Yenching Academy Scholarship at Peking University
Now accepting endorsement applications
Endorsement Application Deadline: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
The Yenching Academy offers a one- or two-year Master of Arts in China Studies degree program. The intensive program consists of interdisciplinary classroom and field study of Chinese history and culture, as well as real-time issues in China’s development. As a college integrated within China’s leading university, the Yenching Academy prepares a diverse group of exceptional international and Chinese students with the knowledge of China that they need to fulfill their potential as global citizens and leaders.
Academy courses will be available in both English and Chinese, although it is possible to complete the degree with only courses taught in English. Approaching the study of China from multiple perspectives and disciplines, the program will help equip Yenching Scholars with a nuanced understanding of China’s rich civilization and its complexities today. The curriculum will range horizontally across various fields of study in the humanities and social sciences, and vertically through Chinese history. Some courses will address a theme, such as China’s Population, that will necessitate a team-teaching approach by faculty from the departments of Sociology, History, Geography, Anthropology, and Government, for example. Overall, courses will fall into the following six broad categories: Literature and Culture; History and Archaeology; Philosophy and Religion; Public Policy and International Relations; Economics and Management; and Law and Society. Chinese language study will be required for all international students; those with an advanced level of Chinese will be encouraged to take courses taught in Chinese.
Yenching Scholars will also be deeply immersed into Chinese culture through field excursions and an intensive Chinese language program taken along within their degree studies. Further, Yenching Scholars have access to prominent guest lectures, world-renowned visiting faculty, visits to leading domestic and international companies, organizations, and government institutions, and special seminars. Scholars will be required to enrich their academic knowledge outside the classroom by completing an internship or conducting a Field Study guided by a faculty mentor.
Applicants must be graduating Harvard College seniors of any nationality, or alumni under the age of 28 as of August 31 of the year of program commencement. Harvard University endorsement is required.
The Yenching Academy provides a generous postgraduate scholarship that covers tuition fees, a travel stipend for one round-trip journey between each Scholar’s base city and Beijing, accommodations, and living costs on Peking University's campus. The Academy offers a residential program aimed at creating a community of enthusiastic, globally oriented young innovators in the heart of China's top university.
Candidates will be selected based on their record of academics, leadership, and their commitment to service and fostering cultural understanding. Candidates should be able to articulate clear reasons for seeking an interdisciplinary degree in Chinese studies.
To be considered for nomination, applicants should upload the materials below to the application site by our deadline. Current students apply with HarvardKey; alumni without HarvardKey, please create a new account.
- Application form: Complete the online information, which will become your application cover sheet.
- Current resume: Indicate significant activities, achievements, and experiences in college that demonstrate your interests and potential achievements. Do not exceed one page.
- Current unofficial transcript: Download your unofficial transcript from my.harvard.edu.
- Essays (Personal Statement & Research Proposal): Please compile into one document, labeling each essay. At the top of document, please indicate your preferred course of study: China Studies (Economics and Management); China Studies (History and Archaeology); China Studies (Law and Society); China Studies (Literature and Culture); China Studies (Philosophy and Religion);China Studies (Politics and International Relations)
- Personal Statement: The personal statement, not to exceed 750 words in English, should include a self-introduction and a well-articulated explanation of how you would make the most of the Yenching Academy program experience, as well as how it would benefit your career.
- Research Proposal: Should include key research question(s), background to study and/or summary of literature, and study design that could reflect your academic training. Please note that you are not committed to making this proposed project your Master’s thesis topic. You should showcase how you formulate and write about academic topics. Word limit: maximum of 1,500 words, excluding citations.
- Two letters of recommendation: You will need to submit two letters of recommendation for the institutional nomination round. These letters should be from those with whom you have worked closely and who can attest to the breadth and the depth of your candidacy. Letters should be from those working within your proposed field of study and be from associate or full professors. Solicit these references via the application portal.
Information Session
URAF staff are available for drop-in advising and for one-on-one appointments after students have watched the information session and joined us for one drop-in session.