditions applicable to your application category.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application Documents

Prepare your personal statement, research interest statement, CV, official transcripts, degree or enrollment documents, and two academic recommendation letters.

Ensure that your documents comply with the specified word limits and language requirements.

Step 4: Arrange English Proficiency Documentation

If an English test report is required, ensure that you have an accepted score and arrange for the testing organization to send the results directly to Yenching Academy.

Step 5: Complete the Online Application

Fill in the application form carefully and upload the required materials through the admissions portal.

Check that your information is accurate and that all required documents are included.

Step 6: Check Whether University Pre-Selection Is Required

Students and alumni of Yenching Academy partner universities must complete their home university’s internal pre-selection process before submitting an application to the academy.

Applicants should check the partner universities list and contact their home institution for internal deadlines and procedures.

Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline

The application deadline for the 2027 international cohort is November 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Beijing time.

Applicants should not wait until the final hours to submit their applications. Completing the process early allows time to address missing documents or administrative issues.

Application Information for Different Candidate Categories

The Yenching Academy admissions process differs according to the applicant’s background and nationality.

International Candidates

International candidates must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport.

Former citizens of the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan who have emigrated to other countries and are applying as international students must provide valid passport or citizenship documents dating from before April 30, 2021, together with proof of cancellation of Chinese nationality.

International candidates should consult the Peking University International Students Division for additional information.

Candidates from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan

Applicants from China’s Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan regions must apply through the Yenching Academy admissions portal and complete a supplementary application through the Peking University Graduate Admissions website.

These candidates should carefully follow the separate application requirements and English-language rules.

Candidates from the Chinese Mainland

Applicants from the Chinese Mainland should consult the Peking University Graduate School website for the applicable admissions process.

Official website: https://admission.pku.edu.cn/index.htm

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Tips for Preparing a Competitive Yenching Academy Scholarship Application

The Yenching Academy Scholarship is an attractive opportunity for academically strong candidates. Applicants should prepare carefully to communicate their suitability for the programme.

Demonstrate a Genuine Interest in China

Explain why China is important to your academic interests, future career, or research goals. Avoid vague statements and use specific examples to show the development of your interest.

Develop a Focused Research Interest Statement

The research interest statement should present a clear intellectual direction. Identify the questions you want to explore, explain why they matter, and show how interdisciplinary study can help you investigate them.

Highlight Leadership and Community Engagement

Use concrete examples to demonstrate initiative, responsibility, and positive contributions to your community. Describe your role and the outcomes of your activities where possible.

Prepare a Strong Academic CV

Present your education, research, awards, projects, publications, extracurricular involvement, and leadership experience in a clear and organized format.

Choose Appropriate Academic Recommenders

Select professors who know your academic abilities and can provide meaningful assessments of your potential. Ensure that they meet the academy’s requirements and understand your intended field of study.

Follow All Application Instructions

Pay close attention to document requirements, word limits, test score rules, and deadlines. A well-prepared application should be complete, accurate, and submitted through the correct admissions channel.

Why Study at Yenching Academy of Peking University?

The Yenching Academy provides an opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary study in an international academic environment in Beijing, China.

The programme brings together students from diverse backgrounds and encourages them to study, live, and learn alongside one another. Its emphasis on interdisciplinary China Studies makes it relevant to graduates interested in understanding China’s society, history, culture, politics, economy, and wider global connections through their chosen academic perspectives.

The fellowship’s financial support can also reduce several major expenses associated with postgraduate education, including tuition, accommodation, travel, and field study costs.

For students seeking international academic experience and a deeper understanding of China, the Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027–2028 is an opportunity worth investigating.

Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027: Important Deadline

The application deadline for the 2027 cohort of Yenching Scholars is November 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Beijing time.

Applicants should account for the time difference between Beijing and their home countries. They should also check whether their university requires an internal pre-selection process with an earlier deadline.

Because applications require several supporting documents, including academic recommendation letters and potentially official English test scores, early preparation is strongly recommended.

Official Links for the Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027

• Apply online: https://apply.yca.pku.edu.cn/
• Yenching Academy official website: https://yenchingacademy.pku.edu.cn/index.htm

Final Thoughts

The Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027–2028 at Peking University in China offers a valuable opportunity for graduates seeking a fully funded postgraduate fellowship focused on interdisciplinary China Studies.

With tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly stipend, one round-trip travel fare, and field study costs included in the fellowship, the programme can help selected scholars pursue an international academic experience while engaging with students from diverse backgrounds.

Applicants should focus on meeting the eligibility requirements, preparing a compelling personal statement and research interest statement, securing appropriate academic recommendations, and submitting all required documents correctly.

If you are interested in studying in China and have a strong academic record, a genuine interest in China Studies, and evidence of leadership and community engagement, consider reviewing the official requirements and preparing your application.

Application deadline: November 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Beijing time.