Learn Chinese: Peking University Summer Courses 2025

1. Program Introduction

The Peking University Chinese Language Summer School, established in the 1980s, provides a diverse platform for international students and friends to experience Peking University, learn Chinese, and gain a deeper understanding of China. With its long history, high-quality teaching system, extensive and in-depth cultural exchange activities, and rich practical experiences, the program has gained increasing attention and favor from international participants. Each year, it welcomes over 300 students from more than 30 countries. The program offers four-week sessions (one in July and one in August) as well as six-week and eight-week Chinese language course sessions, including Business Chinese. Classes are available at multiple levels, catering to students from absolute beginners to advanced learners. In addition, the program features a series of lectures on Chinese society and culture (taught in English), cultural visits within and outside of Beijing, and opportunities for exchange and interaction between Chinese and international students. 

2. Program Courses and Activities Arrangements

A.  Course Arrangement

• Course type: Comprehensive Chinese course, Business Chinese Course. 

• Class mode: Offline classes on campus at Peking University. 

• Class hours: 
  • Comprehensive Chinese course: Monday to Friday (8:00-12:00), 4 hours per day, 20 hours per week.
  • Business Chinese Course: Monday to Friday, 20 hours per week, including activities such as visits to Chinese business enterprises.

• Course duration: 

B.  Introduction to the Courses (Peking University writes the textbooks)

I.  Comprehensive Chinese Course

• Course content:
  • Intensive Chinese Reading: Intensive Chinese Reading aims to improve students’ reading and writing skills by learning vocabulary and grammar. 
  • Spoken Chinese: Spoken Chinese aims to enhance proficiency in oral communication by learning common vocabulary and sentences. 

• Applicable Language Level:
  • Basic Class: Mainly for students with zero Chinese ability or at the stage of learning Pinyin, familiar Chinese characters, and simple Chinese words and sentences. 
  • Elementary Class: For those with vocabulary skills of more than 200 Chinese words. The course focuses on foundational Chinese grammar and commonly used vocabulary, aiming to improve participants’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. 
  • Intermediate Class: For those with vocabulary skills of more than 1200 Chinese words. The course focuses on expanding vocabulary and developing the ability to use Chinese accurately and proficiently in everyday life, study, and work-related communication. Participants will also learn to express themselves in connected discourse. 
  • Advanced Class: For those with vocabulary skills of more than 2500 Chinese words. The course aims to expand vocabulary further and enhance the ability to use Chinese accurately, proficiently, and appropriately. Participants will develop skills to engage in discussions and exchanges on various social topics. 

II.   Business Chinese

• Course level: Advanced Business Chinese (for those with vocabulary skills of more than 2500 Chinese words, Advanced Class Level.)

• Course content: 
  • Focused on specialized Chinese language courses in business and professional workplace domains. 
  • Practical sessions will be arranged according to the learning content.

C.  Course requirements

The Peking University Chinese Summer School adopts a small class teaching model, with approximately 18 students per class. To maximize the use of high-quality resources, courses at the same level with fewer than eight students will be canceled, and participants will need to select other programs or courses.

D.  ‘Dialogue with Experts’ English language lecture series

The “Dialogue with Experts” English language lecture series of English lectures will offer a carefully curated academic feast over the summer, featuring nine sessions, one per week, each lasting 1.5 hours. The topics covered will range from multiculturalism and global perspectives to technological innovation, with all lectures delivered in English. The detailed schedule will be announced after the student’s arrival. This lecture series has specially invited renowned professors from Peking University with strong academic backgrounds to serve as speakers. They have extensive research and teaching experience in their respective fields and possess unique insights into cross-cultural communication. Here, students can engage closely with leading scholars, exchange ideas, broaden their international perspectives, and make friends worldwide. After attending more than 75% of the lectures during their program, participants will receive a certificate of completion, including information on the hours attended, adding recognition and honor to their academic journey. This academic and intellectual feast will bring valuable insights and inspire unlimited possibilities for the future. 

E.  Transcript & Certificate

• Students should not come late, leave early, or be absent from classes. 

• Students should ask for leave when they cannot attend classes for any reason (personal leave/ sick leave). 

• Students who are late or leave early three times will be counted as having one absence. Each absence will result in a 1-point deduction from the exam score. Sick leave supported by a valid medical certificate will not incur a deduction, while absence without a doctor’s note will be treated as personal leave. For personal leave, a 0.5-point deduction will be applied for one instance of absence (with “one instance” defined as two class hours). 

• In principle, those who have accumulated absences totaling one-fourth or more of the total number of class hours will be unable to obtain a grade for the course. 

• The overall course grade will be based upon three components: score on the course completion exam, scores on regular assignments and tests, and attendance. 

• Students will be offered an official transcript and a Short Overseas Exchange Program of Peking University course completion certificate. 

3. Extracurricular Activities

The Peking University Chinese Language Summer School has arranged a series of cultural experience activities for program students, including international student exchanges, traditional culture exploration, and journeys to discover China. Through these diverse and engaging activities, students can immerse themselves in the unique charm of Chinese culture. Students can comprehensively understand China’s history, modern development, and humanistic spirit from on-campus interactions with Chinese and international students to exploring traditional culture and historical architecture and from immersive cultural journeys to scenic nature excursions. These activities bridge the gap between Chinese and international students and provide students with profound cross-cultural experiences and understanding within authentic cultural settings, opening a meaningful dialogue with China. 

4. Visa, Insurance, and accommodation 

A.  Requirements for arriving to school: 

• International students must enter with a valid study visa or foreign permanent residency permit. 

• Students must strictly abide by the school rules and disciplines and other relevant regulations during their studies on campus. 

B.  Visa and insurance

• Visa: Students should hold a valid X2 visa during their studies at the university. International students must enter China with a study visa or a permanent residence permit and ensure that their stay certificates are valid during the whole length of their stay in China. 

• Insurance: Students must purchase insurance according to national regulations and university requirements and complete the purchase of insurance valid in China before arriving. 

C.  On-campus accommodation

Peking University offers a limited number of student apartments (e.g., the Zhongguanyuan Global Village, PKU) for program participants to apply for online on a first-come, first-served basis. The accommodation fee ranges from 180 to 220 RMB per person per day, depending on the room type. If on-campus accommodation is fully booked, international students must arrange off-campus housing. International students living off-campus must promptly register with the local public security department and provide their detailed address and phone number upon check-in. 

5. Application

A.  Application Requirements 

1. Generally, be a non-Chinese citizen. 
2. Be between 18 and 50 years of age (inclusive). 
3. Have a high school diploma or above when applying. 
4. Be in good health, friendly to China, and have no criminal record. 

B.  Application Period 

Applications will be accepted starting from December 1, 2024. For the program starting on June 30, 2025, the application portal will close at 24:00 Beijing time on June 1, 2025. For the program starting on August 4, 2025, the application portal will close at 24:00 Beijing time on July 6, 2025. Spots are limited, and admission will be granted based on merit until the quotas are filled. 

C.  Application Documents (submit scanned copies online）

1. Photocopy of your passport or other personal identification document information page. 
2. Proof of enrollment or the highest degree certificate (in Chinese or English). 
3. A reference letter in either English or Chinese. 
4. HSK Certificate or official transcripts of full-time Mandarin training (if applicable).

D.  Application Process: 

1. Register for an account at http://www.studyatpku.com
2. In online application section, select program type: Non-degree Programs >>> Short-term Program >>> Course Type
3. Fill in the form and upload supporting documents, and then submit the application.
4. Pay application fee, tuition fee and activity fee online.
5. Complete the online trial reading and confirmation of textbook materials.
6. Congratulations to join Peking University Chinese Language Summer School 2025.

Course materials confirmation: After admission, students must complete online trial reading and confirm the textbook materials according to the guidance to better match students with suitable classes. 

6. Payment & Refund Policy

A.  Fees (RMB / yuan)

1. Application Fee (non-refundable): ¥400
2. Tuition Fee (including fees for electronic textbooks): 
   • 4-week Comprehensive Chinese A Program: ¥8,000
   • 4-week Comprehensive Chinese B Program: ¥8,000
   • Advanced Business Chinese Program: ¥8,000
   • 6-week Comprehensive Chinese Program: ¥11,000
   • 8-week Comprehensive Chinese Program: ¥14,000
3. Payment method: Online payment (applicants will receive an electronic receipt after the payment).

B.  Planning to exit our program? 【Refund Policy】

1.  For courses starting on June 30 (for those who apply to withdraw from the program): 

• On or before May 7, 2025: 50% refund of tuition fees. 
• Between May 7 ~ June 1, 2025: 25% refund of tuition fees. 
• On June 2, 2025 or later: No refund. 

2.  For the course starting on August 4 (for those who apply to withdraw from the program): 

• On or before June 7, 2025: 50% refund of tuition fees. 
• Between June 7 ~ July 5, 2025: 25% refund of tuition fees. 
• On July 6, 2025 or later: No refund. 

3.  The above dates and times are Beijing time.

7. Special Note

In 2025, the Peking University Chinese Summer School will continue to award the title of “The Star of Chinese Language Study” to students who have made significant academic progress, outstanding performance, and excellent achievements during the semester as an encouragement (specific measures will be announced in detail after the course starts, so stay tuned). 

If there are exceptional circumstances, the above terms will be discussed on a case-by-case basis, and the right of interpretation belongs to the International Students Office of the International Cooperation Department of Peking University. 

Contact Address: Room 335, New Sun Student Center, Peking University, No. 5 Summer Palace Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China, 100871. 

Contact phone numbers: +86-10-6275-7362 (Ms. Huang), +86-10-6275-0592 (Mr. Wo). 

Email: pkuclss@pku.edu.cn

Reference link: https://www.isd.pku.edu.cn/news/information/detail/7921.html