Applications are now open for the Yenching Academy Scholarship in China for the Class of 2026. Yenching Academy is a graduate school affiliated with Peking University in Beijing, China. It offers a fully-funded scholarship covering tuition, accommodation, travel expenses, a monthly stipend, and field study costs to selected students. The scholarship is available to both Chinese and international students residing abroad. Approximately 120 new students join the Academy annually. The fully-funded Yenching Scholarship is available to candidates from all over the world, with no restrictions on the field of study for the master's program. Applicants who have or are pursuing a bachelor's degree in any discipline are eligible to apply. More details are available below.

Details about the Yenching Academy Scholarship 2026 in China

• Host country : China
• University : Peking University
• Degree level : Master's degree
• Scholarship duration : two years
• Benefits : Fully Funded
• Deadline: December 1, 2025

Financial benefits

The YAS scholarship covers the following:

• Full tuition fees
• monthly salary
• Round-trip flight ticket
• Yenching Academy House Stay
• Research-related expenses.
• Basic medical insurance.

Why should you apply for the Yenching Academy Scholarship?

• The scholarship is open to Chinese and international students.
• Applicants from any field can apply.
• There are 120 scholarships.
• Yenching Academy does not have a strict minimum age requirement for applicants, but in general, no one over the age of 28 is accepted into the program.
• The academy includes approximately 80% international students. Approximately 30-35% of them are from Europe, 25-30% from the United States and Canada, and 30-35% from the rest of the world.
• The scholarship has attracted students from all over the world. After graduation, 30% of Yenching Academy graduates have pursued doctoral studies at prestigious universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, Yale, Duke, the University of Chicago, Georgetown University, and Peking University.
• Yenching graduates hold positions in a wide range of organizations, including UNESCO, the United Nations Development Programme, the European Commission, and the British Embassy in Beijing. They also work for tech giants such as Google, Huawei, and Xiaomi, as well as financial institutions, government agencies, and multinational corporations around the world.
• See Profiles of 2025 Yenching Scholars
• See Profiles of 2024 Yenching Scholars
• See Profiles of 2023 Yenching Scholars

What type of degree will Yenching scholars receive?

Graduates of the Yenching Academy receive a Master's degree in Chinese Studies from Peking University. The content and level of the degree are determined by the researcher's chosen field of research.

• LLM in Chinese Studies (Politics and International Relations)
• LLM in Chinese Studies (Law and Society)
• Master of Economics in Chinese Studies (Economics and Management)
• MA in Chinese Studies (History and Archaeology)
• MA in Chinese Studies (Literature and Culture)
• Master of Philosophy in Chinese Studies (Philosophy and Religion)

Research areas

Yenching scholars specialize in one of the six research areas of Chinese studies and complete their dissertation under the supervision of faculty members.

• Economics and Management
• History and Archaeology
• Philosophy and religion
• Politics and International Relations
• Law and Society
• Literature and Culture

What are the requirements for obtaining a Yenching Scholarship?

• Bachelor's degree completed or in progress and expected to graduate no later than August 31, 2026.
• Outstanding academic record.
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary Chinese studies.
• Demonstrated involvement in extracurricular activities, community involvement, social responsibility, and leadership potential.
• Proficiency in English.

Required documents

• Completed online application form
• Personal Statement (750 words or less)
• Statement of Research Interest (maximum 1,500 words, excluding citations)
• the biography
• Official version
• Diploma(s) or Certificate(s) of Registration
• Two letters of academic recommendation
• English language requirements and minimum scores:
  • IELTS (Academic): Overall 7.0
  • TOEFL (iBT) Test: Total 100
  • Cambridge English Scale (Advanced): Total 185
  • CET 6: Total 600
  • TEM 4: Pass level "Tianjin" or higher.

English Proficiency Exemptions

• International applicants whose native language is English or who have completed a degree taught in English (Bachelor's or higher) are exempt from submitting English proficiency test scores.
• Applicants from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan (HMT) must submit English proficiency test scores, regardless of their previous academic qualifications. Those who do not have scores will be required to study English as a second language upon admission to Peking University.
• Applicants from Mainland China must submit English proficiency test scores.
• Acceptable English proficiency tests must be taken after September 1, 2023.

Application Process for Yenching Academy Scholarship

• For Chinese Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Candidates: All students of Yenching Partner Universities must apply through their home university’s internal pre-selection process before applying to the Yenching Academy.
• Candidates from the Chinese regions of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan must apply through the Yenching Academy application portal, as well as complete a supplementary application through the Peking University Graduate Admissions website
• All Other International Candidates: All students of Yenching Partner Universities must apply through their home university’s internal pre-selection process before submitting applications to the Yenching Academy.
• For Mainland Chinese Students: Application Process

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate for Yenching Scholars?

The Yenching Scholarship at Peking University is a highly competitive scholarship program. There is no fixed acceptance rate. Approximately 120 new students are awarded this scholarship each year.

What is the maximum age for Yenching Academy?

Maximum age is 28 years.

What is the Yenching Scholars Program in Chinese Studies?

The Yenching Scholarship Program is a prestigious, fully-funded master's program offered by the Yenching Academy at Peking University. The program is designed to cultivate global leaders with a deep understanding of China.