China flag

Beijing, China

Peking University

#14 QS World RankingPublicAsia

QS World Ranking

#14

Acceptance Rate

10%

Annual Tuition (USD)

$4,500

On-Campus Housing

Available

QS Best Student City

#26

Beijing

Application Deadline

March 31

via Direct

Student Body

Total Enrollment

44,000

students

International Students

10%

US % data not publicly reported

Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.

Why This School

China's most prestigious university in Beijing with generous government scholarships for international students.

QS Subject Rankings 2025

Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject

#10Natural Sciences#12Arts & Humanities#14Mathematics#16Linguistics#20Law

Notes for US Students

China's top university. CSC scholarships widely available. Beijing is an emerging global powerhouse.

Admission Criteria

Key requirements for US students applying to Peking University

Acceptance Rate

10%

Highly selective

Application System

Direct

Deadline

March 31

Instruction Language

Chinese/English

School Type

Public

Annual Tuition

$4,500

Requirements Checklist for US Applicants

  • Apply via PKU international admissions or Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
  • SAT/ACT scores recommended
  • Chinese language proficiency (HSK 5+) for Chinese-language programs
  • IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+ for English-language programs
  • Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) covers full costs — apply through US Embassy
  • Personal statement and recommendation letters

Class Size

Avg. Lecture150 students
Avg. Seminar25 students
Student : Faculty12:1

Academic Calendar

SystemSemester (2/yr)
Fall TermEarly SeptemberMid-January
Spring TermMid-FebruaryLate June
BreaksJan–Feb (Chinese New Year), Jul–Aug

Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.

Admission Details

Language of Instruction
Chinese/English
Estimated Annual Tuition
~$4,500 / year
Application Deadline
March 31
Application System
Direct
School Type
Public
Acceptance Rate
10%
QS Best Student City (Beijing)
#26 globally

Programs Offered

SciencesArts & HumanitiesLawEngineeringMedicineEconomics

Scholarships to Explore

  • CSC (Chinese Government Scholarship)
  • Peking University Scholarship

Cost of Living — Beijing, China

Low Cost
Rent (1BR near campus)$500/mo
Groceries & dining$220/mo
Transportation$30/mo
Misc (phone, entertainment)$180/mo

Estimated monthly total

$930

vs. avg US college student

51% cheaper

US avg ~$1,900/mo

Beijing is very affordable for US students. On-campus dormitories for international students are cheap. Subway system covers the entire city cheaply.

Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.

About Studying at Peking University as a US Student

Peking University is located in Beijing, China and is ranked #14in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Sciences, Arts & Humanities, Law, Engineering, Medicine, and more. Instruction is offered in Chinese/English. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$4,500 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 10%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of March 31. Scholarships available include the CSC (Chinese Government Scholarship).