Peking University Application Guide 2023

Peking University is one of the top schools in China and in the world. Founded in 1898, the university has over 100 years of experience providing top-tier education to China’s elite students and excellent international students from around the world. The campus is well-known across China for being one of the most beautiful places to study, combining traditional architecture and pagodas with modern facilities and convenient student services.

Due to its top-tier academics and global prestige, Peking University is one of the most popular and competitive universities for international students to apply to in 2023. Here is everything you need to know about how to apply to Peking University in one convenient application guide 2023!

What can international students study at PKU?

International students at Peking University can take the following courses:

(1) Undergraduate or graduate degree-granting programs (Chinese or English taught)
(2) Visiting students program (non-degree granting)
(3) Pre-university program;
(4) Short-term language courses or Chinese studies programs

Bachelors programs are 4 years, Masters programs are 2-3 years, and Doctoral programs are 4 years.

Students can take courses in Chinese or English.

For a complete list of PKU courses, scroll down!

Eligibility Requirements for Peking University 2023

Peking University has strict eligibility requirements that you must meet to be admitted:

  1. Minimum age is 18 years old
  2. Foreign nationality
    1. If you used to be a Chinese citizen/parents are Chinese citizens, click here for help.
    2. You must have renounced your Chinese citizenship and lived abroad for at least 2 years
  3. Excellent academics
    1. High School/previous degree transcripts
    2. National exam of your country
  4. Certificate of New HSK 6 Exam for Chinese-taught courses
    1. 180+ points for undergrad,
    2. 200+ for postgrad science,
    3. 210+ for postgrad humanities
  5. English-language proficiency exam
    1. TOEFL: 75+ (undergraduate), 100+ (iBT, graduate programs)
    2. IELTS: 6.5+ (undergraduate), 7.0+ (graduate programs
  6. PKU Entrance Exam for Undergraduates, Passing Grade
    1. Subjects: Chinese language, English, Mathematics
    2. Students with very high SAT, ACT, IB, or A-Level scores may be exempted

Read More: How hard is it to get into Tsinghua or Peking University as a Foreigner?

Application Documents for Peking University 2023

  1. Passport
  2. 2-inch passport style photo
  3. Complete high school transcripts
  4. Complete transcripts of all previous degrees
  5. Graduation diploma for high school/all previous degrees (or pre-graduation letter, for students who will graduate in mid-2023)
  6. Personal statement
  7. English-language exam
  8. GRE score for graduate programs (315+ points)
  9. HSK 6 Exam score (for Chinese taught programs)
  10. Birth certificate and both parents’ nationality proof documents
    1. Including certificate for permanent residence
    2. If you/your parents are former Chinese citizens, you will need
      1. Proof of renunciation of Chinese nationality
      2. Proof of residence abroad of at least 2 years
  11. Peking University application form
  12. 2 recommendation letters
    1. Written by teachers/professors
    2. Signed by the letter-writer
    3. Written in English or Chinese
Beautiful Campus at Peking University
The beautiful PKU campus in northwest Beijing, one of China’s top universities.

PKU Application Process 2023

The PKU application process is very standard.

  1. Collect application materials
  2. Online application
  3. Pay the application fee
  4. Sit the Entrance Examination (for undergraduates)
  5. Interview (optional)
  6. Final result released

We recommend applying as early as possible. 2-3 months before the final deadline is best.

If you want personalized help applying to Peking University and navigating the difficult application requirements, we recommend our Elite or Tier 1 services which are specifically designed for top students applying to very competitive programs. The services include personalized fast-track support, interview preparation, and more.

China Admissions’ Services to Top Universities

Choose a Program at PKU

You can see all programs available at PKU here:

Savannah Billman has a master's degree in Chinese Law and Society at the Yenching Academy of Peking University. She holds a B.A. from NYU Shanghai and has also written for The World of Chinese, TechNode, SupChina, and Sixth Tone.
Savannah Billman

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