Academic Heritage
China’s oldest modern national university, renowned for more than a century of academic leadership, intellectual freedom and cultural influence.
Beijing, ChinaQS #13
Peking University
Where China’s brightest minds have shaped the nation since 1898
Founded in 1898 as the first national comprehensive university in China, Peking University (PKU) is consistently ranked among the top two universities in the country and the top 15 worldwide. Set around the historic Weiming Lake and Boya Pagoda, its campus blends classical Chinese gardens with world-class research facilities. PKU offers international students a rare combination of academic prestige, deep cultural immersion and a global alumni network spanning government, science, business and the arts.
C9 LeagueProject 985Project 211Double First-Class
- QS World Ranking
- #13
- Location
- Beijing, China
- Founded
- 1898
- International Students
- 7,000+
- Teaching Language
- English / Chinese
- Tuition
- CNY 26,000 - 30,000 / year
- Intake
- September
- Application Deadline
- February 28, 2026
Why Choose
Why Choose Peking University
Key reasons international students choose Peking University for their studies in China.
Liberal Arts Excellence
Consistently ranked among Asia’s best in humanities, social sciences, economics, law and international relations.
China’s Leading Medical School
Home to the prestigious Peking University Health Science Center, offering internationally respected programs in medicine and biomedical sciences.
Public Policy & Global Affairs
A preferred destination for future diplomats, policymakers and public leaders, with exceptional strengths in politics, governance and international studies.
Comprehensive Learning Environment
One of the world’s most complete research universities, allowing students to combine disciplines and explore diverse academic interests.
Future National Leaders
Generations of influential scholars, scientists, entrepreneurs and government leaders began their careers at Peking University.
Rankings & Recognition
Academic Reputation
National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.
QS World University Ranking#13
China National Ranking#2
National Designations
C9 LeagueProject 985Project 211Double First-Class
Programs
Programs for International Students
Explore the degree programs and academic strengths available to international students at Peking University.
Science Track — Faculty of Science
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 30,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC, Beijing Government & PKU scholarships
Science Track — Information Science & Technology
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 30,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC, Beijing Government & PKU scholarships
Science Track — Engineering
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 30,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC, Beijing Government & PKU scholarships
Humanities & Social Sciences Track (all other faculties)
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 26,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC, Beijing Government & PKU scholarships
Clinical Medicine — PKU Health Science Center
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 6 years
Tuition: CNY 45,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Admitted and administered separately by the Health Science Center
Boya Overseas Talent Program (recommendation route)
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC, Beijing Government & PKU scholarships
Admission
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply to Peking University as an international student.
- EligibilityNon-Chinese citizens holding a valid foreign passport, aged 18–25, with a full-time high school graduation qualification.
- Admission RoutesThree undergraduate routes for 2026: Exam Entry, Entry Without Written Examination, and the Boya Overseas Talent Program (school-recommendation based).
- Language of InstructionAll undergraduate programs are taught in Chinese. Entry Without Written Examination requires HSK Level 6 with a total score of 210+, or IB Chinese HL 6+, A-Level Chinese A, or UEC Chinese A1/A2.
- Entrance Examinations (Exam Entry)Preliminary tests in Chinese, English and Mathematics are held in late March 2026; science applicants must also take at least one of Physics or Chemistry. All papers are in Chinese. Candidates who pass proceed to a second-round assessment in mid-April 2026.
- Application CategoriesScience category covers the Faculty of Science, Information Science & Technology, and Engineering; the humanities category covers all other faculties. Students are admitted by faculty and select a major after enrollment.
- Required DocumentsPassport bio page, proof of nationality, high school graduation certificate, high school transcripts, personal statement, two recommendation letters, applicant commitment letter, self-introduction video and the printed application form. All documents must be in Chinese or English.
- Application DeadlinesExam Entry: 1 January–28 February 2026. Boya Program: 19 December 2025–28 February 2026. Entry Without Written Examination: Batch 1 19 December 2025–28 February 2026; Batch 2 12 June–10 July 2026.
- Application ProcessApply online through the PKU online application system at studyatpku.com and upload all documents. A non-refundable application fee of CNY 800 applies to every route.
- Medicine ApplicantsPKU Health Science Center recruits independently — applicants for medical programs must follow the requirements published on its official website.
- Medical ExaminationA Foreigner Physical Examination Form is required after admission and before visa issuance.
- Visa DocumentsPKU issues the JW202 form and Admission Notice so you can apply for an X1 student visa at a Chinese embassy.
Tuition & Scholarships
Costs & Funding
Transparent tuition, living costs and scholarship options for international students.
Cost Breakdown
- Annual Tuition
- CNY 26,000 - 30,000 / year
- Accommodation
- CNY 900 – 1,700 / monthOn-campus international dormitory
- Registration Fee
- CNY 800 (one-time)
- Medical Insurance
- CNY 800 / yearMandatory for all international students
- Estimated Living Cost
- CNY 2,500 – 4,000 / monthMeals, transport & personal expenses
Estimated First-Year CostCNY 60,000 – 110,000
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) — Type A
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend and comprehensive medical insurance.
Eligibility: Applied for separately through the dispatching authority or Chinese embassy/consulate in the applicant’s home country; the CSCA test is required.
Deadline: Set by the dispatching authority / Chinese embassy
Beijing Government Scholarship for International Students
Coverage: Full or partial tuition support for degree-seeking international students in Beijing.
Eligibility: No separate application — awarded by the university to admitted students on the basis of a comprehensive merit evaluation.
Deadline: Awarded at admission (no separate application)
Peking University Scholarship for International Students
Coverage: University-funded tuition support for outstanding international students.
Eligibility: No separate application — selected from admitted students by comprehensive merit evaluation.
Deadline: Awarded at admission (no separate application)
Chinese Language Education Scholarship (CLEC)
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation and stipend for Chinese language and Chinese teaching programs.
Eligibility: International students of Chinese language, literature or Chinese language education.
Deadline: See PKU ISD scholarship announcements
Donor-Funded Scholarships
Coverage: Varying awards funded by companies, foundations and individual donors.
Eligibility: Enrolled international students who meet each donor’s specific criteria; all scholarship holders undergo annual review.
Deadline: See PKU ISD scholarship announcements
Campus Life
Life on Campus
What daily student life looks like at Peking University.
Historic Academic Campus
Study in an iconic campus centered around Weiming Lake and Boya Pagoda, where traditional Chinese architecture blends with modern academic facilities.
Rich Cultural Community
More than 300 student organizations organize lectures, debates, arts festivals, cultural exchanges and volunteer activities throughout the year.
World-Class Library
One of Asia’s largest academic libraries, holding over 8 million volumes and vast digital collections.
International Living Environment
Dedicated international student residences, multilingual campus services and a welcoming multicultural community.
Affordable Dining
Numerous student canteens, cafés and halal dining options offering authentic Chinese cuisine alongside international meals.
Convenient Beijing Access
Located in Beijing’s university district with direct subway access to Zhongguancun, museums, government institutions and cultural landmarks.
Gallery
Campus Gallery
A visual tour of Peking University.
Research & Innovation
Research Strengths
Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at Peking University.
Fundamental Research Excellence
Globally recognized for pioneering research in mathematics, physics, chemistry, life sciences and medicine.
Leading Medical Research
Home to Peking University Health Science Center, one of China’s most influential medical education and biomedical research institutions.
Humanities & Social Sciences
Internationally respected for economics, law, philosophy, international relations and public policy research.
National Think Tanks
Research institutes frequently contribute to China’s policy development in education, healthcare, economics and governance.
Global Academic Collaboration
Extensive partnerships with leading universities worldwide support joint research, dual degrees and academic exchanges.
Interdisciplinary Innovation
Encourages collaboration across science, medicine, engineering and the humanities to solve complex global challenges.
Career Outcomes
Graduate Outcomes
Where a degree from Peking University can take you after graduation.
Global Graduate School Pathways
Many graduates continue to master’s and doctoral programs at the world’s leading universities.
Government & Public Leadership
A preferred university for future diplomats, civil servants, policymakers and international organization professionals.
Finance & Consulting Careers
Graduates are highly recruited by investment banks, consulting firms and multinational corporations.
Medical & Research Careers
Outstanding pathways into hospitals, biomedical research institutes and pharmaceutical organizations.
Worldwide Employer Recognition
Peking University degrees enjoy strong recognition among employers across Asia, Europe and North America.
Powerful Alumni Network
Join one of China’s most influential alumni communities spanning academia, government and business.
Student Support
International Student Support
How Peking University helps international students settle in and succeed.
Accommodation Assistance
Guaranteed help securing on-campus or nearby housing before you arrive in Beijing.
Residence Permit
Step-by-step guidance converting your visa into a residence permit after enrollment.
Orientation
A comprehensive orientation week introduces campus, culture, safety and academic systems.
Academic Advising
Dedicated advisors help with course selection, registration and academic progress.
Chinese Language Support
Free and elective Mandarin courses help international students thrive in daily life.
Health Services
On-campus clinic, insurance guidance and English-speaking medical assistance.
Emergency Assistance
A 24-hour support line and staff on call for urgent situations at any time.
Visa Guidance
Expert help with JW202 forms, visa renewals and travel documentation.
Student Community
International student associations, buddy programs and cultural events build lasting friendships.
Timeline
Application Timeline
Key dates and milestones for applying to Peking University.
- 19 December 2025
Boya Program & No-Exam Route Open
Online applications open for the Boya Overseas Talent Program and Batch 1 of Entry Without Written Examination on studyatpku.com.
- 1 January – 28 February 2026
Exam Entry Applications
The Exam Entry route accepts applications from 1 January (12:00) to 28 February (23:59). A CNY 800 application fee applies.
- Late March 2026
Preliminary Examination
Written tests in Chinese, English and Mathematics; science applicants also sit Physics and/or Chemistry. All papers are in Chinese.
- Mid-April 2026
Second-Round Assessment
Only candidates who pass the preliminary examination are invited to the second-round assessment.
- 12 June – 10 July 2026
No-Exam Route — Batch 2
A second application batch opens for Entry Without Written Examination, which requires qualifying Chinese language results.
- Summer 2026
Admission Notice & JW202 Issued
Admitted students receive their Admission Notice and JW202 form, together with any scholarship decision.
- Before Enrollment
Apply for X1 Student Visa
Apply for your X1 student visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country using the Admission Notice and JW202 form.
- Early September 2026
Arrival in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, settle into your accommodation and attend international student orientation. Self-funded students arrange their own housing, on or off campus.
- Mid September
Registration
Complete registration, medical check and residence permit—then classes begin.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions international students ask most about Peking University.
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