Yenching Academy of Peking University

Provides support for at least the first year of a two-year Master’s in China Studies issued by Peking University

Yenching Academy: At a Glance

Eligibility:

Selection Criteria:

  • Evident commitment to and preparation for rigorous graduate studies
  • Strong interest in the interdisciplinary study of China at the graduate level
  • A record of extracurricular achievement, community engagement, social responsibility, and leadership potential

Candidates for the Yenching Academy program can affirm the following statements:

  • I can explain how pursuing a MA in China Studies in one of the six academic concentrations makes sense for my long-term professional interests and goals.
  • I can present a detailed research proposal for an MA thesis that aligns well with the Yenching Academy program and that builds on my undergraduate academic research
  • Two associate or full professors are willing to write strong letters of recommendation for me in support of my application to this program

Extensive Description

The Yenching Academy of Peking University program offers support for at least the first year of a two-year Master’s in China Studies (in English). The Academy's mission is to ensure that international leaders in a variety of fields have a broad and rich understanding of China. Yenching Scholars receive a full tuition scholarship for the first year of the program, accommodation in the residential college, basic medical insurance, a monthly stipend, and expenses related to research. 

Students who maintain a good academic standing and plan to stay in Beijing during their second academic year can apply for the second-year Yenching Fellowship, which covers tuition, accommodation, basic medical insurance, and a monthly stipend.

Yenching Scholars select one academic concentration:

  • Literature and Culture,
  • History and Archaeology,
  • Philosophy and Religion,
  • Law and Society,
  • Politics and International Relations, or
  • Economics and Management

Yenching Scholars are deeply immersed in Chinese culture through excursions to various parts of China and an intensive Chinese language program.  

Deadline Information

Campus Application Deadline: Late November or early December 2024 (TBD)

Eligibility Requirements

Yenching Academy Scholars will exhibit the following qualities and characteristics:

  • Outstanding academic record – CCRF requires a 3.6 GPA or higher without rounding; CCRF recommends a 3.7 GPA or higher
  • BA required
  • Any currently enrolled degree awarded no later than August 31, 2025
  • Evident commitment to and preparation for rigorous graduate studies
  • Strong interest in the interdisciplinary study of China, including a research proposal for an MA thesis that aligns well with the Yenching Academy program
  • A record of extracurricular achievement, community engagement, social responsibility, and leadership potential
  • Demonstrated English proficiency 
  • Meets all eligibility criteria set out by the Yenching Academy. Potential applicants may also wish to review Peking University’s additional admissions criteria which may affect applicants with specific medical conditions or disabilities. Please note that CCRF is committed to ensuring equitable access to our programs and services. These admissions criteria of Peking University will not affect an applicant’s eligibility to be part of CCRF’s 2024 Yenching Cohort or the applicant’s eligibility for University nomination

Please note: 

  • Applicants with any form of current identification from Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan have a different application process. Applicants in this category should reach out to Johanna Best (bestjl@uchicago.edu) as soon as possible to discuss the application process.
  • Applicants who were born in, or who previously held citizenship in, China, Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan have a different application process. Applicants in this category should reach out to Johanna Best (bestjl@uchicago.edu) as soon as possible to discuss the application process.
  • College students holding a Chinese passport are not eligible to apply for UChicago nomination.
For more information on this opportunity, please contact: 
Johanna Best
bestjl@uchicago.edu
773.834.0794