Peking University (PKU) Overseas Students Scholarship 2027–2028

The Peking University (PKU) Overseas Students Scholarship is an institutional scholarship program designed to attract and support outstanding international students pursuing postgraduate degrees at Peking University. The scholarship provides funding for qualified Master’s and Doctoral degree candidates across a wide range of academic disciplines.

Peking University is China’s premier comprehensive research university located in Beijing, recognized globally for excellence in science, engineering, humanities, social sciences, economics, and management.

• Host Country: China
• University: Peking University (PKU)
• Study Levels: Master’s and Doctoral Degree
• Scholarship: PKU Overseas Students Scholarship
• Application Deadline: March 1, 2027

Scholarship Benefits

The PKU Overseas Students Scholarship is divided into full and partial funding categories:

• Full Scholarship: Full tuition waiver, comprehensive medical insurance, or monthly living allowance.
• Partial Scholarship: Full or partial tuition fee waiver.
• Master’s Students: RMB 2,500/month living allowance + full tuition coverage + medical insurance
• Doctoral Students: RMB 3,000/month living allowance + full tuition coverage + medical insurance

Available Programs

The scholarship is available for eligible academic Master’s and PhD programs across major faculties and schools.

Master’s Degree Programs

PKU offers Master’s programs in fields such as:

• Computer Science and Technology
• Software Engineering
• Electronic and Information Engineering
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Environmental Sciences and Engineering
• Chemistry and Molecular Engineering
• Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
• Physics and Astrophysics
• Biological and Biomedical Sciences
• Economics and Finance
• Management Science and Engineering
• Public Administration and International Relations
• Chinese Law (LL.M.)
• Chinese Studies and Philosophy
• New Media and Communication
• Other eligible programs listed in the official catalogue

Doctoral Degree Programs

PhD applicants can find programs in areas including:

• Computer Science and Technology
• Information and Communication Engineering
• Mechanics and Advanced Materials
• Environmental Science and Engineering
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Life Sciences and Molecular Medicine
• Theoretical and Applied Economics
• Business Administration
• Law
• International Politics and Relations
• Philosophy, History, and Chinese Literature
• Other eligible doctoral disciplines listed by PKU

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should generally:

• Be non-Chinese citizens
• Hold a valid passport
• Be in good health
• Have a strong academic background
• Meet PKU program requirements
• Meet the required language standards
• Meet CSC age and eligibility requirements
• Master’s Degree Applicants
  • Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
  • Meet the selected program requirements
  • Have a strong academic background
  • Normally be under 35 years old
• PhD Applicants
  • Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent
  • Have a strong academic and research background
  • Meet the doctoral program requirements
  • Normally be under 40 years old
• Language Requirements (Chinese-Taught Programs)
  • HSK Level 5
  • Minimum HSK score: 180
• English-Taught Programs
• IELTS: 6.0 or above
• TOEFL iBT: 80 or above
• Equivalent recognized English-language proficiency certificate
• Official English-medium instruction certificate from the applicant’s previous university
• Evidence of previous study in an English-speaking country, where accepted by PKU

Required Documents

• PKU online application form (printed, hand-signed with pen, and scanned)
• PKU Overseas Students Scholarship Application Form (completed through portal)
• Valid passport copy (biographical page)
• Highest degree certificate (notarized copy or official CSSD/CSCSE authentication report)
• Bachelor’s degree certificate for Master’s applicants
• Master’s degree certificate for PhD applicants
• Expected graduation certificate for current final-year students
• Complete official academic transcripts (notarized in Chinese or English)
• Language proficiency certificate (HSK, IELTS, TOEFL, or EMI)
• Personal statement and research proposal (official PKU template, hand-signed)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Two recommendation letters (Issued by professors or associate professors via online system)
• PKU professor acceptance letter / supervisor consent letter (strongly recommended)
• Signed Application Commitment letter
• Foreigner Physical Examination Form (including blood test reports)
• Non-criminal record certificate (police clearance)
• Academic publications or research abstracts, if available
• Other supporting documents required by PKU

How to Apply for PKU Overseas Students Scholarship

Applicants for the PKU Overseas Students Scholarship must complete their admission and scholarship applications through the official PKU application system:

Step 1: Create a PKU Application Account

Visit the PKU International Student Service System and create an applicant account using a valid email address.

Step 2: Complete the Postgraduate Degree Application

Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, chosen department, and degree level (Master’s or PhD).

Step 3: Submit the Online Scholarship Application

Navigate to Scholarship Application -> Application for Prospective Students and select the Peking University Scholarship (Overseas Students).

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Upload color scans of your passport, degree diploma, transcripts, research plan, recommender contact details, medical form, and police clearance.

Step 5: Submit the Online Application

Review all entered information thoroughly and submit the online application before the system deadline.

Step 6: Pay the Application Fee

Applicants are required to pay:

• Application Fee: RMB 800
• Refund Status: Non-refundable (payable online through the portal before the application closing date)

Step 7: School Evaluation & Academic Review

PKU academic departments review candidate dossiers to evaluate academic excellence and research potential. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for academic interviews or assessments.

Step 8: Scholarship Committee Review

The PKU Scholarship Committee evaluates ranked candidates and determines the award category (Full or Partial Scholarship).

Step 9: Admission Confirmation and Visa Documents

Successful applicants receive the official PKU Admission Notice and Visa Application Form (JW202) to apply for an X1 student visa.

Step 10: Registration and Document Verification

Admitted students must complete on-campus registration on time and present original degree diplomas and transcripts for final verification.

Annual Scholarship Review

Scholarship recipients must meet the required annual review standards, including academic progress, research performance, attendance, conduct, and university regulations. Failure to meet the requirements may result in suspension or termination of the scholarship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the PKU Overseas Students Scholarship fully funded?

The full scholarship covers 100% tuition, monthly stipend (RMB 2,500 for Master’s, RMB 3,000 for PhD), and medical insurance.

Can undergraduate students apply?

No. This specific scholarship guide is strictly for international applicants pursuing Master’s and Doctoral degree programs.

Can I apply for a Master’s degree?

Yes. You must hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree, have a strong academic record, and meet language criteria.

Can I apply for a PhD?

Yes. Applicants need a relevant Master’s degree, strong research ability, and required language proficiency.

Is IELTS compulsory?

Not necessarily. PKU accepts TOEFL iBT or an official English-Medium Instruction (EMI) certificate from your previous university.

What HSK level is required?

Chinese-taught postgraduate programs generally require HSK Level 6 with a competitive score report.

Do I need to apply through the CSC website?

No. The PKU Overseas Students Scholarship is a university-administered scholarship processed solely through PKU’s portal.

Do I need an acceptance letter from a professor?

While not mandatory for every department, securing an acceptance letter from a PKU professor is strongly recommended.

Can final-year students apply?

Yes. Applicants who have not yet graduated can submit an official pre-graduation certificate issued by their university.

Is the scholarship automatically renewed every year?

No. Scholarship recipients must pass the mandatory Annual Appraisal conducted by Peking University every April.

What is the PKU Overseas Students Scholarship 2027–2028 deadline?

Postgraduate degree applications close on January 10, 2027, with the online scholarship application closing in early March 2027.