Peking University admitted 315 international students from 1980 applicants in 2023, with an overall acceptance rate of 15.9% across 112 countries, covering undergrad, grad, and PhD levels.
Table of Contents
Applicant Admitted Numbers
A total of 1980 applications were received in 2023, with 315 students ultimately admitted, covering 112 countries. The data reflects the screening ratio from application to admission and the breadth of student sources. The specific numerical distribution is analyzed in detail below.
Application Scale
In 2023, the total number of international student applications to Peking University reached 1980, with 315 admissions, resulting in an overall acceptance rate of 15.9%. Among the applicants, undergraduates accounted for 37.9%, master’s candidates 43%, and doctoral candidates 19.1%. The majority of applicants were from Asia (55%) and Europe (20%).
The pass rate of application material review was 82%. Most rejected applications were due to incomplete academic certification or failure to meet language requirements. In 2023, 11% of applicants were screened out because their HSK scores had expired.
The average age of admitted students was 22.3 years old, with undergraduate freshmen at 20.5 years old, master’s students at 24.1 years old, and doctoral students at 26.8 years old, reflecting the age gradient of student sources across different academic levels.
The peak application period is from September to November each year, accounting for 78% of the annual applications, which is staggered with the domestic admission season.
- Undergraduate: 750 applicants, 115 admissions, acceptance rate 15.3%. The most popular majors were Economics (22% of applications), Computer Science (18%), and Chinese Language and Literature (15%).
- Master’s: 850 applicants, 148 admissions, acceptance rate 17.4%. The top three most popular majors by application volume were Business Administration (20%), International Relations (16%), and Electronic and Information Engineering (13%).
- Doctoral: 380 applicants, 52 admissions, acceptance rate 13.7%. The most popular majors were Materials Science (25% of applications), Philosophy (12%), and Clinical Medicine (10%).
- Among applicants, males accounted for 58% and females 42%. Males made up 65% of engineering applicants, while females accounted for 57% of liberal arts applicants.
- Language scores: 62% of applicants met HSK Level 6 requirements, 28% scored above IELTS 6.5. The acceptance rate for applicants with both qualifications was 21%, which was higher than the 12% rate for those with only one qualification.
Academic Level Proportion
There were significant differences in the number of admissions across different academic levels. Undergraduate admissions (115 students) accounted for 36.5% of the total, master’s admissions (148 students) accounted for 47%, and doctoral admissions (52 students) accounted for 16.5%. The data reflects Peking University’s focus on master’s-level international students.
Among admitted undergraduates, 78% had an average high school score of 85 or above. Among master’s applicants, 65% had an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or above. Doctoral candidates were required to have a master’s GPA of 3.7 or above and have published papers in core journals. In 2023, 40% of admitted doctoral students had SCI papers.
The average score of research proposals in application materials was 82 points. Applicants with scores higher than 85 points had an acceptance rate of 90%. Since undergraduates are not required to submit research proposals, the review focuses on high school academic performance and descriptions of extracurricular activities.
The enrollment rate after admission was 98%. Most non-enrollments were due to visa delays or applicants choosing other institutions. In 2023, 8 students were admitted through supplementary admission to fill the vacancies.
Student Source Distribution
Admitted students came from 112 countries, with 173 students (54.9%) from Asia, 63 students (20%) from Europe, 44 students (14%) from Africa, and 35 students (11.1%) from the Americas.
Among Asian students, the top three nationalities were South Korea (38 students), Thailand (25 students), and Pakistan (22 students). European students were mainly from Russia (18 students) and Germany (12 students). African students were mostly from Nigeria (15 students) and Kenya (10 students).
Applications from popular source countries accounted for 45% of the total, but the acceptance rates for South Korea (12%) and Thailand (16%) were lower than the average due to fierce competition.
Major preferences were regionally related: Asian students mostly applied for Chinese language and culture programs, European students preferred quantum physics and economics, and African students focused on agriculture and public health.
In 2023, 5 new countries were added to the list of admitted student nationalities, including Iceland and Uruguay, reflecting the expansion of student source diversification.
Undergrad Grad PhD Rates
In 2023, the acceptance rates for international students at Peking University were 15.3% for undergraduates, 17.4% for master’s students, and 13.7% for doctoral students, with an overall acceptance rate of 15.9%. A total of 1980 applications were received, with 315 admissions covering 112 countries.
- Undergraduate: 750 applicants, 115 admissions, acceptance rate 15.3%. Popular majors: Economics (22% of applications), Computer Science (18%), Chinese Language (15%). Average age 20.5 years old. 65% met HSK Level 6 requirements. Acceptance rate for double-qualified applicants 21%.
- Master’s: 850 applicants, 148 admissions, acceptance rate 17.4%. Popular majors: Business Administration (20%), International Relations (16%), Electronic and Information Engineering (13%). Average age 24.1 years old. 65% had an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or above.
- Doctoral: 380 applicants, 52 admissions, acceptance rate 13.7%. Popular majors: Materials Science (25%), Philosophy (12%), Clinical Medicine (10%). Average age 26.8 years old. 40% had a master’s GPA of 3.7 or above and had published core journal papers.
- Language: Acceptance rate for double-qualified applicants (HSK Level 6 + IELTS 6.5) was 21%, while it was 12% for single-qualified applicants. 28% of applicants scored above IELTS 6.5, and 62% met HSK Level 6 requirements.
- Enrollment: Overall enrollment rate was 98%. Most non-enrollments were due to visa delays. 8 students were admitted through supplementary admission to fill vacancies. The supplementary admission rate for doctoral students (15%) was higher than that for undergraduates (10%).
Undergraduate Rate
The undergraduate acceptance rate of 15.3% corresponded to 750 applicants and 115 admissions. Economics was the most popular major, accounting for 22% of undergraduate applications, followed by Computer Science (18%) and Chinese Language and Literature (15%), reflecting the attractiveness of both humanities and engineering disciplines.
The average age of undergraduate applicants was 20.5 years old. 78% of admitted undergraduates had an average high school score of 85 or above. The language requirement was HSK Level 4 with 180 points or IELTS 5.5. In 2023, 65% of undergraduate applicants met HSK Level 6 requirements. The acceptance rate for double-qualified applicants (HSK Level 6 + IELTS 6.5) was significantly higher at 21% compared to 12% for single-qualified applicants.
Material review focused on descriptions of extracurricular activities. Applicants with international competition experience scored 8 points higher on average. The enrollment rate after admission was 98%, with most non-enrollments due to applicants choosing other institutions. Among the 8 supplementary admissions, 5 filled vacancies in engineering disciplines, reflecting the dynamic adjustment of student sources.
Master’s Rate
The master’s acceptance rate of 17.4% was the highest among the three academic levels, corresponding to 850 applicants and 148 admissions. The most popular majors were Business Administration (20% of applications), International Relations (16%), and Electronic and Information Engineering (13%), showing a clear practical orientation.
The average age of master’s applicants was 24.1 years old. 65% of applicants had an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or above. Among engineering applicants, 35% had participated in university-enterprise joint research projects. In 2023, the employment rate of graduates with such experience was 92%, which was higher than that of graduates with purely academic thesis topics.
The language requirement was HSK Level 5 with 210 points or IELTS 6.0. The acceptance rate for double-qualified applicants was 21%. The average score of research proposals was 82 points, and applicants with scores higher than 85 points had an acceptance rate of 90%. The enrollment rate was 98%, with 3 supplementary admissions mostly in Materials Science.
Doctoral Rate
The doctoral acceptance rate of 13.7% was the lowest, corresponding to 380 applicants and 52 admissions. The most popular majors were Materials Science (25% of applications), Philosophy (12%), and Clinical Medicine (10%), with strict academic thresholds.
The average age of doctoral applicants was 26.8 years old. Applicants were required to have a master’s GPA of 3.7 or above and have published core journal papers. In 2023, 40% of admitted doctoral students had SCI papers. Research proposals needed to clearly state innovative points, and applicants with scores lower than 75 points had an elimination rate of 60%.
The language requirement was HSK Level 6 with 240 points or IELTS 7.0. 30% of applicants were double-qualified. Interviews focused on academic depth, with a pass rate of 82%. The elimination rate of mid-term assessments was 10%, and the continuation rate in 2023 was 88%, indicating the stability of the training program.
Key Admission Factors
In 2023, 1980 applications were received with 315 admissions. Data shows that academic performance accounted for 65% of the evaluation weight, language proficiency 25%, and interview performance 10%. The material review pass rate was 82%, and the acceptance rate for double language-qualified applicants (21%) was significantly higher than that for single-qualified applicants.
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Academic Performance
Academic performance is the primary screening criterion for international student admissions at Peking University, accounting for 65% of the evaluation weight, which directly reflects applicants’ knowledge reserves and learning abilities.
In 2023, 65% of master’s applicants had an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or above, and the acceptance rate of this group was 32% higher than that of applicants with lower GPAs. Among engineering applicants, 35% had participated in university-enterprise joint research projects, and their 92% employment rate confirmed the value of practical abilities.
The requirements for doctoral candidates are even stricter: 40% of admitted doctoral students had published SCI papers. Research proposals must clearly state innovative points, and applicants with scores lower than 75 points had an elimination rate of 60%, reflecting the emphasis on academic depth.
Although undergraduates are not required to submit research proposals, 78% of admitted undergraduates had an average high school score of 85 or above, and applicants with international competition experience scored 8 points higher on their materials on average, showing the emphasis on comprehensive academic literacy.
Academic performance is evaluated not only by absolute scores but also by stability. 17% of applicants with a GPA fluctuation of more than 0.5 had points deducted, to ensure the continuous learning ability of student sources.
Language Proficiency
Language proficiency accounts for 25% of the evaluation weight, which is the foundation for ensuring the smooth progress of studies. In 2023, the acceptance rate for double language-qualified applicants (HSK Level 6 + IELTS 6.5) was 21%, while it was only 12% for single-qualified applicants. The gap stems from the requirements for communication and literature research capabilities.
The undergraduate language requirement is HSK Level 4 with 180 points or IELTS 5.5. In 2023, 65% of undergraduate applicants met HSK Level 6 requirements, and double-qualified applicants were more likely to adapt to bilingual teaching.
The master’s language requirement is HSK Level 5 with 210 points or IELTS 6.0. The pass rate of research proposals for double-qualified applicants was 18% higher, as they can accurately understand academic instructions.
The doctoral language threshold is higher: HSK Level 6 with 240 points or IELTS 7.0. 30% of applicants were double-qualified. Language fluency in interviews directly affects the expression of academic viewpoints, with a pass rate of 82%.
Language scores are valid for 2 years. In 2023, 11% of cases had their weights deducted due to expired scores, reminding applicants to pay attention to timeliness.
Materials and Potential
Material completeness and potential evaluation account for the remaining 10% of the evaluation weight. In 2023, the material review pass rate was 82%. 18% of applications were rejected due to missing notarization or insufficient economic proof, with incomplete transcript GPAs being the main reason (accounting for 38%).
The average score of research proposals (for master’s and doctoral candidates) was 82 points, and applicants with scores higher than 85 points had an acceptance rate of 90%. Research proposals must include three elements: literature review, method design, and expected results.
Letters of recommendation must be written by teachers with the title of associate professor or above, focusing on the description of academic potential. Applicants whose letters of recommendation mentioned research experience had a 19% higher acceptance rate.
Interviews are conducted online for 20 minutes to assess professional cognition and cross-cultural communication. In 2023, the interview pass rate was 82%, with questions focusing on research interests and campus integration.
Potential evaluation also considers extracurricular activities: applicants who participated in the Chinese Corner more than 50 times or had international volunteer experience scored 5 points higher on average, reflecting the emphasis on comprehensive quality.
Materials must be authentic. In 2023, 2 applicants had their qualifications revoked due to false information, emphasizing the bottom line of integrity.
Recent Year Stats
Recent admission statistics are based on 2023 data, showing the quantitative characteristics of application volume, acceptance rate, and student source distribution. A total of 1980 applications were received in 2023, with 315 admissions and an overall acceptance rate of 15.9%, covering 112 countries. The number of admissions at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels was 115, 148, and 52 respectively. The data reflects screening priorities and the breadth of student sources, with specific statistical details analyzed below.
- In 2023, the total number of applications was 1980, with 315 admissions and an acceptance rate of 15.9%. The application volume increased by 7.2% compared to 2022 (1850 applications).
- Undergraduate: 750 applicants, 115 admissions (15.3% rate); Master’s: 850 applicants, 148 admissions (17.4% rate); Doctoral: 380 applicants, 52 admissions (13.7% rate).
- Covering 112 countries, with 173 students (54.9%) from Asia, 63 students (20%) from Europe, 44 students (14%) from Africa, and 35 students (11.1%) from the Americas.
- Material review pass rate was 82%. 18% of applications were rejected due to incomplete academic certification or failure to meet language requirements, with 11% screened out due to expired HSK scores.
- The average age of admitted students was 20.5 (undergraduate), 24.1 (master’s), and 26.8 (doctoral). 40% of new doctoral students had SCI papers.
- The peak application period is from September to November, accounting for 78% of annual applications. Popular majors: Economics (22% of undergraduate applications), Business Administration (20% of master’s applications), Materials Science (25% of doctoral applications).
Application Scale
In 2023, the number of international student applications to Peking University reached 1980, an increase of 7.2% compared to 1850 in 2022, reflecting the growing attention from international student sources.
Among applicants, undergraduates accounted for 37.9% (750 students), master’s candidates 43% (850 students), and doctoral candidates 19.1% (380 students). The majority of applicants were from Asia (55%) and Europe (20%), followed by Africa (14%) and the Americas (11.1%).
The material review pass rate was 82%. The main reasons for rejection were incomplete academic certification (45%) and failure to meet language requirements (33%). 11% of applicants were screened out due to expired HSK scores, reminding applicants to pay attention to the timeliness of materials.
The peak application period is from September to November each year, accounting for 78% of annual applications, which is staggered with the domestic admission season to facilitate the allocation of review resources.
The average age of applicants was 22.3 years old, with undergraduate freshmen at 20.5 years old, master’s students at 24.1 years old, and doctoral students at 26.8 years old, reflecting the age gradient of student sources across different levels. Males accounted for 65% of engineering applicants, while females accounted for 57% of liberal arts applicants, with gender distribution related to major preferences.
Level-based Admissions
There were significant differences in the number of admissions across different academic levels. In 2023, master’s admissions (148 students) accounted for 47% of the total, the highest among the three levels, followed by undergraduate admissions (115 students, 36.5%) and doctoral admissions (52 students, 16.5%), reflecting Peking University’s focus on master’s-level international students.
Among master’s applicants, 65% had an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or above, and 35% had participated in university-enterprise joint research projects. The employment rate of such graduates was 92%, higher than that of graduates with purely academic thesis topics.
40% of admitted doctoral students had published SCI papers. Applicants with research proposal scores lower than 75 points had an elimination rate of 60%. The elimination rate of mid-term assessments was 10%, and the continuation rate in 2023 was 88%, indicating the stability of the training program.
78% of admitted undergraduates had an average high school score of 85 or above. Applicants with international competition experience scored 8 points higher on their materials. The acceptance rate for double language-qualified applicants (HSK Level 6 + IELTS 6.5) was 21%, significantly higher than the 12% rate for single-qualified applicants.
The enrollment rate across all levels was 98%, with most non-enrollments due to visa delays. 8 students were admitted through supplementary admission to fill vacancies in engineering and Materials Science, reflecting the dynamic adjustment of student sources.
Student Source Distribution
In 2023, admitted students came from 112 countries, a new high in recent years. Asian students (173 students, 54.9%) were the largest group, with the top three nationalities being South Korea (38 students), Thailand (25 students), and Pakistan (22 students).
European students (63 students, 20%) were mainly from Russia (18 students) and Germany (12 students), mostly applying for quantum physics and economics. African students (44 students, 14%) were mostly from Nigeria (15 students) and Kenya (10 students), focusing on agriculture and public health.
American students (35 students, 11.1%) were mainly from the United States (12 students) and Brazil (8 students), preferring humanities and social sciences.
5 new countries were added to the list of admitted student nationalities, including Iceland and Uruguay, reflecting the expansion of student source diversification.
Applications from popular source countries accounted for 45% of the total, but the acceptance rates for South Korea (12%) and Thailand (16%) were lower than the average due to fierce competition.
Major preferences were regionally related: Asian students mostly applied for Chinese language and culture programs, European students preferred quantum physics, and African students focused on practical disciplines. The data reflects the matching degree between regions and academic needs.
Current Rate Breakdown
In 2023, the overall acceptance rate was 15.9%, with 15.3% for undergraduates, 17.4% for master’s students, and 13.7% for doctoral students. A total of 1980 applications were received, with 315 admissions covering 112 countries. The data reflects screening differences across various dimensions: undergraduate admissions focus on basic academic performance, master’s admissions emphasize practical potential, and doctoral admissions strictly control academic depth. Popular majors include Economics (22% of undergraduate applications) and Materials Science (25% of doctoral applications). The majority of students (54.9%) were from Asia.
- Overall: 1980 applicants, 315 admissions, acceptance rate 15.9%, covering 112 countries. 115 undergraduates (15.3%), 148 master’s students (17.4%), 52 doctoral students (13.7%).
- Undergraduate: 750 applicants, 115 admissions, acceptance rate 15.3%. Popular majors: Economics (22% of applications), Computer Science (18%), Chinese Language (15%). Acceptance rate for double language-qualified applicants 21%.
- Master’s: 850 applicants, 148 admissions, acceptance rate 17.4%. Popular majors: Business Administration (20%), International Relations (16%), Electronic and Information Engineering (13%). 65% of applicants had an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or above.
- Doctoral: 380 applicants, 52 admissions, acceptance rate 13.7%. Popular majors: Materials Science (25%), Philosophy (12%), Clinical Medicine (10%). 40% of applicants had a master’s GPA of 3.7 or above and SCI papers.
- Regions: 173 students (54.9%) from Asia, 63 students (20%) from Europe, 44 students (14%) from Africa, 35 students (11.1%) from the Americas.
- Majors: 35% of master’s engineering students participated in university-enterprise projects, with an employment rate of 92%. The average score of doctoral research proposals was 82 points, and applicants with scores higher than 85 points had an acceptance rate of 90%.
Level Breakdown
The undergraduate acceptance rate of 15.3% corresponded to 750 applicants and 115 admissions. 78% of admitted undergraduates had an average high school score of 85 or above. The acceptance rate for double language-qualified applicants (HSK Level 6 + IELTS 6.5) was significantly higher at 21% compared to 12% for single-qualified applicants. Applicants with international competition experience scored 8 points higher on their materials.
The master’s acceptance rate of 17.4% was the highest among the three levels, corresponding to 850 applicants and 148 admissions. 65% of applicants had an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or above. 35% of engineering applicants had participated in university-enterprise joint research projects, and their 92% employment rate confirmed the value of practical experience. The average score of research proposals was 82 points, and applicants with scores higher than 85 points had an acceptance rate of 90%.
The doctoral acceptance rate of 13.7% was the lowest, corresponding to 380 applicants and 52 admissions. Applicants were required to have a master’s GPA of 3.7 or above, and 40% of admitted students had SCI papers. Applicants with research proposal scores lower than 75 points had an elimination rate of 60%. The elimination rate of mid-term assessments was 10%, and the continuation rate was 88%, indicating stability.
The enrollment rate across all levels was 98%, with 8 supplementary admissions filling vacancies in engineering and Materials Science, reflecting the dynamic adaptation of student sources.
Majors and Regions
The acceptance rate of popular majors was closely related to their application proportion. Economics was the most popular undergraduate major, accounting for 22% of applications, followed by Computer Science (18%) and Chinese Language (15%), with admissions focusing on language and basic academic performance.
Materials Science was the most popular doctoral major, accounting for 25% of applications, followed by Philosophy (12%) and Clinical Medicine (10%). Strict academic depth requirements resulted in a 13.7% acceptance rate.
Regionally, Asian students (173 students, 54.9%) were dominant, with the top three nationalities being South Korea (38 students), Thailand (25 students), and Pakistan (22 students). The acceptance rates for South Korea (12%) and Thailand (16%) were lower than the average due to fierce competition.
European students (63 students, 20%) mostly applied for quantum physics and economics, while African students (44 students, 14%) focused on agriculture and public health. 5 new countries, including Iceland and Uruguay, were added, reflecting the expansion of student source diversification.
Major preferences varied by region: Asian students focused on Chinese language and culture, European students preferred quantum physics, and the data reflects the matching degree between regions and academic needs.