Requirements

College/School Eligibility:

  • Brooks School of Public Policy
  • Architecture, Art and Planning
  • Arts and Sciences
  • Human Ecology
  • Industrial and Labor Relations
  • Law
  • SC Johnson Business - Dyson

Class Year Eligibility:

  • Fourth Year + (undergrad)

Open to:

  • Cornell Undergraduate Students

GPA Requirements:

Minimum GPA: 3.70

Although a campus endorsement is not required to submit an application, all candidates applying to the Yenching Scholars Program are strongly encouraged to work with the Yenching advisor, Krista Saleet, ks2334@cornell.edu in preparing their applications.  

 

The Yenching Academy offers a global group of students the opportunity to pursue a one-year Master of China Studies degree at a residential college within China's Peking University. Approximately 70% of students come from outside of China. The interdisciplinary degree program provides "a diverse group of exceptional international and Chinese students with knowledge of China they will need to fulfill their potential as global citizens and leaders." The program offers six concentration areas, including:

  • Literature and Culture
  • History and Archaeology
  • Philosophy and Religion
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Economics and Management
  • Law and Society

 

Classes will be offered in English and Chinese. International students can study for their degree in English-taught courses while pursuing Chinese language study.

 

Selection criteria focus on academic achievement as evidenced through transcripts and recommendation letters and demonstrated potential for leadership in a chosen field. Applications should outline personal benefits to be derived from being a Yenching Academy Scholar.

 

Eligibility:

  • Academics: No minimum GPA, but most successful applicants have at least a 3.7.
  • Candidates to the Yenching Academy must hold a bachelor's degree by the start of the program.
  • Preference is given to those 25 years old or younger (or 27 years old or younger for students from countries with mandatory military service) by the start of the program.
  • Candidates can be of any nationality. Students from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan need to apply through both the Peking University Graduate Admissions website and the Yenching Academy online admissions portal.
  • Candidates can be from any academic field.
  • Other: Citizens of the People's Republic of China are not eligible and should apply directly to Peking University instead

 

Application Components: 

  1. Completed online application form
  2. Personal statement (750 words or less)
  3. Statement of Research Interest (1500 word maximum, excluding citations)
  4. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  5. Transcript(s)
  6. 2 academic letters of recommendation. Only letters from associate or full professors (those with tenure) can be accepted. 

 

Eligibility:

  • Citizenship: No requirement.
  • Degree-Level: Graduating seniors and new alums, no strict age requirement. 

 

Application Deadlines

  • National Deadline: December 1, 2025
  • Finalist Interviews: January
  • Selection Notification: early February

 

Contact Information:

For questions about this application, please contact Krista Saleet at ks2334@cornell.edu