Peking University (PKU)

Established in 1898, as China’s leading higher education institution for teaching and research, Peking University ranks among the top 50 universities in the world. Peking University is located in Beijing city, the capital and the political and cultural center of China.

Beijing used to be the capital of six dynasties in Chinese history, and its historic architecture and sites are distributed around and carefully protected. As a metropolis, it also boasts its modern architecture and vibrant city life. In this city the great charm of the traditional Chinese culture and the modern vitality of the metropolis integrates with harmony.

Available exchanges

PKU hosts Subject-specific exchanges for students in the following subjects:

  • Chinese language
  • International Business with Chinese

Restrictions

Students with Chinese nationality (including those from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) are not eligible to attend PKU on exchange. Possessing a Chinese travel permit also qualifies as having Chinese nationality or household registration.


Teaching is available in Chinese (Mandarin) and English at this institution. 


Courses offered by the School of Chinese as a Second Language can be viewed at the link below:

School of Chinese as a Second Language

PKU's general course catalogue can be viewed at the link below:

Peking University Undergraduate Education - Courses

Students of International Business with Chinese will study Chinese language in the School of Chinese as a Second Language during Semester 1, and transfer School to study Business courses during Semester 2.


Guaranteed accommodation?

No

University accommodation

Students must apply for University accommodation.  Students will be offered pre-round on-campus accommodation booking in late June before the official online application opens in middle July. Please check your email (including the Spam folder) as frequently as you can, for application details.  PKU cannot guarantee accommodation in a single room, and so students should be prepared to share a room.  More information is available on the webpages below:

Accommodation_International Student Office of Peking University Department of International Cooperation

Academic Guidance for Degree Students_International Student Office of Peking University Department of International Cooperation

Private accommodation

Students who do not secure University accommodation are responsible for arranging private accommodation. International students living off-campus must promptly register with the local public security department and provide their detailed address and phone number upon check-in.


How much will it cost to go on exchange to PKU?

You will need to consider establishment costs, which may include buying furniture, paying a rental bond, and setting up electricity, gas and mobile phone accounts. Other expenses, such as visa and medical fees (see ‘Health insurance’, below), as well as return airfares, should also be considered. Students are advised to research the cost of living in China, and remember that exchange rate variations may also affect your budget. 

PKU provides estimated living expenses on the webpage below:

Fees

There is also cost of living guidance in the 'Brochure for Exchange Students', which is available under the 'Partner factsheet' heading, below.  Please be aware that these figures are estimates.  The cost of living will vary depending on your lifestyle.

Visa considerations

You should expect to pay a processing fee to obtain your study visa for China.  Visa requirements can vary depending on your nationality.  More information is available on the webpage below:

Daily Guidance - International Students Division, Office of International Relations, Peking University

Health insurance

The Chinese Ministry of Education requires that all international students be medically insured throughout their study in China. This policy is crucial to the health, wellness and success of international students. Peking University international students must purchase the Chinese insurance plan for foreign students.  Students without a valid medical insurance are not allowed to register.


PKU's academic calendar can be viewed on the webpage below:

Peking University


Peking University has provided the following documents for exchange students.