Peking University admission is a goal for many international students: PKU is one of China’s leading academic institutions and a strategic choice for students seeking a world-class education at a reasonable cost. Admission requirements at Peking University vary by program and school, but the university offers opportunities for international students through English-taught graduate programs and government and university scholarships. Fees depend on the program and degree level: bachelor’s tuition is 26,000–30,000 CNY a year (45,000 CNY for medicine), and scholarships can waive it.
About Peking University: Academic Strength and Global Standing
Peking University is one of the most prestigious universities in China and ranks highly worldwide: it placed 14th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and also ranks near the top in the Times Higher Education and Shanghai (ARWU) rankings. It is a leader in the humanities, sciences, medicine and economics. Founded in 1898 as the Imperial University of Peking (Jingshi Daxuetang), it is today one of Asia’s foremost centers of teaching and research.
The university offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in a culturally diverse environment, attracting students from many countries around the world. This diversity is a great opportunity to build an international network and develop personal and professional skills.
English-Taught Programs: Options for International Students
At Peking University, English-taught programs are offered only at graduate level (master’s and PhD); undergraduate programs for international students are taught in Chinese only. These graduate programs let you study without fluent Chinese and include: the master’s in computer science, the Global MBA and the Master in Management (MiM) at Guanghua School of Management, International Relations (MIR), the International Master of Public Administration (IMPA), the LLM in Chinese Law, and China Studies at Yenching Academy.
Although some programs do not require an HSK certificate, Chinese proficiency is a big advantage, especially when applying for jobs or joining community activities in the city. The university also runs Chinese language programs (fee-paying language and pre-university programs), and enrolled students may be able to take elective Chinese courses, which helps them adapt to local life.
Peking University Fees 2026: Costs by Program and Degree Level
Peking University tuition fees vary by program and degree level and do not include accommodation or living costs. According to the university’s fee schedule for international students, annual tuition for most programs ranges from 26,000 to 45,000 CNY (about $3,700–6,300), while English-taught master’s programs are priced as a much higher program total (for example, 150,000 CNY for the master’s in computer science and 188,000 CNY for the Global MBA):
| Program | Annual tuition (CNY) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s – sciences and engineering | 30,000 | Taught in Chinese |
| Bachelor’s – medicine (Health Science Center) | 45,000 | Taught in Chinese; HSK 5 required |
| Master’s (general programs) | 29,000 – 33,000 | For general Chinese-taught programs; English-taught and professional programs have separate, higher fees |
| Bachelor’s – humanities and social sciences | 26,000 | Lowest tuition among bachelor’s programs |
On top of tuition, you pay a non-refundable application fee of 800 CNY per program. Also budget for accommodation (prices vary by room type; rooms at the Zhongguanyuan Global Village international student residence are limited and booked online on a first-come, first-served basis) and monthly living costs (roughly 3,000–5,000 CNY in Beijing). A scholarship is the best way to cut these costs; part-time work is restricted and requires university approval.
Competitive Admission: How to Improve Your Chances
Peking University admission is competitive, especially in high-demand fields such as medicine and engineering. Requirements vary by program, but the core ones are:
- Bachelor’s: a high school diploma with strong grades, age 18–25, and passing the written entrance exam (Chinese, English and mathematics) followed by an interview, or the no-written-exam route for applicants with qualifying international standardized test scores.
- English-taught graduate programs: TOEFL iBT 100+ or GRE 315+, or other proof of English proficiency as required by the program.
- Master’s and PhD: two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors in your field.
- A personal statement explaining your goals; for graduate programs it includes a research plan (1,500 words for a master’s and 3,000 words for a PhD).
- Chinese-taught graduate programs: HSK 6 with a score above 200 for sciences or above 210 for humanities, and at least 65 in writing. HSK is not required for English-taught programs.
Apply early through the university’s online system: in the 2026 cycle, master’s and PhD applications ran from October 20 to December 23, 2025, and bachelor’s applications from January 1 to February 28, 2026. The 2027 cycle is expected to follow similar dates, so check the International Students Division website. Admission is based on your full application file, not just your grades or language scores.
Top Academic Programs at Peking University 2026
Peking University offers a wide range of programs to suit international students’ interests, in both technical and humanities fields. Highlights include:
- Engineering and architecture: offered through the College of Engineering and the College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture; bachelor’s programs are taught in Chinese.
- Computer science and artificial intelligence: one of the university’s strongest fields; the School of Computer Science offers an English-taught master’s (3 years, 150,000 CNY in total).
- Medicine: offered through Peking University Health Science Center and taught in Chinese for international students (it is not an English-taught MBBS); it is one of the strongest medical programs in China.
- Business administration (MBA): the full-time Global MBA at Guanghua School of Management, taught in English over two years, with total tuition of 188,000 CNY.
- Political science and international studies: including the Master’s in International Relations (MIR) and the double degree with the London School of Economics (LSE), ideal for students interested in diplomacy and international relations.
Learn more about available fields in engineering programs in China or medicine in China for the details of each field.
Peking University Scholarships for International Students
Peking University offers a limited number of scholarships for international students. The main ones are the Peking University Scholarship for International Students, which covers full or partial tuition plus a monthly living allowance and medical insurance (but not accommodation), and the Beijing Government Scholarship for International Students, Types A, B and C (ranging from a tuition waiver with insurance up to a full waiver with free housing and a living allowance). They are merit-based, and bachelor’s applicants do not need to submit a separate application.
If you want a full scholarship, you can apply for the CSC Chinese Government Scholarship, which covers tuition, accommodation, medical insurance and a monthly stipend (3,000 CNY for master’s and 3,500 CNY for PhD students). There are two routes: Type B directly through Peking University, or Type A through the Chinese embassy in your country. Bachelor’s applicants for the Chinese Government Scholarship must also sit the CSCA test.
Keep in mind that scholarship success rates at Peking University are relatively low, so build a complete funding plan that combines several sources, such as university scholarships, government scholarships, or family support.
Student Life at Peking University: Daily Life and Community
International students in Beijing enjoy a culturally rich experience. Muslim students will find historic mosques such as Niujie Mosque, the oldest and largest in Beijing, which holds Friday prayers every week. The Niujie neighborhood is the city’s main hub for halal food, while Arab and Middle Eastern restaurants are concentrated around Sanlitun and Chaoyang District.
The university has many international student associations that organize cultural events and trips, and students often form informal groups by nationality or faith. University canteens usually offer halal options too, which helps students feel at home.
China is generally very safe for visitors, and Beijing has a high level of security, especially around university areas. Still, follow the rules on public conduct, such as not taking photos in sensitive places, and comply with immigration regulations.
Visa and Residence: Getting Your Student Visa in 2026
After you are admitted to Peking University, you will receive an official Admission Letter, which you use to apply for a student visa. Apply for the study visa (X1) at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country well before registration, with the following documents:
- Admission letter from the university.
- Valid passport.
- Recent passport photo.
- Completed online Chinese visa application form.
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form.
- Visa Application for Study in China form (JW201 or JW202), issued with the admission letter.
The X1 visa is valid for only 30 days after arrival, so you must apply for a residence permit through the International Students Division within 30 days of arriving. If you live off campus, you must register your address with the local police station within 24 hours. You can follow each step in our guide to student visa steps in China.
FAQ: Studying at Peking University 2026
Can I study at Peking University without speaking Chinese?
Yes, you can study at Peking University without speaking Chinese if you choose an English-taught graduate program (bachelor’s programs are taught in Chinese). Even so, learning basic Chinese is recommended for daily life and to fit into the local community.
What are the admission requirements for medicine at Peking University?
Medicine at Peking University (Health Science Center) is taught in Chinese. For the bachelor’s program you need a high school diploma (12 years of schooling), a score of 180 or more on the general knowledge exam in mathematics, physics and chemistry, and HSK 5. Graduate programs require a dedicated entrance exam, HSK 5 with a score of 210 or more, and two recommendation letters.
Are there scholarships for international students at Peking University?
Yes. Peking University offers a limited number of scholarships for international students (the Peking University Scholarship and the Beijing Government Scholarship), applied for through the university’s online application system. You can also apply for the CSC scholarship, which covers most costs except airfare. Apply for several options to improve your chances.
How easy is it to find halal and Middle Eastern food in Beijing?
Fairly easy. There are Arab and Middle Eastern restaurants in areas such as Sanlitun, and many halal restaurants in the Niujie neighborhood and across the city, serving dishes such as kebab, falafel and hummus. Middle Eastern groceries are also sold in some large supermarkets and online stores.
Is Beijing a safe city for Muslim students?
Yes, Beijing is a very safe city, with historic mosques such as Niujie Mosque and Dongsi Mosque and established Chinese Muslim (Hui) communities. It is still best to respect local laws and avoid expressing political views in public.
Peking University is an excellent choice for international students looking for high-quality education, a safe environment, and strong career prospects. With its wide range of programs, scholarship support, and rich cultural life, studying at Peking University in 2026 could be the ideal step toward a successful future. Contact our experts for personal advice on admission, funding and visas, and start your journey toward academic excellence at one of the most prestigious universities in Asia and the world.