Yenching Academy Scholars

Deadline

Overview

The Yenching Academy of Peking University is a competitive postgraduate scholarship program designed to prepare an elite class of future leaders to meet the challenges of the 21st century global landscape. Yenching Academy Scholars receive full support to pursue a Master of Arts in China Studies at Peking University.

Benefits

Yenching Scholars receive a full tuition scholarship, accommodation in the residential college, and a stipend to cover living expenses. Recipients complete a Master of Arts in China Studies degree program. Academy courses will be available in both English and Chinese, and it is possible for international students to complete their degrees with courses taught in English. 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.

Applicants will choose from one of six concentrations:

• Literature and Culture
• History and Archaeology
• Philosophy and Religion
• Public Policy and International Relations
• Economics and Management

Yenching Scholars are also deeply immersed into Chinese culture through cultural excursions throughout various parts of China and an intensive Chinese language program taken along within their degree studies. Participants will also have opportunities for internships and intensive field studies.

Eligibility criteria

Applications are open to candidates who will hold a bachelor’s degree and be 25 years of age or younger the start of the program. Applicants may be of any nationality. 

Applicants from ASU must be nominated.

Award requirements

All Yenching Scholars are required to write a Master's thesis under the guidance of a faculty adviser, and to defend it orally before an academic committee. Students who leave China before they have completed their oral defense may defend their thesis via Skype video if the adviser agrees.

Selection criteria

In addition to an outstanding academic career as evidenced from transcripts and letters of recommendation, successful applicants will also have been able to show that they have the potential to be leaders in their chosen fields. The admissions committee looks to the personal statement for a well-reasoned and persuasive explanation of how applicants will benefit from being a Yenching Scholar. Interviews with finalists help the committee get a sense of the applicant’s intellectual and personal qualities, and how well they are suited for the program.  A prospective Yenching Scholar...

• Has an outstanding academic record
• Has demonstrated leadership skills
• Is active in extracurricular activities
• Is actively engaged with the community and has a strong sense of social responsibility
• Has a strong moral character
• Has demonstrated interest in exploring diverse cultures, in particular Chinese and Asian Pacific cultures
• Has demonstrated English proficiency

Application process

As ASU is a Partner University of the Yenching Academy, ASU students and recent graduates must first obtain official nomination to apply. To obtain this nomination, you must submit the following materials by the campus deadline:

• Personal Statement (750 words),
• Curriculum Vitae (2 pages maximum);
• Copy of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended; and
• The recommendation letter coversheet and waiver.

For full instructions, visit the ONSA Apply Now page.