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Peking University (PKU) — Complete 2026 Guide for International Students

📅 Published: September 20, 2025 ⏱️ Read time: 20 minutes 📊 Category: Application Tips 👤 Author: Find China School Team
Peking University Weiming Lake - Boya Tower

Peking University (PKU), founded in 1898, is one of China’s oldest and most prestigious comprehensive research universities and a core member of the C9 League. This guide distills official instructions into practical steps for a successful application.

Use this alongside our C9 League Guide, the CSC Scholarship Guide, and the University Database to compare programs and plan your route.

PKU at a Glance

Why International Students Choose PKU

  • Full‑spectrum excellence: Humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, management.
  • Global programs: Joint/double degrees such as PKU–LSE and PKU–Sciences Po; many English‑taught graduate tracks.
  • Beijing advantage: Historic campus (Weiming Lake, Boya Tower) and proximity to national institutions and top employers.

Campuses and Notable Schools

Main campuses include Yanyuan (historic), Changping, Daxing (School of Software & Microelectronics), and the Shenzhen Graduate School. Representative schools include the School of Mathematical Sciences, Physics, Materials Science & Engineering, Education, and the Health Science Center.

Browse the full catalog on PKU Graduate Admissions.

English‑Taught Programs and Joint Degrees

  • PKU lists English‑taught master’s/PhD options on ISD pages and program directories.
  • Notable joint degrees include PKU–LSE Double Master’s in International Affairs and PKU–Sciences Po dual degree.

Confirm language of instruction and entry criteria in each program’s prospectus.

Admissions Overview: Timelines & Routes

  • Graduate (Master’s & PhD): Application windows typically open in autumn. PKU’s 2025 notice listed Oct 14, 2024 – Jan 10, 2025 for most programs, with some English‑taught PhD deadlines extended to Feb 28, 2025.
  • Undergraduate/Pre‑university: See ISD BA/Yuke pages for routes and special channels.
  • Platforms: Submit through StudyatPKU.

Cross‑check the latest dates on PKU ISD.

Required Application Materials (Typical)

  • Authenticated diplomas/degree verification (CSCSE/CSSD as applicable).
  • Official transcripts (notarized translations if not in Chinese/English).
  • Personal statement / research plan and CV (follow PKU templates/word counts).
  • Two academic recommendation letters (via StudyatPKU).
  • Language proof: HSK for Chinese‑taught; IELTS/TOEFL for English‑taught when required.
  • Program‑specific items: portfolio, GRE/GMAT, interviews/tests where applicable.

See PKU’s 2025 instruction notice on ISD for detailed guidance and examples.

Scholarships and Funding

  • Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): PKU participates in Type A (bilateral) and Type B. For Type A, PKU typically requires applying to PKU first and downloading a certificate before submitting the embassy track application.
  • PKU Scholarships: University‑level awards, donation‑based funds, and municipal scholarships; some departments offer merit aid.
  • Program‑specific fellowships: Certain joint/research programs may offer dedicated funding.

Start with our CSC Scholarship Guide, CSC Type A, and CSC Type B. Always confirm PKU’s current procedures on ISD before submitting.

Visa, Enrollment and Residence Permits

PKU ISD publishes detailed visa/enrollment steps (arrival registration, residence permits, internship/work annotations). After admission, follow ISD’s checklists to complete on‑arrival formalities. For an overview, see our China Student Visa Guide.

Tuition, Living Costs and Accommodation

Tuition varies by program; English‑taught/joint programs may have different fee structures. Beijing living costs depend on lifestyle; consult PKU’s dorm pages and student handbooks for estimates.

Campus Life, Internships and Career Support

ISD and career services publish resources on internships, employment and campus life. Beijing offers exceptional access to government, NGOs and leading companies; PKU labs and partners expand research opportunities.

Practical Checklist

  1. Choose major and confirm instruction language in the program catalog.
  2. Authenticate diplomas/transcripts (CSCSE/CSSD as required).
  3. Draft personal/research statements using PKU templates.
  4. Arrange two academic recommendations and submit via StudyatPKU.
  5. For CSC Type A, apply to PKU first and download the required certificate.
  6. Track department deadlines; contact prospective supervisors for research programs.
  7. After admission, follow ISD visa/enrollment instructions and arrange housing.

Also take our China Study Test to validate fit and explore dorm tips like PKU dorm guide.

Official Links