The Yenching Academy of Peking University Fellowship, widely known as the Yenching Scholars Program, is a fully funded graduate fellowship hosted by Peking University in Beijing, China. The program supports outstanding young leaders from around the world to pursue an interdisciplinary Master’s degree in China Studies while engaging in cultural exchange, academic research, and leadership development.

Founded in 2014, the fellowship aims to create a global network of professionals who understand China’s evolving role in international affairs, economics, culture, and global governance. Each year, a highly selective cohort of approximately 120 scholars from different countries is admitted to the program. Participants spend one academic year studying at Peking University while developing research projects that explore China from a multidisciplinary perspective.

The Yenching Scholars Program is designed for graduates and young professionals who want to deepen their understanding of China while building international networks. Scholars take courses in areas such as politics, economics, history, culture, and international relations. In addition to academic coursework, fellows participate in field research, seminars, leadership activities, and networking events with policymakers, academics, and industry leaders.

The program is taught primarily in English and attracts applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, including social sciences, engineering, humanities, law, public policy, and business. Scholars are encouraged to integrate their academic interests with China-related themes, producing research that contributes to international discussions about global development, diplomacy, and cross-cultural cooperation.

Because of its full funding package and the prestige of its host institution, the Yenching Academy Fellowship has become one of the most recognized international fellowships in Asia. Graduates of the program often move on to careers in government, international organizations, research institutions, private sector leadership, and global development.

For the 2026 intake, applications are open for international candidates who meet the academic and leadership requirements of the fellowship.

Location

Host Country: China
Host Institution: Peking University
Program Host: Yenching Academy of Peking University
City: Beijing

Scholars live and study on the Peking University campus, one of China’s most historically significant and academically respected universities. The Yenching Academy has its own residential college where international and Chinese scholars live together during the fellowship year.

Being located in Beijing gives scholars direct access to government institutions, international organizations, research centers, and cultural sites relevant to China studies.

Positions / Study Fields

The fellowship leads to a Master’s degree in China Studies, and scholars select a specialization that aligns with their academic interests and professional goals.

Available research areas include:

1. Politics and International Relations

Focuses on governance, diplomacy, foreign policy, and China’s role in international organizations.

2. Economics and Management

Explores economic policy, trade, development, entrepreneurship, and China’s economic transformation.

3. History and Archaeology

Examines China’s historical development, heritage, and historical influences on contemporary society.

4. Philosophy and Religion

Studies Chinese philosophy, belief systems, and cultural traditions.

5. Literature and Culture

Analyzes Chinese literature, arts, media, and cultural identity.

6. Law and Society

Explores legal systems, social change, governance structures, and public policy in China.

Scholars take interdisciplinary courses while completing a thesis project under the supervision of a faculty advisor.

Compensation / Funding

The Yenching Academy Fellowship is fully funded for all selected international scholars.

Funding is provided by Peking University and supporting global partners.

The financial package covers major academic and living expenses during the program year.

Benefits

The fellowship provides a comprehensive funding package that allows scholars to focus on academic and professional development.

1. Full Tuition Coverage

All tuition fees for the Master’s degree program are fully covered.

2. Accommodation

Scholars receive free housing at the Yenching Academy residential college within the Peking University campus.

3. Monthly Living Stipend

Participants receive a monthly stipend to cover living expenses such as food, transportation, and personal costs.

4. Round-Trip Travel Funding

The program provides one round-trip airfare between the scholar’s home country and China.

5. Research Funding

Financial support is available for fieldwork and thesis research related to the scholar’s academic project.

6. Health Insurance

International students receive medical insurance during their stay in China.

7. Orientation and Cultural Activities

Scholars participate in cultural immersion programs, study trips, and leadership seminars.

8. Global Alumni Network

Graduates join a growing international network of Yenching Scholars working in government, academia, policy institutions, and international organizations.

These benefits allow participants to focus on academic research and leadership development without financial barriers.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet several academic and professional criteria to be considered for the fellowship.

1. Educational Background

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline before the program begins.

2. Academic Excellence

Strong academic performance and intellectual curiosity are required.

3. Leadership Potential

Applicants should demonstrate leadership ability through academic, professional, or community activities.

4. English Language Proficiency

Since the program is taught in English, applicants must demonstrate proficiency through tests such as:

TOEFL
IELTS
Cambridge English

Language test requirements may be waived for applicants who have completed a degree taught entirely in English.

5. Interest in China Studies

Applicants should demonstrate a clear interest in China’s society, politics, economy, culture, or international role.

6. Age Requirement

Applicants are typically expected to be 35 years old or younger at the start of the program.

Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission because the program is highly competitive.

Who Should Apply

The fellowship is particularly suitable for:

Recent graduates seeking international academic experience
Young professionals interested in global policy or diplomacy
Researchers interested in China’s role in global development
Future leaders in government, business, and international organizations
Students from diverse academic backgrounds who want interdisciplinary training

Applicants from fields such as engineering, business, social sciences, humanities, law, public policy, and environmental studies are encouraged to apply.

The program values diversity and seeks scholars from different cultural and professional backgrounds.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare a complete application package.

Common required documents include:

Completed online application form
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Academic transcripts
Proof of a bachelor’s degree
Two letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Research proposal or study plan
English language test scores (if required)
Copy of passport

Additional materials may be requested depending on the applicant’s academic background.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Applications are submitted directly through the Yenching Academy application portal.

Step 1: Review Program Requirements

Visit the official program website and review eligibility criteria, deadlines, and documentation requirements.

Step 2: Prepare Application Materials

Prepare your personal statement, CV, transcripts, recommendation letters, and research proposal.

Step 3: Create an Online Application Account

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

Fill in personal information, academic history, and professional background.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Upload all required documents in the specified format.

Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline

Ensure the full application is submitted before the official deadline.

Step 7: Interview Stage

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews conducted by the admissions committee.

Step 8: Final Selection

Successful candidates receive admission offers and further instructions for enrollment.

Deadline

For the 2026 cohort, international applications are typically due in December 2025. Applicants should verify the exact deadline on the official program website.

Apply Link

https://apply.yenchingacademy.org

Tips & Common Mistakes

1. Demonstrate Genuine Interest in China

Successful applicants clearly explain how studying China relates to their academic or professional goals.

2. Avoid Generic Personal Statements

Applications that do not clearly explain the applicant’s motivations or research interests are less competitive.

3. Submit Strong Recommendation Letters

Choose referees who can discuss your academic ability and leadership potential in detail.

4. Prepare a Clear Research Proposal

Your study plan should align with one of the program’s academic tracks.

5. Proofread All Documents

Errors in essays or incomplete documentation can negatively affect the evaluation process.

6. Apply Early

Starting the application early gives enough time to gather recommendation letters and refine essays.

FAQ

1. Is the Yenching Academy Fellowship a degree program?

Yes. The fellowship funds a Master’s degree in China Studies at Peking University.

2. Do applicants need to know Chinese?

No. The program is taught in English. However, scholars can take Chinese language courses during the fellowship.

3. How competitive is the program?

The fellowship is highly competitive, with applicants from universities and organizations worldwide. Selection is based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to China-related research.