A Gateway To Peking University: International Student Admissions

Peking University is a highly competitive and popular university for international students. To apply, applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport and, depending on the program, may need to provide evidence of English proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS scores. The application process involves submitting various documents, including official diplomas, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and health test results. Applicants may also need to take an admission test and interview, conducted in Chinese. International students can apply for several programs, including undergraduate, graduate, visiting student, pre-university, and short-term language courses.

Application requirements

To apply to Peking University as an international student, applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport. Former Chinese citizens must provide proof of cancellation of Chinese nationality and a living record of at least two years abroad. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate proficiency in the Chinese language, with an HSK 5 or above certificate.

For undergraduate courses, applicants must provide a graduation diploma for high school and a birth certificate. For postgraduate courses, applicants must provide official undergraduate diplomas and transcripts. All documents must be in Chinese or English, and applicants should be prepared to present original copies of their degree certificates upon registration.

Peking University offers several English-taught programs for students who are not proficient in Chinese. Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency with TOEFL or IELTS scores.

The application process for international students involves an exam and an interview, both conducted in Chinese. Applicants can expect to be tested on math, physics, and chemistry, all at the Chinese high school level.

It is recommended that applicants apply as early as possible. The deadline for English-taught doctoral program applications is February 28, 2024.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible to apply to Peking University as an international student, you must meet the following criteria:

Firstly, applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid foreign passport. This includes individuals who were previously Chinese citizens or residents of Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan, but have since emigrated to another country. In such cases, proof of cancellation of Chinese nationality and a valid passport or citizenship document from before April 30, 2021, is required. Additionally, a living record of at least two years abroad, with at least nine months each year, is necessary.

Secondly, applicants must meet the academic requirements. For undergraduate programs, a high school graduation diploma or a pre-graduation letter for students graduating in the same year is needed. For graduate programs, a bachelor's degree or an official certificate of expected graduation is required, along with official transcripts from all previously attended universities. Some programs may also require specific undergraduate majors or backgrounds, such as a law degree or training for law-related programs.

Thirdly, language proficiency is a crucial criterion. For Chinese-taught programs, applicants must provide an HSK certificate with a score of level 5 or above. If the Chinese proficiency does not meet the required standard, students may need to take English-taught courses or learn Chinese at the School of Chinese as a Second Language for one or two semesters. For programs taught in English, applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Lastly, health test results, economic proof of at least 400,000 RMB, and other supporting documents may be required. For applicants under the age of 18, custodian proof and a copy of the custodian's passport are also necessary.

It is important to note that specific eligibility criteria may vary depending on the chosen program and level of study, so it is recommended to refer to the official website and guidelines of Peking University for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information.

Submission process

To apply to Peking University as an international student, you must be a non-Chinese citizen with a valid passport. If you were a Chinese citizen before, you must provide proof of cancellation of Chinese nationality and a living record of at least two years abroad.

The submission process for international students at Peking University involves several requirements and documents that need to be submitted. Here is a detailed guide on the submission process:

• Application Form: Visit the International Student Service System (http://www.studyatpku.com) and fill out the online application form.
• Diplomas and Transcripts: Submit official diplomas and transcripts. If you have already graduated with a Bachelor's degree, provide notarized copies of your diploma in English. If you are still pursuing your degree or have not yet received your diploma, submit an original and official certificate of expected graduation or a notarized copy. Ensure that all documents are in English or have authenticated English translations if they are in another language.
• Degree Certificates and Authentication: Upload graduation and degree certificates in Chinese or English. For degrees in other languages, provide both the original copy and a notarized translation. Degree diplomas awarded by overseas universities must be authenticated by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange, while those awarded by universities on the Chinese mainland must be authenticated by the Center for Student Services and Development.
• Proof of English Proficiency: If your first language is not English, you must provide evidence of English proficiency by submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores. If your undergraduate studies were conducted in English, you may be exempt from this requirement.
• Letters of Recommendation: Provide at least two signed letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or individuals familiar with your academic and professional qualifications.
• Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose: Include a personal statement or statement of purpose explaining your reasons for applying to the university and how the degree aligns with your goals.
• Health Examination Results: Submit health test results, similar to those required for the Chinese College Entrance Exam, including a test of hepatic status.
• HSK Certificate: Provide an HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test) certificate with a level of 5 or above that is within the valid date.
• Economic Proof: Submit a bank certificate showing at least 400,000 RMB or above as proof of financial resources. This document should be in English or Chinese.
• Additional Requirements for Applicants Under 18: If you are under 18 years old, you must provide custodian proof and a copy of your custodian's passport.
• PDF Compilation: Combine the above materials (items 3 to 10) into a single PDF document and upload it to the system.
• Registration and Enrollment: If you are admitted, you will receive further instructions regarding registration and enrollment, which typically occurs at the end of August or beginning of September.

It is recommended to apply as early as possible, and specific programs may have their own application guidelines, so be sure to refer to the official website and guidelines for the program you are interested in.

Supporting documents

To apply to Peking University as an international student, you must be a non-Chinese citizen with a valid passport. If you were previously a Chinese citizen or if your parents are Chinese citizens, you must have renounced your Chinese citizenship and lived abroad for at least two years.

Peking University has strict eligibility requirements and an extensive list of supporting documents that must be provided with your application. These include:

• Official diplomas: Submit official diplomas (authenticated copies of documents with authenticated English translations if documents are not in English).
• Proof of expected graduation: If you are graduating or have not yet received your diploma, you must submit an original and official certificate of expected graduation or a notarized copy.
• Official transcripts: Submit official transcripts in English from all the universities the applicant attended (original or notarized copies).
• Letters of recommendation: Provide at least two signed letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or others familiar with your academic and professional qualifications.
• Proof of English competency: If English is not your first language, you must submit a photocopy of your TOEFL or IELTS examination results. This requirement may be waived if you have a degree from a postsecondary institution where the instruction was in English.
• Personal statement: Include a personal statement explaining your reasons for pursuing a degree at Peking University and how the degree will help advance your plans and goals.
• Health test results: Provide health test results, including a test of hepatic status.
• HSK certificate: Submit an HSK certificate with a level of 5 or above that is within the valid date.
• Economic proof: Provide a bank certificate with a minimum balance of 400,000 RMB or above in English or Chinese.
• Custodian proof: If you are under 18 years of age, submit custodian proof and a copy of your custodian's passport.
• Other materials: Any other materials that could prove the excellence of your application.

Interview and exam

To apply to Peking University as an international student, you must be a non-Chinese citizen with a valid passport. If you were a Chinese citizen before, you must provide proof of cancellation of Chinese nationality and a living record of at least two years abroad.

The admission test consists of two parts: an exam and an interview, both conducted in Chinese and online. The exam covers three subjects: math, physics, and chemistry, all at the Chinese high school level. The interview will take place the day after the exam.

Other Requirements

• Health test results (including a test of hepatic status)
• HSK certificate with level 5 or above (within the valid date)
• Economic proof, a bank certificate with at least 400,000RMB or above in English or Chinese
• For applicants under 18, a custodian proof and a copy of the custodian's passport are needed
• Official diplomas (authenticated copies of documents with English translations if not in English)
• Resume or CV
• Two signed letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or others familiar with your academic and professional qualifications
• Proof of English competency: TOEFL or IELTS scores (unless you are a native English speaker or have a degree taught in English)

Frequently asked questions