Peking University – 北京大学
Beijing, China
Peking University, Beijing, China Guide
Peking University (PKU) is a public research university in Beijing, China. Founded in 1898, it is one of China’s leading higher education institutions.
PKU and Beida are common names for Peking University. Its official English name is Peking University, although some people search for it as Beijing University, China.
PKU offers degree programs in science, medicine, law, economics, humanities, and social sciences. International students can also study Chinese language and culture.
Peking University at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University name | Peking University |
| Chinese name | 北京大学 |
| Short name | PKU / Beida |
| Location | Beijing, China |
| Founded | 1898 |
| QS World Ranking 2027 | #13 |
| THE World Ranking 2027 | #13 |
| Main subjects | Science, medicine, law, economics, humanities, social sciences |
| Teaching language | Chinese and English, depending on the program |
PKU ranks #13 in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and #13 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027.
Why Choose Peking University?
PKU is known for strong teaching, research, and a wide range of degree programs.
Students can study areas such as:
- Chinese language and culture
- economics
- law
- international relations
- medicine
- science
- computer science
- humanities
- social sciences
PKU also has research institutes, labs, libraries, and academic centers.
Its Beijing campus combines modern study spaces with gardens, lakes, and historic buildings.
Peking University Chinese Programs
Peking University offers Chinese language programs for international students.
Students can use these programs to improve their Chinese before starting a full degree. PKU also offers short-term and summer Chinese courses.
Some summer programs combine language study with cultural activities in Beijing.
Programs at Peking University
PKU offers:
- bachelor’s degree programs
- master’s programs
- PhD programs
- Chinese language programs
- other non-degree programs
Popular fields include:
- Chinese language and literature
- economics and management
- law
- international studies
- public policy
- mathematics
- physics
- computer science
- medicine
- environmental studies
Many bachelor’s degree programs use Chinese. PKU also offers some graduate programs in English.
Check the teaching language before applying. This will show which language test scores you need.
Peking University Admission Requirements
Peking University has competitive admission standards. Applicants need strong academic performance and complete documents.
Undergraduate applicants usually need:
- valid passport
- high school diploma or graduation proof
- high school transcripts
- personal statement
- application form
- self-introduction video
- other documents required by PKU
Graduate applicants usually need:
- bachelor’s degree for master’s programs
- master’s degree for most PhD programs
- academic transcripts
- study plan or research proposal
- recommendation letters
- language certificate
- passport
- other program documents
Some science and engineering PhD programs may accept applicants with a bachelor’s degree.
Check the latest application procedures for your chosen program before applying.
Tuition Fees, Scholarships and Financial Aid
Tuition depends on the subject and degree level.
| Program | Tuition |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate humanities | CNY 26,000 / year |
| Undergraduate science | CNY 30,000 / year |
| Master’s humanities | CNY 29,000 / year |
| Master’s science | CNY 33,000 / year |
| PhD humanities | CNY 32,000 / year |
| PhD science | CNY 40,000 / year |
| Chinese language study | CNY 18,000 / year |
Special and English-taught programs may charge different fees.
Peking University Scholarships
PKU offers several scholarships for international students.
Main options include:
- Chinese Government Scholarship
- Beijing Government Scholarship for International Students
- Peking University Scholarship for International Students
- other university and language scholarships
These government scholarships and university awards may help with tuition, housing, medical insurance, or living costs.
See our Chinese University Scholarships: 2026 Ultimate Guide for more details.
Campus Life in Beijing
Campus Life at Peking University
Peking University has a large campus in Haidian District with several well-known study, cultural, and student facilities.
Students can use:
- Peking University Library: The PKU library system includes the main library, the Health Science Library, and dozens of school and department libraries. Together, they hold more than 10 million volumes.
- Khoo Teck Puat Gymnasium: This gym hosted table tennis events during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. PKU also has the Wusi Sports Center and May Fourth Sports Field for activities such as basketball, badminton, swimming, running, and football.
- Arthur M. Sackler Museum: Located near the west gate, this museum has collections of bronze objects, oracle bones, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, and other historic items.
- Museum of PKU History: This museum covers the history and development of Peking University and displays material linked to important figures from the university’s past.
- Zhongguanyuan Global Village: International student housing is located opposite PKU’s southeast gate. Buildings 2–6 offer several room types, along with study rooms, shared spaces, and fitness facilities.
- Nong Yuan and other dining halls: PKU operates several dining halls across the campus. Nong Yuan is one of the largest, while Jiayuan, Shaoyuan, and other canteens offer different Chinese and international meal options.
- Weiming Lake and Boya Tower: These are two of the best-known landmarks on the PKU campus and are closely linked with university life and the school’s identity.
The campus also has bookstores, convenience stores, cafés, a hospital, banks, and other daily services.
Students can also visit famous places in Beijing, such as:
- The Summer Palace
- The Forbidden City
- The Great Wall
- Tiananmen Square
- Beijing hutongs
This makes PKU a good choice for students who want both academic life and cultural experience.
How to Apply to Peking University
How to Apply to Peking University
The application process depends on the degree program.
Basic steps include:
- Choose your program.
- Check the program’s teaching language.
- Review the admission requirements.
- Prepare the required documents.
- Apply through the PKU online system.
- Pay the application fee when required.
- Complete any exam or interview.
- Wait for the university’s admission decision.
- Apply for a student visa after admission.
For 2027 international master’s and PhD programs, the main application period runs from October 26 to December 25, 2026.
Other programs may use different application deadlines.
Final Thoughts
Peking University offers strong degree programs, research opportunities, scholarships, and student life in Beijing.
International students should compare their chosen program, teaching language, tuition, scholarship options, and admission rules before applying.
Applicants can also contact Apply For China for help with university applications.
FAQs About Peking University
Peking University is the official English name. The university’s Chinese name is 北京大学. PKU and Beida are also common names.
PKU is in Haidian District, Beijing, China.
Yes. PKU offers Chinese language and short-term study programs for international students.
Yes. Some graduate programs use English. Many undergraduate programs use Chinese.
Standard tuition ranges from CNY 26,000–40,000 / year, depending on the degree and subject. Some special programs cost more.
Yes. Options include Chinese Government, Beijing Government, and Peking University scholarships.
Peking University has competitive admission standards. Applicants need strong academic results and must meet the rules for their chosen program.
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University Details
Location
Beijing, China
QS World Ranking
#14
SH Ranking
#24
Scholarship Availability
Yes
Application Deadline
May 15, 2025
Avg. Tuition Fee
40,000 / Year
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