Full Program Details
The Yenching Academy of Peking University has opened admissions for its 2027 cohort. The academy runs a two-year interdisciplinary master's programme focused on the study of China, and it gives full fellowships to the scholars it admits.
The fellowship pays your tuition, housing in Yenching Academy House, a monthly stipend, medical insurance and one return trip to Beijing.
Details at a glance:
- Host: Yenching Academy, Peking University
- Level: master's degree, open to graduates in any field
- Length: two years, starting September 2027
- Location: Beijing, China
- Applications opened: 1 September 2026
- Deadline: 30 November 2026 at 9:00 am Beijing time
What the Fellowship Covers
In the first year:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation in Yenching Academy House
- A monthly stipend
- One round trip between your home city and Beijing
- Basic medical insurance
- Research and field study costs
In the second year, the fellowship continues to cover tuition, housing support, basic medical insurance and a monthly stipend.
Who Can Apply
- Holders of a Bachelor's degree in any field, or final-year students who will receive their degree by August 2027
- Applicants with a strong academic record, a real interest in studying China from different angles, and a record of leadership or activities outside class
- English proficiency: IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 100 or Cambridge English 185, taken after 1 September 2025. Native speakers and graduates of English-taught degrees are usually exempt.
There is no strict age limit, but the academy says it has not admitted anyone over 29 apart from a special scholarship group, and the average new scholar is 23.
How to Apply
- Create an account on the Yenching Academy admissions portal.
- Write a personal statement of no more than 750 words.
- Write a statement of research interest of up to 1,500 words, not counting citations.
- Upload your CV, official transcripts and degree certificate or proof of enrolment.
- Ask two professors (full or associate) in your intended field to submit recommendation letters.
- Have your English test scores sent directly by the testing body, then submit before 30 November 2026, 9:00 am Beijing time.
Selection Timeline
- Finalists are contacted about a week before their interview
- International finalists are interviewed online in winter or early spring
- Decisions are usually released around April 2027
The full document list
- Two recommendation letters, in Chinese or English, from full or associate professors (or equivalent) in your intended field
- A personal statement of up to 750 words
- A statement of research interest of up to 1,500 words, excluding citations
- A CV
- Official transcripts
- Your diploma or a certificate of enrolment if you are still studying
- The online application form
English test traps to avoid
Yenching does not accept MyBest scores, TOEFL Home Edition, IELTS Indicator, IELTS Online or IELTS One Skill Retake. Your test must be taken after 1 September 2025 and sent directly by the testing body; the TOEFL institution code is C488. Graduates of English-taught degrees are generally exempt, which covers most Nigerian university graduates, but keep proof that your degree was taught in English.
What the scholarship pays for
The fellowship covers tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, one round-trip flight and field study costs. Peking University admits about 120 new Yenching scholars each year, and international students make up roughly three quarters of the cohort.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Yenching Academy fully funded?
Yes. It covers tuition, housing, a monthly stipend, one round-trip flight and field study costs.
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes, if you expect to receive your bachelor's diploma by August of the year you would enrol.
Who should write my recommendation letters?
Full or associate professors, or equivalent, in your intended field of study. Choose people who have taught or supervised you closely and can speak to your interest in China.
How many students are admitted?
About 120 new Yenching scholars each year, from China and abroad.
When is the deadline?
30 November 2026 at 9:00 am Beijing time, which is 2:00 am in Nigeria.
Is there an age limit?
Yenching does not publish an age limit. It looks for academic excellence, interest in China, leadership and English proficiency.
Can Nigerians apply to Yenching Academy?
Yes. International applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport, and Nigerian graduates are eligible.
GizPulse Verdict
Who this is for: African graduates in economics, law, politics, business or the humanities who want to understand China closely, given how much trade and investment now links China and the continent.
Who should pause: Note the 9:00 am Beijing deadline. That is 2:00 am in Lagos on 30 November, so treat 29 November as your real last day.
One tip to stand out: The research interest statement carries the most weight. Pick one concrete question, such as Chinese lending for African infrastructure, and show how two years in Beijing will help you answer it.
Read the full requirements and apply on the official Yenching Academy admissions page.
