PKU Yenching Academy Scholarship: Opportunity of a lifetime

Through the fully-funded scholarship, students can complete an interdisciplinary Master's in China Studies at Peking University (PKU) along with fellow scholars from 35 countries around the globe.

"In brief, I would say you will definitely get an amazing campus experience at PKU"

UCL alumna Catherine Sze (BASc Arts and Sciences), who is currently at PKU completing the programme, described it as an invaluable experience for those interested in China.

She said: "My life at Peking University and in Beijing is so far fantastic. I made friends with so many talented young people. Campus life is convenient and enriching as PKU is equipped with many facilities and has a really beautiful big campus! Every day I go to different canteens with friends, study interesting modules in Chinese and make new friends. I also got to play tennis yesterday as PKU has multiple tennis courts for students to practise!"

Working closely with their academic mentors, Yenching Scholars create their own study paths by choosing from six academic concentrations - ranging from Economics and Management to Politics and International Relations - and participating in a variety of extracurricular activities.

Catherine added: "I would definitely encourage UCL students to apply for this scholarship to study about China and acquire a better understanding of our current world."

The programme offers an excellent opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with like-minded people from diverse cultures.

"The best year of my life"

Previous Yenching Scholar and UCL History graduate James Ashcroft now works as a consultant at Deloitte. He described how the experience offered the chance not only for intercultural and academic exchange, but also for personal and professional development.

He said: "I principally studied 16th and 17th century political thought at UCL, but also Chinese history. I'd never been to China or studied Chinese before, but the Academy flew us out one month before to do an intensive language course which was a very useful survival kit to have.

"I focused less on the academic things and more on the experience I could get out of being in China - it was the best year of my life. Afterwards I moved to Taiwan and stayed with a host family. It's a really stimulating environment to be in and by the end you have friends for life from all over the globe."

The scholarship covers tuition fees, a travel stipend for a round-trip journey to Beijing, as well as accommodation and living costs on PKU's campus.

Applications for the Yenching Academy Scholarship close on 15 January 2018.

Hear about James' experience as a Yenching Scholar

Yenching Academy Scholarship: further information and how to apply