The Yenching Scholars Program provides full support for at least the first year of a two-year Master’s in China Studies issued by Peking University. Students with good academic standing and who continue to live in Beijing can apply for the second-year Yenching Fellowship. Second-year students who choose to live on campus and serve in student assistantship roles can receive additional funding support.

Eligibility

  • Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in any field, or currently enrolled on a degree program awarded no later than August 31 of the year in which they wish to enroll;
  • An outstanding academic record;
  • Strong interest in interdisciplinary study of China;
  • A record of extracurricular achievement, community engagement, social responsibility, and leadership potential;
  • English proficiency.

Application Components:

  • Application Form
  • Two Letters of Recommendation (English or Chinese):
    • Peking University will only accept recommendation letters written by full professors or associate professors (or equivalent titles).
  • Personal statement (750 words or less);
  • Statement of Research Interest (maximum 1500 words, excluding citations):
    • Should include key research question(s), background to study and/or summary of literature, and study design that could reflect the applicant’s academic training. Please note that applicants are not committed to making this proposed project their Master’s thesis topic. The Admissions Committee wants to judge how students formulate and write about academic topics.
  • Curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages);
  • Official transcript(s);
  • Diploma(s) or Certificate(s) of Enrollment

Selection Criteria:

  • Evident commitment to and preparation for rigorous graduate studies
  • Strong interest in the interdisciplinary study of China at the graduate level
  • A record of extracurricular achievement, community engagement, social responsibility, and leadership potential

Deadline for Internal Nomination:

  • November 8, 2024
  • Submit all materials to Kevin Doherty (kevdoh@uchicago.edu)

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