Yenching Academy of Peking University

A tree with yellow leaves in front of a building with open windows
Photo courtesy Peking University website

The Yenching Academy offers an intensive one- to two-year program 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 the prestigious Peking University (PKU), 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.

Scholars receive a Master’s degree in China Studies after completing a highly customizable program, which features an array of interdisciplinary course electives. All courses are taught by PKU faculty in English, though Scholars also participate in Mandarin language courses at their level (prior Mandarin language ability is not required).

Download Yenching Academy’s brochure.

Application Process

In order to apply for this fellowship, you must first receive university endorsement. Apply for university endorsement no later than October 15, 2023 at 12 PM (NOON, not midnight) ET using this Google form.

  • Resume
  • Transcripts
  • Two academic letters of recommendation from professors, either at the associate professor or full professor rank and addressed to the Yenching Academy Selection Committee. Letters should be submitted in their final form – on official letterhead, signed, and dated. They should be emailed separately by your recommenders to fellowships@georgetown.edu.
  • Personal Statement (750 words or less): Should include a self-introduction and well-articulated explanation of how the candidate would make the most of the Yenching Academy program experience, as well as how it would benefit the candidate’s career.
    • Applicants from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan should submit in English and Chinese
  • Statement of Research Interest (maximum 1500 words, excluding citations): 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. The Admissions Committee wants to judge how you formulate and write about academic topics.

Deadline and Timeline

Applicants for institutional endorsement must submit all of the above materials by October 15, 2023 at 12 PM ET. Other than the letters of recommendation and the Google-based CRF Waiver and Agreement Form, all materials should be combined and sent via this Google form.

NOTE: Recommenders should submit their letters directly to the Center for Research & Fellowships, also by October 15, 2023 at 12 PM ET, via fellowships@georgetown.edu.

Decisions regarding internal endorsement will be announced in mid-November. All final application materials are due to Yenching Academy by December 2, 2023. For more information, please contact fellowships@georgetown.edu. 

Connect with Yenching Academy Participant

If you are a potential applicant for the Yenching Academy of Peking University, the Center for Research & Fellowships is happy to connect you with a Georgetown Yenching Academy participant so that you can learn more about the process and the experience. Email fellowships@georgetown.edu to request an e-introduction.