AI illustration inspired by a leafy Chinese university entrance
Peking University official seal

PKUBeijing, China

International undergraduate study

Peking University

北京大学

One of China’s most prestigious universities

  • Founded 1898
  • C9 League
  • Project 985
  • Project 211
Verified official PKU sourcesUpdated 25 August 2026
QS ranking#13
LocationBeijing
Teaching languageChinese
Degree length4–6 years
Tuition guideRMB 26k–30k
Application status2026 closed

01/ 11Overview

A remarkable place to begin.

Founded in 1898. A defining name in Chinese higher education. A historic campus in the heart of Beijing’s university district.

Explore PKU’s story and strengths

History & identity

Founded in 1898 as the Imperial University of Peking, PKU became China’s first modern national university. Today it is a comprehensive public research university, a C9 League member, and a major part of the country’s intellectual life.

Academic strengths

PKU is renowned for humanities and social sciences, with leading teaching and research in natural sciences, medicine, engineering, economics, and management. Its breadth connects students with disciplines and research communities across one university.

  • Outstanding academic strength

    Study in a rigorous environment shaped by influential scholarship, ambitious teaching, and serious intellectual inquiry.

  • A reputation recognised worldwide

    PKU’s name is widely respected by universities and employers across China and internationally.

  • Beijing and campus experience

    Combine life on the historic Yanyuan campus with access to the capital’s academic, cultural, and professional networks.

02/ 11Language requirements

What language do you need?

Chinese language HSK 6 · 210+ For the written-test exemption route Scores, alternatives & exam details

Accepted alternatives

  • IB Chinese HL 6+
  • A-Level Chinese A or above
  • UEC Chinese A1/A2
  • PKU entrance examination

On the entrance-examination route, PKU assesses Chinese in the written examination, so no HSK certificate is needed.

English language Not required No IELTS or TOEFL requirement Scores, alternatives & exam details

Accepted alternatives

Not applicable

For the entrance-examination route, English is one of the written examination subjects.

03/ 11Entry requirements

Your grades. Your starting point.

Compare the published requirement with a competitive target.

Official requirementPublished by PKU

Competitive estimateChinaStudyGuide target

Our competitive estimate is planning guidance, not an official admission requirement.

04/ 11CSCA

Do you need CSCA?

General admissionNot required
Chinese Government ScholarshipRequired
Which CSCA subjects do you need?
Chinese

Science-stream or humanities-stream paper, depending on your intended school

Required
Mathematics

Required for every applicant who needs CSCA

Required
Physics

Science, information science and engineering applicants

Choose one*
Chemistry

Science, information science and engineering applicants

Choose one*

*Choose at least one of Physics or Chemistry. Other schools and departments do not require either paper.

All papers must be taken in Chinese. Official exam details

05/ 11Admission routes

Find your way in.

Two routes. Different assessment requirements.

Application dates & eligibility
Official route details

06/ 11Application process

From application to arrival.

Step 01

Submit your application

Apply through PKU’s online system, select the correct undergraduate route, complete the form, and upload your documents. You may submit only one international undergraduate application to PKU.

Documents that deserve an early start

Application materials

Personal statement

Both routes

Connect your chosen school or department with your academic interests, previous preparation, and reasons for choosing PKU. Use specific evidence rather than a general university statement.

Self-introduction video

Both routes

Record one unedited take under three minutes: a Chinese self-introduction, an English explanation of your interest in China, PKU, and your intended major, followed by PKU’s required commitment statement. Submit an MP4 file of no more than 50MB.

Official video instructions

Recommendation letters

Route B · two letters

Choose teachers who know your academic work well and can support their comments with specific examples of your strengths, subject readiness, motivation, and potential.

All other required documents

  • Passport and nationality documents

    Foreign passport, relevant nationality evidence and, if you are already in China, your current visa or residence permit.

  • High-school completion and transcripts

    Graduation certificate or official expected-graduation letter, plus transcripts for all completed high-school courses.

  • Qualification and Chinese-language results

    Route B: qualifying examination scores or official predicted results, plus HSK or an accepted Chinese-language alternative.

  • Applicant commitment letter

    Required for both routes. PKU will not accept an application without the signed commitment letter.

  • Application form and photograph

    Download the form after online registration and attach a recent two-inch, white-background passport photograph.

  • Awards and supporting documents

    Include relevant certificates or supplementary evidence where they strengthen or clarify your application.

  • Any additional materials requested

    Upload further documents if PKU asks for them during its review.

All materials must be in Chinese or English. Documents in another language need a notarised Chinese or English translation, and admitted students must bring the original documents to registration.

PKU application portal Email admissions

07/ 11Subjects

What will you study?

33 majors
Browse all 33 majors

PKU undergraduate admission catalogue

MajorAdmission categorySchool / departmentLanguage
MathematicsSciencesSchool of Mathematical SciencesChinese
PhysicsSciencesSchool of PhysicsChinese
Atmospheric SciencesSciencesSchool of PhysicsChinese
Nuclear PhysicsSciencesSchool of PhysicsChinese
AstronomySciencesSchool of PhysicsChinese
ChemistrySciencesCollege of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringChinese
Environment ScienceSciencesCollege of Urban and Environmental SciencesChinese
EcologySciencesCollege of Urban and Environmental SciencesChinese
Geography ScienceSciencesCollege of Urban and Environmental SciencesChinese
Urban PlanningSciencesCollege of Urban and Environmental SciencesChinese
GeophysicsSciencesCollege of Urban and Environmental SciencesChinese
GeologySciencesSchool of Earth and Space SciencesChinese
GeophysicsSciencesSchool of Earth and Space SciencesChinese
Space Science and TechnologySciencesSchool of Earth and Space SciencesChinese
PsychologySciencesSchool of Psychological and Cognitive SciencesChinese
Life SciencesSciencesSchool of Life SciencesChinese
Computer ScienceInformaticsSchool of Electronics Engineering and Computer ScienceChinese
Electronic Information ScienceInformaticsSchool of Electronics Engineering and Computer ScienceChinese
Engineering Experimental ClassesEngineeringCollege of EngineeringChinese
Economics / Science Experimental ClassEconomics & ManagementSchool of EconomicsChinese
Business Administration / Science Experimental ClassEconomics & ManagementGuanghua School of ManagementChinese
Law / Science Experimental ClassSocial SciencesLaw SchoolChinese
Public AdministrationSocial SciencesSchool of GovernmentChinese
Journalism and CommunicationsSocial SciencesSchool of Journalism and CommunicationsChinese
International Politics / Liberal Arts Experimental ClassSocial SciencesSchool of International StudiesChinese
SociologySocial SciencesDepartment of SociologyChinese
Information Management and Information System / Library ScienceSocial SciencesDepartment of Information ManagementChinese
Chinese Language LiteratureHumanitiesDepartment of Chinese Language and LiteratureChinese
HistoryHumanitiesDepartment of HistoryChinese
ArchaeologyHumanitiesSchool of Archaeology and MuseologyChinese
PhilosophyHumanitiesDepartment of Philosophy and Religious StudiesChinese
Arts Experimental ClassHumanitiesSchool of ArtsChinese
Sciences/Arts Experimental ClassInterdisciplinaryYuanpei CollegeChinese

How you choose your majorApplicants normally choose the relevant school or department from the catalogue. Depending on the school’s rules, detailed major or specialisation choices may be confirmed after the second year.

Official admission catalogue

08/ 11Annual budget

What will one year cost?

Estimated annual total · RMB111,000

Tuition

RMB / year26,000Published tuition reference

Accommodation

RMB / year48,000Living-cost estimate

Food

RMB / year24,000Living-cost estimate

Transport

RMB / year5,000Living-cost estimate

Other costs

RMB / year8,000Living-cost estimate
What’s included in the estimate?

Tuition

Choose the subject group for your degree

Accommodation

Room type and location make the biggest difference

About RMB 4,000 a month

Food

Campus dining plus everyday meals

About RMB 2,000 a month

Transport

Metro, buses, and occasional taxis

Local travel across the year

Other costs

Insurance, books, phone, and everyday essentials

Personal spending will vary

PKU’s approved 2026 tuition has not yet been published. The tuition above uses the latest confirmed official undergraduate rates. View the official fee source ↗

09/ 11Scholarships

Big ambitions. Extra support.

National scholarship

Chinese Government Scholarship

FundingFull scholarship
Competition*Very high

Coverage

  • Tuition
  • Accommodation
  • Insurance
  • Living allowance
Application
Home-country authority · Type A
CSCA
Required
Selection
PKU qualification review and interview
Official scholarship details
Municipal scholarship

Beijing Government Scholarship

FundingThree full-tuition packages
Competition*High

Coverage

  • Type ATuition · accommodation · insurance · allowance
  • Type BTuition · accommodation · insurance
  • Type CTuition · insurance
Application
Automatic consideration with admission
CSCA
Not separately required
Selection
Based on admission results
Official scholarship details
University scholarship

Peking University Scholarship

FundingFull or partial tuition
Competition*High

Coverage

  • Tuition
  • Insurance
  • Living allowance
Application
Automatic consideration after admission
CSCA
Not separately required
Selection
Merit-based review after admission
Official scholarship details

* Competition levels are ChinaStudyGuide planning estimates because PKU does not publish undergraduate scholarship acceptance rates. Scholarships are renewed through annual review.

Explore the scholarship guide

10/ 11Accommodation

Find your Beijing base.

On campus

International student dormitories

Closest to classes, libraries, dining halls, and campus services.

Limited availabilityLocations & practical details
Locations
Shaoyuan and Zhongguanyuan Global Village
Best for
First-year students who want a simpler, campus-based routine
Plan for
Confirm the room type, price, and availability attached to your offer or scholarship
Off campus

Private rental in Beijing

More choice and independence, with greater responsibility for cost and commuting.

More flexibilityLocations & practical details
Locations
Haidian or another metro-connected neighbourhood
Best for
Students who know Beijing or want more independence than a dormitory
Plan for
Higher rent near PKU, a deposit, contracts, commuting, and local address registration

Have a housing backup. On-campus rooms are not guaranteed for all self-funded international students. Prepare an off-campus option before arrival.

11/ 11Student life

A campus to call home. A city to discover.

AI illustration inspired by Weiming Lake and Boya Pagoda
Weiming Lake & Boya Pagoda
AI city illustration combining traditional and modern Beijing
Beyond the campus gates

Beijing after class

Haidian gives you a student-centred base in northwest Beijing. Beyond it, the city brings together imperial landmarks, contemporary art, music, food, parks, technology, media, and public life.

Campus routine

Libraries, societies, sport, dining halls, and green spaces sit within a walkable campus.

Around Haidian

Nearby universities, cafes, study spaces, local restaurants, and technology hubs create a student-focused district.

Weekends in Beijing

Museums, hutongs, parks, concerts, galleries, and neighbourhood food streets offer far more than one routine.

Keep exploring

More universities. More possibilities.

Official sources & latest updates

This page was checked against PKU’s official 2026 international undergraduate notices. Where the Chinese and English versions differ, the Chinese-language notice should be treated as the final source.

Check deadlines, tuition, language requirements, qualification rules, and scholarships again before applying. As of 25 August 2026, PKU’s latest undergraduate notices still state that 2026 tuition will be confirmed after approval, so the tuition shown here uses the latest published reference available to us.