Undergraduate Tuition at Peking University
Peking University international student tuition for undergraduate programs ranges from 26,000 to 30,000 RMB per year, according to official data from the PKU International Students Division. This rate applies to most bachelor programs across the university. Science and engineering programs at PKU are typically at the lower end of this range, while programs in the humanities and social sciences may cost slightly more. The nonrefundable application fee ranges from 57 to 113 USD depending on the program. This application fee is paid online through the PKU application system at studyatpku.com when you submit your documents. PKU undergraduate tuition is remarkably affordable for a university ranked in the top 20 globally, especially compared to equivalent programs in the United States or Western Europe where annual tuition can exceed 50,000 USD. The value proposition of a PKU degree is exceptional when you consider the combination of world-class education, affordable tuition, and the experience of living in China capital city.
Master Program Tuition
Master programs at Peking University range from 29,000 to 190,000 RMB per year. This wide range reflects the diversity of graduate programs offered by different schools and colleges. Standard academic master programs in traditional fields such as Chinese history, Chinese philosophy, international relations, and comparative literature are at the lower end of the range, typically costing between 29,000 and 60,000 RMB per year. Professional programs cost significantly more. The MBA program at the Guanghua School of Management, which holds triple accreditation and is one of the most prestigious business programs in China, costs approximately 188,000 RMB for the full program. The School of Transnational Law offers an English-taught J.D. and J.M. program at approximately 100,000 to 190,000 RMB per year. The PKU-LSE double degree program also has higher tuition reflecting its dual curriculum. Prospective master students should always check the specific program page for the exact tuition, as the variance between programs is substantial.
PhD Program Tuition
Doctoral programs at Peking University cost between 32,000 and 60,000 RMB per year. PhD programs typically last 3 to 4 years depending on the field and the student research progress. Most PhD students at PKU receive full or partial funding that covers their tuition costs. The Chinese Government Scholarship provides full tuition plus a monthly living stipend of 3,500 RMB for PhD students. The PKU Presidential Scholarship offers full tuition and a competitive stipend for outstanding doctoral candidates. Many departments also offer teaching assistantships and research assistantships that cover tuition and provide a monthly salary. Applicants should discuss funding options with their prospective supervisor during the application process, as funding availability varies by department and research area.
| Program | Annual Tuition (RMB) |
| Undergraduate (Bachelor) | 26,000 – 30,000 |
| Academic Master | 29,000 – 60,000 |
| Professional Master | 60,000 – 190,000 |
| PhD | 32,000 – 60,000 |
On-Campus Accommodation
Peking University provides several on-campus dormitory options for international students, primarily in the No.2 through No.6 International Student Apartments. Monthly rent ranges from approximately 700 to 1,500 RMB per month depending on the room type and building. A standard double room in a shared apartment costs around 700 to 1,000 RMB per month, while a single room costs approximately 1,200 to 1,500 RMB per month. All university dormitories include basic furniture, air conditioning, internet access, and shared kitchen and laundry facilities. On-campus housing is recommended for first-year international students as it makes it easier to make friends and access university services. Off-campus housing in the Haidian district, where PKU is located, costs between 3,000 and 6,000 RMB per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Most international students choose to live on campus for at least their first year.
Living Expenses in Beijing
Beijing living costs are moderate compared to other major world capitals. Monthly food expenses at PKU campus canteens range from 800 to 1,500 RMB, with individual meals costing 10 to 25 RMB. The Beijing subway system offers one of the lowest fares among global metro systems, with a monthly transportation cost of approximately 200 to 400 RMB. Personal expenses including toiletries, phone plans, entertainment, and shopping range from 500 to 1,500 RMB per month depending on lifestyle. Mandatory health insurance costs approximately 800 RMB per year. Textbooks and academic supplies add another 1,000 to 2,000 RMB per year. First-year students should also budget around 2,000 to 3,000 RMB for initial setup costs.
Total Annual Cost Estimate
For a standard undergraduate program living in an on-campus double room, the total annual cost is approximately 38,000 to 50,000 RMB, which is about 5,200 to 6,900 USD. This includes tuition of 26,000 to 30,000 RMB, accommodation of 8,400 to 18,000 RMB per year, food costs of 9,600 to 18,000 RMB, and other expenses. This makes Peking University one of the most affordable top-tier universities in the world. By comparison, equivalent programs at similarly ranked universities in the United States cost 50,000 to 80,000 USD per year. The combination of PKU world-class education, affordable cost of living in Beijing, and generous scholarship opportunities offers exceptional value for international students seeking a globally recognized degree.
Peking University Payment and Financial Information
International students at Peking University can pay tuition through several methods. The university accepts international bank transfers, online payments through the PKU payment portal, and on-site payments at the finance office after arrival. Payment can be made annually or in two installments per semester. Self-funded students must provide proof of sufficient financial resources as part of the visa application process, typically in the form of bank statements showing sufficient funds for at least one year of study and living expenses. Scholarship recipients do not need to pay tuition out of pocket as the CSC or PKU scholarship disburses funds directly to the university. The PKU Finance Office provides receipts and payment confirmation documents which students may need for their home country tax reporting or sponsorship documentation.
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