Study period and Academic Schedule

The normal period of study for each program is as follows: 4 years for undergraduate degrees, 3 years (or in some cases, 2 years) for master's degrees, and 4 years for doctoral degrees. Students may, in particular cases, reduce or extend the duration of study upon application.

Peking University divides every academic year into spring and autumn semesters, with the latter marking the commencement of the academic year. The autumn semester starts in September and ends in January of the following year while the spring semester begins in February and ends in June.  There will be a winter and summer vacation every year. The summer vacation usually lasts 2 months and there are various summer vacation courses available for students. The winter vacation lasts 4 weeks and normally follows the schedule of Chinese New Year.

Programs

International students have the following options of study at Peking University:

(1) Undergraduate or graduate degree-granting programs;

(2) Visiting students program (non-degree granting)

(3) Pre-university program;

(4) Short-term language courses or Chinese studies programs.

Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens in good health, with valid passport, above the age of 18, and should abide by Chinese law and the regulations of Peking University. They should also respect Chinese social customs.

Undergraduate program: Students are required to complete the curriculum between 4 to 6 years and fulfill the designated number of credits. Successful graduates will receive a graduation certificate along with the bachelor's degree, according to the regulation of the Degree Committee.

Master's Program: Students are required to complete the curriculum between 2-3 years, fulfill the designated number of credits, complete the master's thesis and defend of it in front of a panel of experts. Successful graduates will receive a graduation certificate along with the Master's degree, according to the regulation of the Degree Committee.

Doctorate Program: Students are required to complete the curriculum between 4-6 years (in normal circumstances), fulfill the designated number of credits, conduct research, complete the doctoral thesis and defend it in front of a panel of experts. Successful graduates will receive a graduation certificate with the doctoral degree, according to the regulation of the Degree Committee.

Senior Visiting Students Program:  Candidates must have at least a Master's degree. Senior Visiting Students are normally supervised by a professor of the accepting college or department to conduct research in a specific subject. The program is one year, however, upon request the student may be considered for an extension.  Upon graduation, the student will receive a certificate of achievement.

General Visiting Students Program: Candidates must have completed at least one year of undergraduate study at their own university. The options are available for joining undergraduate courses or enhancing proficiency in Chinese language.

Research Scholars: Candidate must have a doctoral degree or have the title of Associate Professor or higher. Research Scholars will be given access to the school's resources and be allowed to collaborate with professors of the accepting college or department to conduct specific areas of research. Most successful candidates have established prior contacts with the professors in their particular fields, anyone wishing to come for a Research Scholars is strongly advised to find a supervisor in advance. Research scholars enjoy flexible application dates and durations of research. The applications can be submitted anytime, and duration of study varies from one month, one semester to one year. 

Requirement of proficiency in Chinese language:

General Visiting Students are required to take the Chinese language proficiency exam after registration. Only those students whose results meet the standard are allowed to take specialty courses, otherwise they are suggested to study Chinese in the International College for Chinese Language Studies for one or two semesters. For those who have already received the certificate of the HSK (Hanyu shuiping kaoshi) level 7 or above, the Chinese language proficiency exam will be exempted.

Senior Visiting Students and Research Scholars are not required to take the Chinese language proficiency exam, on the premise of no communication obstacles with their supervisor.

Undergraduates, Master and Doctoral candidates are not required to take the Chinese language proficiency exam.

Application Processing

It takes approximate 8 to 10 weeks after the application deadline to receive the formal Letter of Admission. We may inform you to attend an interview or request additional materials according to your application process during this period. If you are accepted, we will send you the Letter of Admission and other relevant documents. To track the progress of your application please contact the International Students Division either by email or telephone. Due to our limited staff, we cannot reply promptly to all enquiries.

Medical insurance

Peking University’s regulations require that all international students must be medically insured throughout their entire planned period of study. Students are required to purchase the Comprehensive Insurance Plan of Foreign Students provided by Ping An insurance company on the day of registration, which has been recognized and recommended by the Chinese Ministry of Education. Students who do not have valid medical insurance are not allowed to register.

Accommodation information

There are different types of housing facilities for international students at PKU.

Due to the limited accommodation on campus, the Shaoyuan International Students Residences can only provide the house for scholarship students. For more information, please contact the office directly. Phone No.: 86-10-6275 2264, 86-10-62757361 website: www.shaoyuan.com

For further information regarding the new accommodation for foreign students at Peking University, you are welcome to visit the following website: http://www.pkugv.com, or for specific advice please contact 010-62752288.

Self-funded Students are required to find their own living accommodation. Please note that students who live off campus must register to the local police station.

Tuition (per person per year)

Estimated cost of living (For your reference)

       Accommodation:                 approximately 30,000 RMB/year

       Board (meals):                    approximately 15,000 RMB/year

       Transportation and other miscellaneous costs: approximately 5,000 RMB/year

Contact information

International Students Division, Office of International Relations

Shaoyuan Building 3, Peking University

Beijing, 100871

People's Republic of China   

Telephone: (86-10)-6275 1230

Fax:             Long-term programs:  (86-10)-6275 1233

                    Short-term programs:    (86-10)-62759754

                    Pre-University program:       (86-10)-62765543

E-mail:          Long-term programs:     study@pku.edu.cn

                   Short-term programs:      learn@pku.edu.cn

                   Pre-University program:  yklb@pku.edu.cn 

Web site:    www.oir.pku.edu.cn