Study at Peking University
Study at China's most prestigious university, renowned for academic excellence, groundbreaking research, global innovation, and centuries of educational heritage.
China's Most Prestigious University
Peking University (PKU), founded in 1898 as the Imperial University of Peking, is China's most prestigious and oldest national university. As the first modern national university established in China, PKU has played a central role in the country's intellectual, cultural, and scientific development for over 125 years.
Located in the Haidian District of Beijing, PKU is home to over 46,000 students, including more than 4,000 international students from over 100 countries. The university comprises 50+ schools and departments spanning sciences, engineering, medicine, humanities, social sciences, and management. PKU is a founding member of the C9 League (China's Ivy League) and a Double First-Class University (Category A).
PKU has produced numerous Nobel laureates, Fields Medalists, Turing Award winners, and national leaders. The university is a global research powerhouse with world-leading programmes in artificial intelligence, quantum science, life sciences, and advanced materials. Its historic campus around Weiming Lake and Boya Pagoda is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful university campuses in the world.
Academic Excellence
50+ schools and departments across every academic discipline
School of Electronics Engineering & Computer Science
Yanyuan Campus
School of Mathematical Sciences
Yanyuan Campus
School of Physics
Yanyuan Campus
School of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering
Yanyuan Campus
School of Life Sciences
Yanyuan Campus
Guanghua School of Management
Yanyuan Campus
School of Economics
Yanyuan Campus
School of International Studies
Yanyuan Campus
Law School
Yanyuan Campus
School of Government (HSSP)
Yanyuan Campus
Health Science Center (Medicine)
Xueyuan Road Campus
School of Earth & Space Sciences
Yanyuan Campus
Exceptionally Affordable
World-class education at a fraction of Western university costs
Undergraduate
- tuition chinese taught: RMB Β₯26,000βΒ₯30,000/year (approximately USD $3,600β$4,200/year)
- tuition english taught: RMB Β₯30,000βΒ₯40,000/year (approximately USD $4,200β$5,600/year)
- tuition medicine: RMB Β₯45,000βΒ₯60,000/year (approximately USD $6,300β$8,400/year) β Clinical Medicine MBBS
- registration fee: RMB Β₯400βΒ₯800 (one-time)
- note: Tuition varies by programme and language of instruction. International students pay international student tuition rates. Medical programmes have higher fees due to clinical training.
Graduate
- tuition masters: RMB Β₯29,000βΒ₯40,000/year (approximately USD $4,000β$5,600/year)
- tuition mba: RMB Β₯258,000βΒ₯398,000 total (approximately USD $36,000β$55,000 β Guanghua MBA)
- tuition phd: RMB Β₯30,000βΒ₯40,000/year (approximately USD $4,200β$5,600/year)
- tuition english programmes: RMB Β₯40,000βΒ₯80,000/year (varies by programme)
- note: Graduate tuition varies significantly by school, programme, and language of instruction. CSC scholarship recipients have tuition fully waived. PhD students may receive funding through research assistantships.
Living in Beijing
- on campus accommodation: RMB Β₯600βΒ₯1,200/month (approximately USD $85β$170/month β shared room in international dormitory)
- off campus housing: RMB Β₯3,000βΒ₯8,000/month (approximately USD $420β$1,100/month β Haidian District)
- food: RMB Β₯1,500βΒ₯2,500/month (approximately USD $210β$350/month β campus canteens are very affordable)
- health insurance: RMB Β₯800/year (approximately USD $110/year β comprehensive student insurance required)
- transportation: RMB Β₯200βΒ₯500/month (approximately USD $28β$70/month β Beijing subway and buses)
- books materials: RMB Β₯1,000βΒ₯2,000/year (approximately USD $140β$280/year)
- personal expenses: RMB Β₯1,000βΒ₯2,000/month (approximately USD $140β$280/month)
- total estimate: RMB Β₯3,500βΒ₯7,000/month (approximately USD $500β$1,000/month total living expenses)
Tuition fees and living costs are reviewed annually by Peking University. The figures above are approximate and based on recent academic year rates. Students should always verify the latest official figures on the Peking University Office of International Relations website before applying.
Funding Your PKU Education
Generous government and university scholarships for international students
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Full tuition waiver + on-campus accommodation + monthly stipend (RMB Β₯2,500/month undergraduate; Β₯3,000/month Master's; Β₯3,500/month PhD) + comprehensive health insurance
Eligibility: International students admitted to degree programmes β applied through Chinese Embassy or PKU direct recommendation
China's most comprehensive scholarship for international students. Covers all major expenses. Highly competitive β apply through Chinese Embassy in home country or through PKU's university-recommendation route.
Beijing Government Scholarship (BGS)
Full or partial tuition waiver + living stipend (varies by award level)
Eligibility: International students studying at Beijing-based universities including PKU
Administered by Beijing Municipal Government. Multiple award levels from partial tuition to comprehensive coverage. Can be combined with other university scholarships.
Peking University Scholarship for International Students
Full tuition waiver + accommodation support + living stipend (varies by programme)
Eligibility: Outstanding international applicants admitted to PKU programmes
PKU's own institutional scholarship for exceptional international students. Awarded based on academic merit and application quality. Available for undergraduate, Master's, and PhD levels.
Yenching Academy Scholarship
Full tuition + on-campus accommodation + monthly stipend + round-trip airfare + field study funding
Eligibility: Outstanding graduates from top universities worldwide admitted to the Yenching Academy Master's programme
One of the most prestigious China-focused scholarships globally. Fully funds a 2-year interdisciplinary Master's in China Studies at PKU. Highly selective β approximately 120 students admitted annually from 4,000+ applicants.
PKU Graduate Research Assistantships
Monthly stipend + partial or full tuition support (varies by supervisor and project funding)
Eligibility: Graduate students (especially PhD) working on funded research projects with faculty supervisors
Common funding mechanism for PhD students in STEM fields. Stipend amount depends on research group and external funding.
Confucius Institute Scholarship
Full tuition + accommodation + stipend + comprehensive insurance
Eligibility: International students applying for Chinese language or China-related study programmes
Funded by the Chinese International Education Foundation. Available for language study, Bachelor's, Master's, and short-term programmes. Applied through Confucius Institutes worldwide.
How to Get In
Deadline: Applications typically open DecemberβApril for September intake (varies by programme)
- High school diploma or equivalent (12+ years of formal education)
- Strong academic record (GPA requirements vary by programme)
- Chinese language proficiency: HSK Level 5 (score 180+) for Chinese-taught programmes β some programmes require HSK Level 6
- English language proficiency: TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS 6.5+ (for English-taught programmes)
- Personal Statement / Study Plan
- Two Letters of Recommendation (from academic referees)
- Copy of valid passport
- Physical examination record
- No criminal record certificate
- Some programmes require entrance examinations or interviews
- Portfolio or audition (for arts programmes)
Peking University's undergraduate admission for international students is highly competitive. Chinese-taught programmes require strong Chinese language proficiency (HSK 5/6). English-taught programmes (including the MBBS in English) have English proficiency requirements. PKU also offers pre-university Chinese language programmes for students who need to improve their Chinese before degree study.
Life at PKU
A historic and beautiful campus in the heart of Beijing
Weiming Lake & Boya Pagoda
The iconic heart of campus β a traditional Chinese garden landscape with a pagoda, lake, and centuries-old trees. One of the most photographed university scenes in China.
Libraries
PKU's library system holds over 11 million volumes across multiple libraries β one of the largest academic library collections in Asia. The main library is a modern architectural landmark.
Student Clubs & Activities
Over 300 registered student organizations covering arts, sports, academic interests, cultural activities, entrepreneurship, community service, and international exchange.
Sports & Recreation
Olympic-standard facilities including a gymnasium, swimming pool, track & field complex, tennis courts, and the Khoo Teck Puat Gymnasium. PKU competes in national university leagues.
Beijing City Life
Located in Beijing's Haidian university district β world-class museums, the Forbidden City, Great Wall, vibrant food scene, and a thriving technology ecosystem are all accessible.
International Dormitories
Dedicated international student accommodation in Shaoyuan and Global Village with single/double rooms, communal kitchens, study rooms, and international community programming.
Research Centres
World-class laboratories and research institutes including the National Engineering Lab for Big Data Analysis, Institute of Artificial Intelligence, and Life Sciences Research Park.
International Community
Over 4,000 international students from 100+ countries with comprehensive support from the Office of International Relations, cultural events, buddy programmes, and language exchange.
Career Outcomes
Research Strengths
Artificial Intelligence & Computing
PKU's Institute of Artificial Intelligence and School of EECS lead China in AI research β pioneering work in deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and intelligent systems.
Quantum Science & Physics
World-leading research in quantum computing, quantum communication, and fundamental physics. PKU physicists have contributed to landmark discoveries in condensed matter and particle physics.
Life Sciences & Biomedical Research
PKU-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, and the Institute of Molecular Medicine drive breakthroughs in genomics, CRISPR, cancer research, and drug discovery.
Advanced Materials & Nanotechnology
National Center for Nanoscience and Technology collaborations, with leading research in 2D materials, energy materials, and nanoscale engineering.
Environmental & Climate Science
College of Environmental Sciences & Engineering and the Institute of Carbon Neutrality research β air quality, climate modelling, and sustainable energy transition at a global scale.
Economics & Social Sciences
Guanghua School of Management and the National School of Development (NSD) are globally influential in development economics, Chinese economic reform, and public policy research.
International Student Support
Over 4,000 international students from 100+ countries
- Office of International Relations (OIR)
- Student visa (X1/X2) guidance and invitation letter
- International student orientation week
- On-campus accommodation (Shaoyuan, Global Village)
- Academic advising and programme support
- Comprehensive health insurance (required)
- Counseling and psychological services
- International student organizations and cultural festivals
- Exchange programmes with 400+ partner universities worldwide
- Chinese language courses (intensive and part-time)
- Buddy programme β paired with Chinese students
- Career services and internship guidance
Your Path to Peking University
Expert guidance from enquiry to enrolment
Programme Selection
We help you navigate PKU's 50+ schools and unique pathways β from Yenching Academy to Guanghua MBA, English-taught programmes to Chinese-medium degrees.
Application Strategy
Expert guidance on PKU's international admission process, personal statement writing, research proposal development, and documentation in Chinese and English.
CSC Scholarship Support
Comprehensive guidance on Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) applications β embassy vs. university recommendation routes, timeline management, and interview preparation.
Language Preparation
HSK preparation advice, Chinese language course recommendations, and pathway planning for students who need to improve their Chinese before degree study at PKU.
Visa & Accommodation
X1/X2 student visa guidance, invitation letter processing, on-campus dormitory applications, off-campus housing in Haidian, and health insurance enrollment.
Pre-Departure & Arrival
Comprehensive pre-departure briefing for China, Beijing orientation, airport pickup coordination, bank account setup, SIM card, and post-arrival support.
Apply to Peking University
Free expert guidance β no hidden fees
Hear From PKU Students
βPKU's AI research is world-class. The CSC scholarship covered all my expenses, and working alongside brilliant Chinese and international researchers in one of the world's largest AI labs has been transformative.β
βThe Yenching Academy scholarship is extraordinary β fully funded, interdisciplinary, and international. Living on PKU's beautiful campus while studying China's role in global affairs was the best decision I've made.β
βGuanghua MBA opened doors to China's business world. The combination of academic rigour, Beijing's dynamic business ecosystem, and PKU's powerful alumni network gave me a global competitive edge.β
Frequently Asked Questions
Peking University is China's #1 university (QS #14 globally) with over 125 years of academic heritage. It offers world-class research, highly affordable tuition, generous scholarships (including full CSC coverage), and access to China's dynamic economy and innovation ecosystem. PKU's Yenching Academy, Guanghua School of Management, and STEM programmes are globally renowned.
The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) covers full tuition + accommodation + monthly stipend + health insurance. PKU also offers institutional scholarships, Beijing Government Scholarships, Yenching Academy full scholarships, Confucius Institute Scholarships, and research assistantships. Many international students study at PKU fully funded.
Undergraduate tuition ranges from RMB Β₯26,000βΒ₯30,000/year (approximately USD $3,600β$4,200) for Chinese-taught programmes. English-taught programmes are Β₯30,000βΒ₯80,000/year. Medical programmes are higher. Graduate tuition varies by programme. PKU tuition is significantly lower than Western universities.
Chinese-taught programmes require HSK Level 5 (score 180+) or HSK Level 6. English-taught programmes require TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS 6.5+. PKU also offers intensive Chinese language programmes for students who need to improve before degree study. The Yenching Academy is conducted entirely in English.
Yes. Educational Hub provides expert guidance on programme selection, CSC scholarship applications, HSK preparation advice, document preparation, research proposal development, visa processing, accommodation, and pre-departure support specifically for PKU applicants.
PKU provides on-campus international dormitories (Shaoyuan, Global Village) with single and shared rooms from approximately RMB Β₯600βΒ₯1,200/month. Off-campus apartments in the Haidian university area are also available. On-campus housing is affordable and conveniently located.
English-taught programmes include the Yenching Academy (Master's in China Studies), MBBS in English (Medicine), several MBA and economics programmes at Guanghua, select STEM graduate programmes, and various short-term programmes. Most undergraduate programmes are in Chinese, requiring HSK Level 5β6.
PKU graduates are recruited by China's top companies (Huawei, Tencent, Alibaba, ByteDance), global firms with China operations, international organizations, and leading research institutions. PKU's alumni network spans 100+ countries. The university's Career Development Center provides comprehensive support including internship placement.