Peking University international students are warmly welcomed for undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree programs
Peking University (PKU), one of China’s most prestigious universities, welcomes international students across undergraduate, graduate and non-degree programs. This page gives a practical overview of admission for foreign students — programs, eligibility, the 2026 application timeline, tuition and scholarships, and visas. For the full step-by-step degree guide, see our detailed page on admission to the degree programs at Peking University. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the PKU International Students Division (ISD) and apply through the PKU International Student Online Service System.
Programs Offered for International Students
- Undergraduate programs: four-year bachelor’s degrees, taught mainly in Chinese, with admission by entrance examination.
- Graduate programs: master’s and PhD degrees across a wide range of fields, recruited through the “application–assessment” method; many programs are available in English.
- Non-degree programs: Chinese language courses, the PKU Chinese Language Summer School, preparatory (Yuke) programs, visiting student programs and short-term courses.
Eligibility Requirements
Undergraduate
- Non-Chinese citizen holding a valid foreign passport.
- Aged between 18 and 25 (born between 1 September 2001 and 1 September 2008 for the 2026 intake).
- Graduated from high school or above.
- Admission is by PKU’s entrance examination (Chinese, English and Mathematics) rather than by submitting an HSK score; Chinese is the main medium of instruction.
Master’s and PhD
- A recognized bachelor’s degree for master’s applicants; a master’s degree for PhD applicants (outstanding bachelor’s holders may apply directly to science and engineering doctoral programs).
- Chinese-taught programs: HSK Level 6 with a score of 200+ (science and engineering) or 210+ (humanities and social sciences), and a writing score of at least 65.
- English-taught programs: non-native English speakers usually need TOEFL iBT 100+ or GRE 315+.
- A passport valid for at least 3 months beyond enrollment, good health and no criminal record.
Non-degree
- Requirements vary by program. For the Chinese Language Summer School, for example, applicants must be non-Chinese citizens aged 18–50 with a high school diploma or above; absolute beginners are welcome.
How to Apply
- Choose a program on the PKU International Students Division website.
- Prepare your documents: application form, academic transcripts and diplomas (or proof of expected graduation), language test certificates (HSK, TOEFL or GRE), a personal statement or study plan, two letters of recommendation, passport copy, and any program-specific documents such as a research proposal or portfolio.
- Submit online through the PKU International Student Online Service System and pay the application fee (800 RMB per program; graduate applicants may apply to a maximum of two programs).
- Assessment: after a preliminary review, departments organize a re-examination or, for undergraduates, written and secondary entrance exams.
- Admission decision: admission notices are issued and successful applicants receive their JW201/JW202 form to apply for a visa.
Key Application Deadlines (2026 Intake)
- Undergraduate: applications open 1 January and close 28 February 2026; the written entrance exam is held in late March and a secondary exam in mid-April 2026.
- Master’s and PhD: applications for the 2026 intake ran from 20 October to 23 December 2025 (Beijing time); re-examinations take place in March–April 2026, with admission notices in late June and enrollment in September 2026. English-taught programs may set their own deadlines.
- Non-degree: rolling, by program. The Chinese Language Summer School, for instance, opens on 1 December and closes in June/July for its July and August sessions.
PKU runs these cycles annually, so applicants for the next intake should plan around the same windows and confirm exact dates on the official ISD website.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
- Degree tuition varies widely by program and degree level. For the current figures, see the official tuition standards for international students published on the PKU ISD website.
- Non-degree tuition is program-specific — for example, the Chinese Language Summer School charges ¥8,000 (4-week), ¥11,000 (6-week) or ¥14,000 (8-week), plus a ¥400 application fee.
- Scholarships: new international students may apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship, the Beijing Government Scholarship and the Peking University Scholarship, which can cover full or partial tuition, accommodation, medical insurance and a monthly living stipend. See our Peking University Scholarship guide and the PKU scholarships page for details.
Visa and Accommodation
- Student visa (X1/X2): admitted students receive a JW201/JW202 form and apply for a student visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate. Studies longer than 6 months require an X1 visa, converted to a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.
- Accommodation: a limited number of on-campus dormitories are available to international students; off-campus housing is also an option, with local police registration required within 24 hours of moving in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What programs can international students apply for at Peking University?
International students can apply for undergraduate bachelor’s degrees, master’s and PhD programs (many available in English), and non-degree options such as Chinese language courses, the Chinese Language Summer School, preparatory (Yuke) programs, visiting student programs and short-term courses.
Do I need to speak Chinese to study at Peking University?
It depends on the program. Chinese-taught graduate programs require HSK Level 6 (200+ for science and engineering, 210+ for humanities, with a writing score of at least 65). English-taught programs accept TOEFL iBT 100+ or GRE 315+ instead. Undergraduates are admitted by an entrance exam (Chinese, English and Mathematics), and non-degree language courses welcome absolute beginners.
When are the application deadlines for the 2026 intake?
Undergraduate applications ran from 1 January to 28 February 2026. Master’s and PhD applications for the 2026 intake ran from 20 October to 23 December 2025 (Beijing time). Non-degree programs use rolling deadlines that vary by program. PKU repeats these cycles each year, so confirm the exact dates for your intake on the official ISD website.
How much is the application fee?
The application fee is 800 RMB per program for degree applicants, who may apply to a maximum of two programs. Non-degree programs set their own fees — for example, the Chinese Language Summer School charges a 400 RMB application fee.
What scholarships are available?
The main options are the Chinese Government Scholarship, the Beijing Government Scholarship and the Peking University Scholarship. Depending on the type, these can cover full or partial tuition, accommodation, medical insurance and a monthly living stipend.
Contact Information
International Students Division, Peking University
Room 330, New Sun Student Center, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People’s Republic of China
Tel: +86-10-6275-1230
Email: study@pku.edu.cn
Website: www.isd.pku.edu.cn
For the most accurate and detailed information, always visit the official PKU International Students Division website before applying.