Peking University (北京大学)

About Peking University

Founded in 1898 as the Imperial University of Peking, Peking University (PKU) is China’s first national comprehensive university and a prestigious member of the C9 League — China’s Ivy League. Located in the historic Haidian District of Beijing, PKU is consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide, particularly renowned for its strengths in humanities, social sciences, and basic sciences.

With a campus that blends traditional Chinese architecture with modern facilities, PKU is home to over 40,000 students, including more than 5,000 international students from 150+ countries. The university operates 52 directly affiliated faculties and 8 affiliated hospitals, making it a powerhouse in both academic research and medical education.

Peking University has produced numerous influential figures in Chinese modern history, including Mao Zedong (former library assistant) and many of China’s leading scholars, scientists, and policymakers.

Official Links

• Peking University Official Website
• PKU International Students Division
• PKU Admissions Office

University Rankings & Reputation

Peking University is one of the most prestigious universities in Asia and the world:

• QS World University Rankings 2026: #17 worldwide
• QS Arts & Humanities: Top 10 worldwide
• QS Social Sciences & Management: Top 15 worldwide
• ARWU (Academic Ranking of World Universities): Top 30 worldwide
• US News Best Global Universities: Top 40 worldwide
• THE World University Rankings: Top 20 worldwide
• China University Ranking: Top 2

PKU is a founding member of the C9 League, often described as the Chinese Ivy League, and is consistently ranked as the top university in China for humanities and social sciences.

Programs Available for International Students

Undergraduate Programs

• Chinese Language and Literature (BA) — 4 years, Chinese-taught (HSK 5+)
• International Economics and Trade (BA) — 4 years, English-taught
• Law (LLB) — 4 years, Chinese-taught (HSK 5+)
• Engineering Sciences (BEng) — 4 years, English-taught
• Business Administration (BBA) — 4 years, English-taught
• Computer Science (BSc) — 4 years, English-taught

Graduate Programs (English-Taught)

• MBA / EMBA — 2 years, Guanghua School of Management
• International Relations (MA) — 2 years, School of International Studies
• Computer Science (MSc) — 2-3 years, English-taught
• Economics and Finance (MSc) — 2 years, English-taught
• Law (LLM) — 2-3 years, Chinese/English tracks
• PhD Programs — 3-5 years, various disciplines

Chinese Language Preparatory Program

• Duration: 1 year (full-time intensive)
• Goal: Reach HSK 5 proficiency for academic study
• Tuition: ~40,000 CNY/year

Tuition Fees for International Students (2026)

Additional Costs:

• Application fee: 80 USD (nonrefundable)
• On-campus dormitory: ~2,000 – 4,000 CNY/month
• Estimated living expenses: ~2,500 – 3,500 CNY/month
• Health insurance: 800 CNY/year (required)

Scholarships for International Students

Admission Requirements

• Academic: High school diploma with minimum 80% average (undergraduate); Bachelor’s degree with minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA (graduate)
• English proficiency: IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 85+ (for English-taught programs)
• Chinese proficiency: HSK 5+ (for Chinese-taught programs)
• Documents required: Diploma (notarized), transcripts, passport copy, recommendation letters (2-3), personal statement, CV, health report
• Application fee: 80 USD (nonrefundable)
• Portfolio/Audition: Required for arts and architecture programs

Application Deadlines (2026 Intake)

Campus & Location

Peking University’s main campus, known as Yenching Garden (Yan Yuan), is located in the Haidian District of northwest Beijing, adjacent to the Summer Palace and Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace). The 270-hectare campus is renowned for its beautiful traditional Chinese gardens, Weiming Lake (Unnamed Lake), and the iconic Boya Pagoda.

Campus Highlights:

• Historic buildings blending traditional Chinese and Western architectural styles
• State-of-the-art laboratories and research centers across 52 faculties
• 8 affiliated hospitals providing world-class medical education
• Modern sports facilities, several libraries, and student activity centers
• On-campus subway station (Peking University East Gate) for easy access to Beijing

Beijing — China’s capital city with over 21 million residents, Beijing offers international students a unique blend of ancient history and modern innovation. From the Forbidden City and Great Wall to cutting-edge tech districts like Zhongguancun (China’s Silicon Valley), Beijing provides unparalleled cultural and career opportunities. The city hosts hundreds of multinational corporations, embassies, and international organizations.

Why Choose Peking University?

• Top 20 worldwide (#17 QS 2026) — one of Asia’s most prestigious universities
• 300+ programs across humanities, sciences, engineering, and medicine
• 5,000+ international students from 150+ countries — diverse, global community
• Beijing location — political, cultural, and technological capital of China
• Generous scholarships — multiple tiers from partial tuition to full coverage
• English-taught programs available at undergraduate and graduate levels
• C9 League member — the Chinese Ivy League
• Strong alumni network — includes presidents, Nobel laureates, and industry leaders