The China Studies Program is an international academic exchange initiative implemented by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation of China’s Ministry of Education. Peking University hosts the joint-research fellowship for doctoral candidates registered at universities outside China.
Fellows come to Beijing to conduct China-related research and work on their doctoral dissertations under PKU supervision. A stay lasts from one semester to two academic years.
Benefits & funding
- The full scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and international travel.
- Fellows conduct research at Peking University for one semester to two academic years.
- The program offers academic forums, research sessions, workshops, and exchanges with scholars.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid foreign regular passport and be formally enrolled as doctoral candidates at recognized universities outside China.
- Applicants must be under 50, in good health, and willing to follow Chinese law and Peking University rules.
- Applicants need a solid academic foundation, a clear China-related research topic or goal, and the ability to conduct research in Chinese.
- HSK Level 3 or above is required; stronger Chinese proficiency receives priority when other factors are equal.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Education required
PhD Enrolled
Age requirement
≤ 49 yrs
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Application process
- 1Apply through the Peking University International Student Service System using admission code CSP-SV and the non-degree CSP joint PhD fellowship path, then print, sign, and attach a photo to the PKU form.
- 2Apply separately through the China Studies Program website and print its Joint Research Ph.D. Fellowship application form.
- 3Prepare doctoral-enrollment proof, doctoral transcripts, two original academic recommendations, an HSK transcript, research outputs, a research plan of at least 1,000 words, and a passport-page copy.
- 4Mail the required original and copied materials to the International Students Division at Peking University.
Program timeline
Application deadline.
February 28, 2026
Admission and scholarship decisions sent by email.
Late May or early June 2026
Enrollment usually begins; the admission and award letter gives the exact date.
September or February