MastersFully Funded

Yenching Academy Scholarship (Peking University)

Last verified 8 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The Yenching Academy Scholarship at Peking University offers a fully funded Master's program in China Studies for aspiring global citizens with leadership potential.

Provider: Peking University
Host country: China
Deadline: December (international applicants) / February (China applicants)
Region: Asia

Official source

Topics

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Yenching Academy Scholarship (Peking University) is open to African students applying to study in China at the Masters level, with fully funded funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Masters · applicants for China
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Masters
Deadline: December (international applicants) / February (China applicants)

Key eligibility criteria

Young people who have demonstrated a talent for leadership and innovation.

What the fully funded award covers

Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare

About the Yenching Academy Scholarship (Peking University) (2026)

## Yenching Academy Scholarship (Peking University): Master's Program in China Studies ## Overview The Yenching Academy Scholarship at Peking University offers a fully funded Master's program in China Studies, aiming to cultivate future global citizens with a deep and nuanced understanding of China. The program is designed to build bridges between China and the international community by bringing together young leaders and innovators. Scholars are immersed in an intensive, interdisciplinary learning environment to explore China's past, present, and future role in the world. The curriculum provides a wide array of courses within the humanities and social sciences, allowing scholars to personalize their study paths by selecting from six research areas. Beyond academics, the scholarship emphasizes extracurricular activities and field studies, fostering intercultural exchange and interdisciplinary learning for personal and professional growth. ## Benefits The Yenching Academy Scholarship is a full fellowship, providing comprehensive financial support to its scholars. While the exact components of the "full fellowship" are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, such scholarships typically cover: * **Tuition Fees:** Full coverage of academic costs for the Master's program. * **Living Stipend:** Financial support for daily expenses, accommodation, and food. * **Travel Costs:** Often includes support for round-trip international airfare at the beginning and end of the program. * **Research and Field Study Support:** Funding for academic activities, including field trips and research initiatives organized by the Academy or designed by scholars. This comprehensive funding package allows scholars to focus entirely on their studies and cultural immersion without financial burden. ## Eligibility The provided text describes the program as bringing together "young people who have demonstrated a talent for leadership and innovation." While specific academic prerequisites, age limits, or nationality requirements are not detailed in the given content, master's programs of this caliber typically require: * A completed bachelor's degree from a recognized institution. * A strong academic record. * Demonstrated leadership potential and innovative thinking. * Proficiency in English, as the program is taught in English. * A keen interest in China Studies and a desire to contribute to global understanding. Prospective applicants should consult the official admissions page for precise eligibility criteria. ## Required Documents The provided text does not explicitly list required application documents. However, based on the nature of a competitive Master's scholarship program, applicants should typically prepare the following: * **Academic Transcripts:** Official records from all previously attended higher education institutions. * **Diplomas/Degree Certificates:** Proof of earned degrees. * **Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume:** A detailed outline of academic and professional experience. * **Personal Statement / Study Plan:** An essay detailing academic interests, reasons for applying, and future aspirations. * **Letters of Recommendation:** Typically two or three letters from academic or professional referees. * **English Proficiency Test Scores:** Such as TOEFL or IELTS, for non-native English speakers. * **Passport Copy:** For international applicants. * **Other Supporting Materials:** This may include writing samples, portfolios, or other documents demonstrating leadership and innovation. Applicants should refer to the official application guidelines for a definitive list of required documents. ## How to Apply The general application process for the Yenching Academy Scholarship involves submitting an online application through the university's admissions portal. While specific steps are not outlined, the process usually includes: 1. **Online Application Form:** Completing all sections accurately and thoroughly. 2. **Document Submission:** Uploading all required documents as specified by the Academy. 3. **Recommendations:** Ensuring recommenders submit their letters directly to the university by the deadline. 4. **Interviews:** Shortlisted candidates are typically invited for an interview, which may be conducted online or in person. It is crucial to follow the instructions on the official admissions page precisely to ensure a complete and successful application. The text mentions "Yenching Academy Regional Information Sessions," which may offer valuable insights into the application process, although detailed information about these sessions is not provided here. ## Key Dates The application deadlines for the Yenching Academy Scholarship are as follows: * **International Applicants:** December * **Applicants from China:** February It is important to note that the application period for the 2026 cohort is no longer open, as stated in a notice from May 7, 2026, indicating that "further details regarding future recruitment will be announced in due course." Prospective applicants should regularly check the official website for updates on future application cycles and specific deadline dates within these months. ## Selection Criteria While explicit selection criteria are not detailed, the program aims to attract "young people who have demonstrated a talent for leadership and innovation." Therefore, successful applicants are likely to exhibit: * **Academic Excellence:** A strong record of achievement in their undergraduate studies. * **Leadership Potential:** Evidence of initiative, impact, and the ability to inspire others. * **Innovative Thinking:** A demonstrated capacity for original thought and creative problem-solving. * **Understanding of China:** A genuine interest in China Studies and a desire to contribute to cross-cultural understanding. * **Intercultural Communication Skills:** The ability to engage effectively in diverse environments. * **Future Impact:** A clear vision for how the Yenching Academy program will contribute to their personal and professional goals and their ability to make a positive impact in the future. ## Tips Based on the program's description, here are some tips for prospective applicants: * **Highlight Leadership and Innovation:** Explicitly showcase experiences that demonstrate your leadership abilities and capacity for innovative thinking in your application materials. * **Articulate Your Interest in China:** Clearly explain your motivation for pursuing China Studies and how the Yenching Academy aligns with your academic and career aspirations. * **Tailor Your Application:** Customize your personal statement and other documents to reflect the Academy's mission of building bridges between China and the rest of the world. * **Secure Strong Recommendations:** Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your academic strengths, leadership potential, and suitability for an intensive interdisciplinary program. * **Research the Six Research Areas:** While not listed, understanding the broad fields of humanities and social sciences offered will help you articulate your study path. * **Stay Updated:** Regularly check the official website for the latest information on application cycles, eligibility, and requirements. * **Engage with Alumni (if possible):** If opportunities arise to connect with Yenching alumni, actively participate to gain insights into the program and application process. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Yenching Academy Scholarship, please refer to the official website: [https://yenchingacademy.pku.edu.cn/](https://yenchingacademy.pku.edu.cn/) Additional contact information for specific inquiries is also available on the official website: * **Admissions:** yca-admissions@pku.edu.cn * **General Inquiries:** yca@pku.edu.cn

What the Fully Funded Yenching Academy Scholarship (Peking University) covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare

Yenching Academy Scholarship (Peking University) eligibility for China applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Young people who have demonstrated a talent for leadership and innovation.

Documents required for the Yenching Academy Scholarship (Peking University) application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the Yenching Academy Scholarship (Peking University) 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://yenchingacademy.pku.edu.cn/ and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Young people who have demonstrated a talent for leadership and innovation.". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Apply to the host university or programme first where required, and obtain a conditional admission letter. A growing number of sponsors only fund applicants who already hold an offer.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://yenchingacademy.pku.edu.cn/, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by December (international applicants) / February (China applicants) (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, Peking University will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

Yenching Academy Scholarship (Peking University) deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Yenching Academy Scholarship (Peking University)?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Masters level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Peking University, and be able to relocate to China for the duration of the programme.

Is the Yenching Academy Scholarship (Peking University) fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully Funded. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is December (international applicants) / February (China applicants). Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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