Are you an outstanding international student dreaming of studying in China on a full scholarship?

Look no further than the prestigious Yenching Academy Scholarship at Peking University.

This incredible opportunity provides 120 fully funded scholarships for talented students from around the globe to earn a Master’s degree in China Studies while immersing themselves in Chinese language and culture.

Read on for all the details you need to know and click here to apply now for the Yenching Academy Scholarship!

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About Peking University and Yenching Academy

Study in China: Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships at Peking University

Peking University is one of the top universities in China and is renowned worldwide for its academic excellence. Founded in 1898, it has a long, distinguished history and has been at the forefront of China’s modernization and development.

The university has a scenic campus with traditional Chinese architecture located in the Haidian District of Beijing. It is home to over 45,000 undergraduate and graduate students across its many schools and departments.

Yenching Academy is a special institute within Peking University focused on fostering a deeper understanding between China and the rest of the world.

Established in 2014, it brings together young people from diverse backgrounds to live and study together in a residential college setting while undertaking a specially designed interdisciplinary Master’s program in China Studies.

All classes are taught in English by top faculty from Peking University and visiting professors from leading institutions worldwide.

The Academy aims to shape a new generation of global citizens with a nuanced understanding of China and its role in the world.

Yenching Scholars have access to the broader intellectual resources of Peking University and are part of an active community of international leaders and innovators.

Graduates go on to careers in academia, business, government, civil society, and many other fields, drawing upon their Yenching experience to build bridges between China and their home countries.

Yenching Academy Scholarship Details

The Yenching Academy Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity that covers all costs for international students to attend the 12-month residential Master’s program at Peking University.

Scholarship Coverage

The scholarship provides comprehensive funding for:

Tuition fees
Accommodation in a single room in the Yenching Academy House
Monthly stipend for living costs
One round-trip international airfare between Beijing and the scholar’s home country
Costs for field studies within mainland China

This generous funding allows students to focus fully on their studies and experience in China without financial concerns.

Yenching Scholars receive a monthly stipend of 3000 RMB, which is sufficient to cover meals, transportation, and daily expenses in Beijing.

Peking University also provides international student health insurance.

Eligibility

The Yenching Academy Scholarship is open to applicants from any country who meet the following eligibility criteria:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, awarded no later than August 31 of the year in which they wish to enroll
An outstanding academic record
Strong interest in China and commitment to deepening understanding between China and the rest of the world
Excellent leadership potential
English proficiency to successfully complete a rigorous master’s program taught in English

Applicants of any nationality, including Chinese students with foreign citizenship, are eligible.

There are no restrictions based on age, field of study, or career path. Candidates from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply, as Yenching Academy values diversity and interdisciplinary approaches.

Chinese language proficiency is not required at the time of application, as Yenching Scholars will study Mandarin intensively throughout the program.

However, demonstrated interest in and commitment to learning Chinese language and culture is an asset.

Number of Scholarships

Yenching Academy provides a total of 120 fully funded scholarships for international students each year. Around 100 of these scholarships are awarded to students from outside mainland China, while 20 are designated for Chinese students with foreign citizenship.

The Academy aims for a diverse cohort with a roughly equal balance of scholars from Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, Africa, and Latin America.

Competition for the Yenching Academy Scholarship is intense, with thousands of applicants from top universities around the world vying for the 120 spots.

Successful candidates demonstrate not only academic excellence but also leadership potential, intercultural competence, and a strong motivation to immerse themselves in an intensive China studies program.

The selection committee looks for well-rounded applicants who can contribute unique perspectives to class discussions and benefit from the opportunities provided by the scholarship.

Yenching Academy Master’s in China Studies Program

Yenching Scholars undertake a specially designed 12-month Master’s program in China Studies, with the option to extend for a second year.

The interdisciplinary curriculum covers six broad themes:

Literature and Culture
History and Archaeology
Philosophy and Religion
Public Policy and International Relations
Economics and Management
Law and Society

Program Structure

The program includes core courses, electives, Chinese language study, field studies, and a master’s thesis. Yenching Scholars work closely with top faculty to develop an individualized course of study tailored to their interests and goals.

In the fall semester, scholars take foundational courses on Chinese history, culture, and contemporary society to build a common knowledge base.

They also begin intensive Chinese language study in small groups based on proficiency level.The spring semester focuses on elective courses that allow scholars to delve deeper into their chosen areas of specialization.

Elective offerings cover a wide range of China-related topics and are taught by renowned experts in each field. Throughout the year, scholars also participate in field studies and excursions to different regions of China to gain hands-on experience and witness China’s diversity and development first-hand.

The program culminates in a master’s thesis, which scholars research and write under the guidance of a faculty advisor during the summer.

The thesis provides an opportunity for scholars to synthesize their learning and make an original contribution to their field.

Scholars with sufficient Chinese proficiency may undertake thesis research in Chinese.

Chinese Language Study

All Yenching Scholars undertake intensive Chinese language study for the duration of the program. Classes are taught by expert language faculty in small groups to ensure individual attention and rapid progress.

Courses emphasize not only linguistic skills but also the cultural knowledge needed to navigate Chinese society and professional contexts.

Scholars have class for two hours per day, five days per week, covering listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They are expected to devote significant time to self-study outside of class to solidify their skills.

Additional one-on-one tutoring and language exchange with Chinese roommates accelerate learning.

By the end of the program, scholars typically reach an advanced level of proficiency that equips them to live and work successfully in Chinese environments.

Career Development

In addition to the formal curriculum, Yenching Academy offers a wide range of career development opportunities to help scholars prepare for their future pursuits.

Scholars can attend professional skills workshops, connect with Peking University’s extensive alumni network, and access internships and job openings through the Academy’s partnerships with leading organizations.

The Yenching Global Symposium, held on campus each spring, brings together leading figures in academia, business, and government for discussions and networking.

Scholars take active roles in planning and participating in the conference, which helps them build relationships with potential mentors and employers.

Yenching Academy has a strong track record of placing graduates in top positions. Alumni have gone on to pursue PhDs at world-renowned universities, work for Fortune 500 companies and international organizations, start their own ventures, and serve in government roles in their home countries and around the world.

The knowledge, skills, and networks they develop through the Yenching Academy Scholarship open doors to a wealth of opportunities.

How to Apply

Applying for the Yenching Academy Scholarship is a multi-step process that requires careful preparation. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need to do.

Application Components

A complete application consists of:

Online application form
Personal statement
Research proposal
Curriculum vitae
Official transcript(s)
Diploma(s) or Certificate(s) of Enrollment
Two letters of recommendation
English proficiency test score (TOEFL or IELTS)
Application fee of $90 USD

Personal Statement

The personal statement is your chance to introduce yourself to the selection committee and explain your motivations for applying to the Yenching Academy Scholarship.

You should discuss your academic and professional background, interest in China studies, and plans for the future.

The statement should showcase your unique perspective and experiences while demonstrating how the Yenching Academy program aligns with your goals.

Research Proposal

The research proposal outlines the topic you plan to investigate in your master’s thesis.

It should identify a clear research question, explain the significance of the issue, and propose a methodology for answering the question.

The proposal should also discuss how your topic relates to one or more of the six themes of the Yenching Academy program.

While you are not bound to the exact topic, a strong research proposal shows that you have the academic skills and intellectual curiosity to complete a rigorous independent project.

Who Should Apply?

The Yenching Academy Scholarship is an incredible opportunity for any student passionate about deepening their understanding of China while building a global network. Ideal candidates will have:

Academic excellence in their chosen field
Leadership experience on campus or in their communities
Strong communication skills and the ability to thrive in a diverse international environment
Demonstrated interest in China through previous study, research, or professional experience
Open-mindedness and flexibility to engage with new perspectives
Commitment to building bridges between China and the world

If this sounds like you, don’t miss your chance to apply!

The Yenching Academy Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity to immerse yourself in Chinese language and culture while studying at one of the world’s top universities.

Application Deadline and Timeline

Applications for the 2024 cohort are due by December 1, 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in February 2025, with final decisions released in March. The program begins in August 2025 and runs through July 2026.

Take the Next Step

Ready to apply for the Yenching Academy Scholarship and begin your journey as a global leader?

Visit the Yenching Academy website for more details on the application process and to access the online application form. Contact the admissions team at [email protected] with any questions.

Don’t miss this opportunity to study in China fully funded at one of the world’s premier universities!

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