Peking University Scholarship (PKUS)

PKUS is open to self-funded international applicants applying to full-time Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral programs. Rather than requiring a separate, lengthy application process from scratch, PKU asks candidates to complete a single unified scholarship application which is then automatically considered across every scholarship category the applicant is eligible for, including PKUS, CSC, and the Beijing Government Scholarship.

Coverage under PKUS includes tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, and comprehensive medical insurance, though exact stipend amounts and award duration vary by degree level and are confirmed at the time of the offer. Undergraduate awards can run the full four years of a Bachelor's degree, while Master's and PhD awards typically match the standard program length (2-3 years for Master's, up to 4 years for PhD), subject to annual renewal based on satisfactory academic performance.

PKU is a founding member of China's C9 League (the Chinese equivalent of the Ivy League) and is particularly renowned for humanities, social sciences, law, economics, and natural sciences, making PKUS an attractive option for students in these fields who want a fully Chinese university-funded pathway rather than relying solely on national government scholarships.

Because the award is capped by PKU's own budget rather than a national quota tied to bilateral government agreements, PKUS can sometimes be a realistic option for strong applicants from countries that face heavy competition for CSC seats, provided their academic profile and personal statement stand out during the university's own review process.