Peking University

Peking University, established in 1898, is a public research university in Beijing, China. It is one of China's oldest modern higher education institutions and is renowned for its research, academic programs, international perspectives, and contributions to science and knowledge innovation.

The university has programs in the humanities, social sciences, economics and management, science, information technology and engineering, and health sciences. The academic setting of Peking University also encompasses 55 schools and departments, 60 research institutions, and 10 affiliated hospitals.

This article details Peking University rankings, acceptance rate, courses, eligibility and admission requirements, tuition fees, cost of living, scholarships, application process, student visa, campus life, and career opportunities. It also offers information for those international students who intend to study at Peking University, China. 

Peking University Rankings

The Peking University ranking places the university among the top in the world. It has recently been ranked in QS, THE, and US News owing to its excellent research, teaching, academic reputation, and international standing. 

Ranking Body	2025	2026
QS World University Rankings	#14	#14
Times Higher Education World University Rankings	#13	#13
QU.S. News Best Global Universities	#19	#19

Peking University also has strong subject-level performance. In THE's 2026 subject rankings, it was ranked #7 globally for Business and Economics. Shanghai Ranking's 2026 subject rankings also placed Peking University, China, strongly in areas such as Geography, Environmental Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Pharmacy and Earth Sciences.

Peking University Acceptance Rate

The Peking University acceptance rate for international students is approximately 5%-15%. Peking University does not have an official university-wide acceptance rate, so this is not the official admission information but instead is just an indicative number.

Admission rates are subject to change depending on the level of study, program, and route to admission. For international undergraduate applicants, Peking University has separate routes, including an entrance-examination route and a written-examination exemption route for applicants who meet specified international test-score requirements.

Key Admission Indicators

• SAT: Minimum 1,400, along with the specified AP requirements
• IB: Minimum 36 points, with relevant Higher Level subjects
• A-Level: Three relevant subjects with no grade below ABB
• ACT: Minimum 30, with writing required
• HSK: HSK 6 with a minimum score of 210 for specified routes
• Entrance Examination: Chinese, English and Mathematics are included in the preliminary written assessment
• Age: Generally 18-25 years for the 2026 international undergraduate route

Courses at Peking University

Peking University provides undergraduate, master's and doctoral courses in the humanities, social sciences, economics and management, sciences, information technology, and engineering and health sciences. International students may also apply to other special programs and the pre-university program. 

Study Level	Popular Courses	Typical Duration
Diploma and Other Programs	Yuke/Pre-university, Chinese Language, Visiting and Short-term programs	1-2 years or program-specific
Bachelor's	Economics, Computer Science, Chinese Language and Literature, International Studies, Engineering, Life Sciences	4-6 years
Master's	Finance, Business Administration, Law, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Public Health	2-3 years
PhD	Information Science, Economics, Sciences, Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences and Management	4-5 years

The admission portfolio of the university is made up of several faculties: Sciences and Information and Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, Economics and Management, Health Sciences and interdisciplinary studies.

Suggested Read: MBBS in China

Eligibility and Admission Requirements for Peking University

The admission requirements of Peking University vary with the level of study, program, and language of instruction. International students should refer to the requirements of the school or department of interest before submitting the application. 

Academic Requirements

• Undergraduate (UG): High school diploma or its equivalent qualification with a good academic record. Generally, competitive applicants will have a GPA of 3.75+ on a 4.0 scale or a standing in the top 5-10% of their graduating class.
• Master's (PG): The following is a recognized Bachelor's Degree or equivalent from an accredited institution. Typically, students with a 3.0+ GPA are considered, and a 3.5+ GPA may be competitive. Some business and economics programs may require GMAT or GRE scores. 
• PhD: A recognised Master’s degree or equivalent is generally required. Exceptional Bachelor’s graduates may qualify for selected direct PhD tracks in STEM fields. Applicants should also demonstrate research experience and submit a strong research proposal.

Language Requirements

These requirements depend on whether the program is taught in Chinese or English.

Some applicants may qualify for language-test exemptions when their previous degree was completed in an English-speaking country or through an English-medium institution, subject to program rules.

• Chinese-taught programs: Applicants are expected to have the HSK 6 certificate on average. Generally, UG applicants will need to get an overall score of 180+ and Master's and PhD applicants will need a score of 200-210+, with some programs requiring a 65+ in writing.
• English-taught UG program: TOEFL iBT 75+ or IELTS Academic 6.5+ is normally required.
• Requirements for English-taught PG and PhD: most of the applicants' TOEFL iBT scores are 100+ or their IELTS Academic scores are 7.0+.
• Language exemptions: The possibility of exemptions from language requirements based on education completed in the past in English or Chinese, depending on the program. 

Other Requirements

• Statement of purpose or personal statement (check the correct SOP Format)
• Academic transcripts
• Passport copy
• Recommendation letters for graduate programs (check the correct LOR Format)
• Research proposal for selected PhD programs
• CV or academic resume
• Awards and academic achievements, where applicable
• Self-introduction video for selected undergraduate admission routes
• Portfolio or additional assessment for selected disciplines
• Interview or second-stage assessment where required
• Chinese or English translations for documents issued in other languages
• Application fee of CNY 800 (approximately INR 11,450) for the international graduate application

Peking University Tuition Fees

Tuition at Peking University varies significantly by study level, subject, and program. Standard fee guidance gives different rates for humanities and science programs, while specialised and English-taught programs can have separate fees.

Study Level	Average Tuition Fee (CNY / Approximately in INR)	Typical Duration
Yuke/Pre-university	CNY 27,000 per semester (approximately INR 3.86L per semester)	1-2 years
Bachelor's - Humanities	CNY 26,000 per year (approximately INR 3.72L per year)	4-6 years
Bachelor's - Science	CNY 30,000 per year (approximately INR 4.29L per year)	4-6 years
Master's - Humanities	CNY 29,000 per year (approximately INR 4.15L per year)	2-3 years
Master's - Science	CNY 33,000 per year (approximately INR 4.72L per year)	3 years
PhD - Humanities	CNY 32,000 per year (approximately INR 4.58L per year)	4 years
PhD - Science	CNY 40,000 per year (approximately INR 5.72L per year)	4-5 years

International degree applicants will pay a generally non-refundable application fee of CNY 800 (approximately INR 11,450) to Peking University, China. 

Cost of Living in Beijing for Peking University Students

The cost of living in Beijing is primarily determined by the cost of housing, food options, and individual living costs. The cost-saving strategies are different for students who live on campus in a university room or apartment compared to those living in a private room or apartment off campus. 

Here is a table highlighting estimated cost of living in China for international students:

Expense	Monthly Cost (CNY / Approximately in INR)
Accommodation	CNY 2,500-6,600 (approximately INR 35,750-94,400)
Food and groceries	CNY 1,200-2,000 (approximately INR 17,200-28,600)
Personal and study expenses	CNY 300-700 (approximately INR 4,300-10,100)
Transportation	CNY 200-500 (approximately INR 2,900-7,200)
Utilities and internet	CNY 150-400 (approximately INR 2,150-5,800)
Health insurance	CNY 70-100 (approximately INR 1,000-1,450)
Total Monthly Cost	CNY 4,420-10,300 (approximately INR 63,300-1.47L)

International students can find on-campus housing, including Zhongguanyuan Global Village. Please book rooms well in advance as they are limited. Students residing off campus will also have to register for local accommodation. 

Also Read: Study Abroad for Free

Scholarships at Peking University

Students from abroad might receive the following types of Chinese Government Scholarship, Peking University Scholarship, Beijing Municipal Government Scholarship, and other scholarships provided by other organisations. Scholarship packages could be different and might feature, amongst others, tuition, lodging, cost of living, and healthcare coverage. 

1. Chinese Government Scholarship

• Eligibility: International applicants who meet the admission criteria set by Peking University; there are special requirements for some categories, including the application procedure of the CSCA or China Scholarship Council.
• Support: Scholarships can vary and may range from full or partial tuition fees waiver to accommodation, a monthly living allowance, and medical insurance.
• Application: Applicants generally apply through the applicable Chinese Government Scholarship/China Scholarship Council route as well as the university process where required.

2. Peking University Scholarship for International Students

• Eligibility: International students who are applying to eligible full-time undergraduate, master's, or doctoral programs.
• Stipends: Full or partial tuition waiver, living stipend, and medical insurance.
• Duration: The scholarships for undergraduate studies are generally awarded for a maximum of 4 years, for master's studies for 2-3 years, and for doctoral studies for 4 years. 
• Application: Scholarship applications are submitted through the Peking University for International Students system according to the applicable annual schedule.

3. Beijing Government Scholarship

• Eligibility: Eligible international students applying to Peking University programs under the relevant scholarship category.
• Coverage: Depending on Type A, B, or C, support can include tuition waiver, accommodation, medical insurance, and living allowance.
• Application: Requirements and application procedures depend on the applicant category and current scholarship notice.

For the current graduate scholarship cycle, Peking University for international students stated that prospective applicants could be considered for multiple applicable scholarship categories through the university's scholarship process, with the final award determined after evaluation.

Also Read: Great Wall Program Scholarship

How to Apply to Peking University?

International applicants apply for the programs they are interested in, check the academic and language requirements of the program, and submit their applications through the application systems of the selected Peking University.

• Step 1: Choose an educational program

Choose an undergraduate, MBA, or graduate degree course or PhD program, depending on qualifications, at an international institution.

• Step 2: Check eligibility conditions

Review the academic qualifications, English Language Assessment, age limits, and other requirements for each program.

• Step 3: Prepare your documents

Prepare transcripts, certificates, passport, recommendations, personal statements, and any other documents that are required.

• Step 4: Submit your Application

Fill out the Peking University online application form and pay the application fee (approximately INR 11,450) to the university.

• Step 5: Sit for Evaluation

Individual consideration and assessment of entrance exams, interviews, and academic review/second stage evaluation where necessary.

• Step 6: Get Your Admission Results

Review the admission result and proceed with admission confirmation/registration.

• Step 7: Apply for Student Visa

Apply for a Chinese student visa along with the admission letters and/or JW201/JW202 (if applicable).

Peking University has a two-stage admissions process for the international graduate program: Online applications and academic review; Academic exams for those selected a second time.

Student Visa for China

Most international students who are accepted to Peking University will have to obtain a Chinese student visa prior to their travel to China. The visa category is based on the length of study. 

• X1 Visa: For students studying in China for more than 180 days.
• X2 Visa: For study periods of 180 days or less.
• Admission Letter: Issued by Peking University, China, after admission.
• JW201/JW202: Required where applicable for international students.
• Passport: A valid passport is required for the visa application.
• Financial Documents: Applicants may need evidence of sufficient funds according to visa requirements.
• Health Examination: A physical examination may be required for longer-term study.
• Residence Permit: X1 visa holders must complete the required residence permit procedure after arriving in China.

Students living outside university accommodation must also complete the required local accommodation registration after moving into their residence.

Suggested Read: Student Visa - Documents Needed, Application Process & Types

Student Life at Peking University

The Peking University campus is centred around Yanyuan in Beijing, a place that blends ancient and modern elements in its gardens and buildings. It is known for its many campus landmarks such as Weiming Lake and Boya Tower. 

Students have access to:

• Libraries and study spaces
• Research laboratories
• Sports and fitness facilities
• Medical and student services
• International student services
• Student clubs and societies
• Cultural and academic events
• University accommodation
• Campus internet and other digital services

International students can also take part in cultural activities, Chinese language programs, student organisations and events organised through the International Students Division. 

Career Opportunities After Peking University

Graduates have opportunities to work in technology, finance, consulting, engineering, research, healthcare, business and public-sector organisations. The salary ranges are approximate annual market salaries based on the role, experience, industry, and location, not the salary at Peking University given to the graduates.

The following table provides a rough estimate of the salary for various careers in selected fields related to the major academic disciplines at Peking University:

Job Role	Approximate Annual Salary (CNY / Approximately in INR)
Electrical Engineer	CNY 500,000-800,000 (approximately INR 71.50L-1.14Cr)
Data Scientist	CNY 300,000-600,000 (approximately INR 42.90L-85.80L)
Financial Manager	CNY 300,000-500,000 (approximately INR 42.90L-71.50L)
Product Manager	CNY 200,000-400,000 (approximately INR 28.60L-57.20L)
Project Manager	CNY 200,000-400,000 (approximately INR 28.60L-57.20L)
Software Engineer	CNY 200,000-400,000 (approximately INR 28.60L-57.20L)
Business Analyst	CNY 200,000-400,000 (approximately INR 28.60L-57.20L)
Mechanical Engineer	CNY 200,000-300,000 (approximately INR 28.60L-42.90L)
Financial Analyst	CNY 108,000-240,000 (approximately INR 15.45L-34.32L)

Source: Glassdoor

These are just general market estimates for China and are not guaranteed starting salaries. 

Top Recruiters

Peking University's academic areas connect with a wide range of technology, finance, consulting, research and business organisations. Examples of major employers relevant to its graduates include:

• Tencent
• Alibaba Group
• Baidu
• ByteDance
• Huawei
• Lenovo
• Xiaomi
• China Construction Bank
• Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)
• China Development Bank
• PwC China
• Deloitte China
• KPMG China
• EY China
• McKinsey & Company
• Boston Consulting Group
• Goldman Sachs
• Microsoft
• IBM
• Siemens

These are not companies that are guaranteed to hire their own staff from Peking University; they are rather names of the big companies in the respective industries where Peking University students work.