Transferring To Peking University: What You Need To Know

Peking University is a prestigious institution, ranking among the top 20 most reputable universities in the world by the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings. With a very low admission rate for domestic students, it is a challenging institution to gain entry to. International students comprise roughly 80% of the student body at the Yenching Academy, which enrols approximately 120 new students annually. While it is harder for international students to gain entry compared to domestic applicants, it is still difficult, with an estimated 15% acceptance rate for international applicants. For those looking to transfer to Peking University, the process is complex and acceptance is not guaranteed.

Transferring from a foreign university to Peking University

Peking University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, ranking 17th globally in the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings. The university has a very low admission rate for domestic students, but it is slightly easier for international students to gain admission, with an estimated acceptance rate of around 15%.

Transferring to Peking University from Overseas

It is possible to transfer to Peking University from a foreign university, but it is a complex process and there is no guarantee of acceptance. The university will consider each case individually and will decide whether to accept a transfer student based on a number of factors.

Factors Affecting Transfer Applications

Firstly, the reason for the transfer must be valid. The university will want to know if the student is on good terms with their previous university and if the previous university approves of the transfer.

Secondly, the university will consider the student's academic record and the courses they have taken so far. The student will need to provide an official transcript of records, and possibly detailed syllabi from their courses, so that the university can evaluate whether the student will be able to keep up with the Peking University curriculum.

Application Requirements

To apply for a transfer, students will need to submit the following:

• A formal letter explaining the reason for the transfer and providing answers to the questions outlined above.
• A consent letter from the previous university, approving the transfer.
• An official transcript of records, showing the courses that have been taken.
• Detailed syllabi from courses taken, and other relevant materials.
• Evidence of good grades.
• The latest residence permit and visa information, if the student is already in China.

It is important to note that even with all of these documents, there is no guarantee of acceptance, as the final decision is made by the university.

Application requirements for international students

International students comprise roughly 80% of the student body at Peking University, with around 6,857 long-term international students from 116 different countries enrolled in various programs. The university offers 128 undergraduate programs, 285 graduate programs, and 262 doctoral programs.

Undergraduate Program

Students are required to complete the curriculum within 4 to 6 years and fulfill the designated number of credits. Successful graduates will receive a graduation certificate along with a bachelor's degree.

Master's Program

Students are required to complete the curriculum within 2 to 3 years, fulfill the designated number of credits, complete a master's thesis, and defend it in front of a panel of experts. Successful graduates will receive a graduation certificate along with a master's degree.

Doctorate Program

Students are required to complete the curriculum within 4 to 6 years, fulfill the designated number of credits, conduct research, complete a doctoral thesis, and defend it in front of a panel of experts. Successful graduates will receive a graduation certificate along with a doctoral degree.

Application Requirements

International students applying to Peking University must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum age of 18 years old
• Valid passport
• Good health
• Respect for Chinese social customs
• High school/previous degree transcripts
• National exam scores of your country
• English language proficiency exam scores (TOEFL or IELTS)
• Certificate of New HSK 6 Exam for Chinese-taught courses (180+ points for undergraduate, 200+ for postgraduate science, 210+ for postgraduate humanities)
• 2 recommendation letters from teachers or professors, written in English or Chinese
• 2-inch passport-style photo
• Birth certificate and proof of both parents' nationality
• Certificate of permanent residence
• Proof of renunciation of Chinese nationality (if applicable)
• Proof of residence abroad for at least 2 years (if applicable)
• Application form and fee (800 RMB)

English proficiency requirements

Peking University does accept transfer students, but only on a case-by-case basis. The university sets out specific English proficiency requirements that applicants must meet, which I will outline below.

Firstly, international applicants whose native language is English are exempt from providing an English proficiency test report. This exemption also applies to applicants who have graduated from an English-taught degree program (undergraduate or above).

For applicants from the Chinese regions of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, an English proficiency test report is required, even if they have attended or graduated from an English-taught degree program. Without this, candidates from these regions will need to take English as a Second Language after enrolling at Peking University.

For applicants from the Chinese mainland, an English proficiency test report is a compulsory application material.

Peking University accepts the following English proficiency tests and requires a minimum score in each:

• IELTS (Academic): Overall 7.0
• TOEFL (iBT): Overall 100
• Cambridge English Scale (Advanced): Overall 185
• CET 6: Overall 600
• TEM 4: Pass level of "良好" or above

It is important to note that English proficiency tests must be taken after September 1, 2023. Peking University does not accept TOEFL MyBest Scores, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, IELTS Indicator test, IELTS Online, or IELTS One Skill Retake.

For IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge tests, scores must be sent directly to the university from the official organizations. When booking the exam, applicants should choose "Yenching Academy of Peking University" as the designated recipient of their scores. For the TOEFL, use the institution code: C488.

Additionally, if you have studied at an English-speaking institution or have taken courses taught in English at your university (excluding English language courses), you may meet the English proficiency requirements. Evidence of this must be included on a transcript or letter from your university and uploaded with your application.

Acceptance of course credits

Peking University provides authenticated electronic transcripts that are accepted by most universities worldwide for credit transfer. The university will email these transcripts to both the student and their home university. In special circumstances, students whose universities only accept paper transcripts can apply to receive a paper transcript by the end of the program. The paper transcript can be posted to either a home or school address by regular mail, and it usually takes around 2-4 weeks to arrive.

It is ultimately up to the home university to decide which credits are accepted and transferred. One PKU course is equal to 32 hours or 2 PKU credits. UCEAP, for example, requires a preview of the course syllabus and will categorise courses from upper to lower division, with credit transfers varying in different situations.

General transfer advice

If you are an international student in China, it is possible to transfer to another university, but it won't be easy. Most universities in China do not accept transfer students, but there are a select few that do. You will need to address two general concerns from Chinese universities: the reason for the transfer and the acceptance of course credits. The receiving university must accept the transfer request by analysing if the credits and courses match. In the end, you will need the approval and consultation of both your current and receiving university.

The application process for Chinese citizens

Peking University is a prestigious institution, and the admission rate for domestic students from China is very low. The application process for Chinese citizens depends on whether you are applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate course.

Undergraduate Applications

If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you will be competing against other domestic students for one of the limited places available. The application process is typically managed by each school, and the admissions requirements are high.

Postgraduate Applications

For postgraduate courses, the application process is generally more difficult than for other universities in China due to higher admissions requirements and increased competition.

For the Yenching Academy at Peking University, applicants should have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any field or be enrolled in a Bachelor's degree programme, graduating no later than 31 August 2025. They should also have an outstanding academic record, strong interest in the interdisciplinary study of China, a record of extracurricular achievement, community engagement, social responsibility, and leadership potential, and English proficiency.

Application Materials

Regardless of the course level, applicants will need to submit the following materials in English:

• Completed online application form
• Personal statement (750 words or less)
• Statement of Research Interest (maximum 1500 words, excluding citations)
• Official transcript(s)
• Diploma(s) or Certificate(s) of Enrollment
• Two academic letters of recommendation from full or associate professors (or equivalent titles)
• English proficiency test report (unless exempt—see below)

English Proficiency

International applicants whose native language is English or who have graduated from an English-taught degree programme are exempt from providing an English proficiency test report. Applicants from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan are required to provide an English proficiency test report, even if they have attended or graduated from an English-taught degree programme. Applicants from the Chinese mainland must provide an English proficiency test report as a compulsory application material.

English Proficiency Tests Accepted

• IELTS (Academic): Overall score of 7.0
• TOEFL (iBT): Overall score of 100
• Cambridge English Scale (Advanced): Overall score of 185
• CET 6: Overall score of 600
• TEM 4: Pass level of "良好" or above

Summer School

Peking University also offers a summer school programme, which is open to Chinese citizens studying abroad. The online application will be confirmed (admitted or rejected) within 15 working days. Successful applicants must complete the tuition payment within 5 days of online admission; otherwise, admission will be rescinded.

Frequently asked questions