Program overview Yenching Academy Scholarship 2026 in China
- Host country: China
- University: Peking University
- Study level: Master’s Degree
- Scholarship Duration: 2 Years
- Benefits: fully funded
- Application deadline: 1st December 2025
Financial support and benefits
The YAS Funding may include
- Full Tuition Fees
- Monthly Stipend
- Round Airfare Ticket
- Accommodation in Yenching Academy House
- Expense related to research.
- Basic Medical Insurance.
Why this program stands out for the Yenching Academy Scholarship.
- The scholarship is open to both Chinese Mainland and international students.
- Applicants from any field can apply.
- There are 120 scholarships.
- Yenching Academy does not have a strict age cut-off for applicants, but in general, no person over 28 has been admitted to the program.
- The academy has roughly 80% of international students. Approximately 30-35% are from Europe, 25-30% are from the U.S. And Canada, and 30-35% are from the rest of the world.
- The scholarship attracted students from around the world. Upon graduation, 30% of Yenching Academy alumni pursued Ph.D. Studies at prestigious universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, Yale, Duke, the University of Chicago, Georgetown University, and Peking University.
- Yenching alumni hold positions in a wide range of organizations, including UNESCO, UNDP, the European Commission, and the British Embassy in Beijing. Additionally, they are employed by tech giants like Google, Huawei, and Xiaomi, as well as financial institutions, government agencies, and multinational corporations worldwide.
- See Profiles of 2025 Yenching Scholars
- See Profiles of 2024 Yenching Scholars
- See Profiles of 2023 Yenching Scholars
Type of Degree Yenching Scholars Will Receive
Yenching Academy graduates earn a Master’s degree in China Studies from Peking University. The specific content and degree level are determined by the scholar’s chosen research area:.
- Master of Laws in China Studies (Politics & International Relations)
- Master of Laws in China Studies (Law & Society)
- Master of Economics in China Studies (Economics & Management)
- Master of History in China Studies (History & Archaeology)
- Master of Literature in China Studies (Literature and Culture)
- Master of Philostatement of purposehy in China Studies (Philostatement of purposehy & Religion).
Research Areas
Yenching Scholars specialize in one of six China Studies research areas and complete a thesis under faculty guidance.
- Economics and Management
- History and Archaeology
- Philostatement of purposehy and Religion
- Politics and International Relations
- Law and Society
- Literature and Culture
What Are the Requirements for the Yenching Scholarship.
- Bachelor’s degree completed or in progress with graduation expected no later than August 31, 2026.
- Outstanding academic record.
- Strong interest in interdisciplinary China studies.
- Demonstrated extracurricular involvement, community engagement, social responsibility, and leadership potential.
- Proficiency in English.
English Proficiency Exemptions
- International applicants whose native language is English or who have completed an English-taught degree (undergraduate or above) are exempt from submitting English proficiency test scores.
- Applicants from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan (HMT) must submit English proficiency test scores, regardless of previous education. Those without scores will be required to take English as a Second Language upon enrollment at Peking University.
- Applicants from Mainland China must submit English proficiency test scores.
- Accepted 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 (faqs)
What is the acceptance rate for the Yenching Scholars.
The Yenching Scholarship at Peking University is a highly competitive scholarship program. There is no fixed acceptance rate. Each year, 120 new students receive this scholarship.
What is the age limit for the Yenching Academy.
The maximum age limit is 28 years old.
What is the Yenching Scholars Program in China Studies.
The Yenching Scholars Program is a prestigious, fully-funded Master’s degree program offered by the Yenching Academy at Peking University. It’s designed to cultivate global leaders with a deep understanding of China.
