The Yenching Academy of Peking University builds bridges between China and the rest of the world through an interdisciplinary master’s program in China Studies for outstanding graduates from all over the globe. This initiative brings together young people who show promise to lead and innovate in their fields in an intensive learning environment where they can explore China and its role in the world - past, present, and future. The Academy aims to thereby shape a new generation of global citizens with a nuanced understanding of China and its role in the world.
Duration of Fellowship
The Yenching Academy programme is two years in duration. However, international students are only required to stay in Beijing for the first year. Those who leave campus after one year may complete their theses and thesis defense via Skype.
Degrees are awarded in January and July of each year after the completion of all coursework and satisfactory defense of the thesis. International students have the option to apply for early graduation; if they do so, the degrees will be granted at the end of the third semester.
International Students: 12 months in residence. All scholars in good standing have the option to extend the fellowship for a second year, if they wish to remain in Beijing.
Mainland Chinese, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Students: Two years in residence.
Research Areas
Each Yenching Scholar selects one of six research areas, and writes a thesis with guidance from a faculty advisor. The scholar’s choice of research area does not affect course selection options.
Research areas are as follows:
• Economics and Management
• History and Archaeology
• Philosophy and Religion
• Politics and International Relations
• Law and Society
• Literature and Culture
Scholars must choose their research areas before enrolling in September of 2018, and may not switch afterward.
Deadline Reminder
Dec. 11, 2017: Universities in the United States and Canada;
Jan. 15, 2018: Universities in all other countries.
(Deadlines are noon Beijing time on the designated dates.)