About this opportunity
The Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded master's scholarship at Peking University in Beijing, covering an interdisciplinary English-taught master's in China Studies. Yenching Scholars receive full tuition, accommodation, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare and field study costs. Around 120 scholars enrol each year from dozens of countries, making it one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships in China for international students.
The Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded scholarship offered by Yenching Academy, Peking University for applicants heading to China. Applications close on Nov 30, 2026.
Who should apply?
This may be a fit if the following points describe you. Always use the official criteria as the final check.
- Hold a bachelor's degree in any field, or be a final-year undergraduate expecting to graduate by August 2027
- Strong academic record with demonstrated leadership potential and community engagement
- Genuine interdisciplinary interest in China and its role in the world
- Meet the English requirement: IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 100, Cambridge English Scale 185, or accepted equivalents (tests taken after 1 September 2025)
- Native English speakers and graduates of English-taught degree programmes are exempt from the English test
- Open to international applicants and applicants from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan (separate application routes apply)
What the opportunity may offer
- Full tuition for the entire master's programme in China Studies
- Free on-campus accommodation at Peking University
- Monthly living stipend for the duration of the programme
- One round-trip airfare between the scholar's home country and Beijing
- Field study and extracurricular activity costs covered
- Academic mentorship and access to six interdisciplinary research areas
Required documents
- Completed online application form on the Yenching admissions portal
- Personal statement (750 words or fewer)
- Statement of Research Interest (maximum 1,500 words, excluding citations)
- Curriculum vitae and official university transcript(s)
- Bachelor's diploma or certificate of enrolment
- Two academic letters of recommendation from full or associate professors in the applicant's intended field
- English proficiency scores sent directly by the testing organisation (TOEFL institution code C488)
Application process
- Confirm eligibility and choose one of the six China Studies research areas
- Create an account on the official Yenching Academy admissions portal
- Draft the personal statement and Statement of Research Interest
- Ask two eligible professors for recommendation letters early (they submit directly)
- Book the English test in time and designate Yenching Academy as score recipient
- Upload all documents and submit before 30 November 2026, 9:00 am Beijing time
- Partner-university students and alumni complete their home institution's internal pre-selection first
Before you apply
- □Apply before Nov 30, 2026 — confirm the date in your own time zone
- □Confirm that you meet every eligibility condition set by Yenching Academy, Peking University
- □Prepare your 7 required documents in the format asked for
- □Ask referees early and share the official instructions
- □Review the official source once more before submitting
Deadline notes
Applications for the September 2027 intake are open now to international candidates and applicants from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. The official deadline is 30 November 2026 at 9:00 am Beijing time; partner-university nominees must clear their home institution's internal pre-selection first.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Yenching Academy Scholarship cover?
It is a full fellowship: tuition, on-campus accommodation, a monthly living stipend, one round-trip airfare and field study costs, per the official Yenching Academy admissions page.
Who can apply for the 2027 cohort?
International applicants and applicants from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan; applicants from the Chinese mainland apply through a separate route. You need a bachelor's degree (or be graduating by August 2027) in any field.
What is the application deadline?
30 November 2026 for the September 2027 intake; the admissions portal opened 1 September 2026.
Do I need to speak Chinese?
No. The programme is taught in English; Mandarin is taught in class but is not required for admission.
What English test scores are accepted?
IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 100, Cambridge English Scale 185 or equivalents, taken after 1 September 2025; exemptions apply for native speakers and graduates of English-taught programmes.
Programme details can change. Check the original listing before you prepare or submit an application.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-25UShireZone is not affiliated with Yenching Academy, Peking University. We never charge applicants to apply. Always verify details and submit through the official website.