Peking University for Kenyan Students

🇨🇳 Beijing, China · C9 League / QS Top 15
Direct Entry Available 3 Scholarships ✓ Verified 2026-04
World Ranking #14
Founded 1898
Students 46,000+
Last updated: 2026-04 · Always verify with the official university website
Quick Facts — Kenyan Students
KCSE Accepted Not Accepted
Minimum GPA (Masters) 3 / 4
IELTS Required 6.5 overall
Tuition Range ¥29,000 – ¥33,000/yr
Scholarships Available Yes – 3 available
Application Deadline November–January for September intake; April for spring intake
Processing Time 4–8 weeks

Entry Requirements by Level

Academic Requirements

Foundation Year required via Chinese Language Foundation Year (1 year, university-run or approved partner) (¥15,000/year). KCSE accepted as O-level equivalent. Most undergraduate programs are Chinese-taught. English-taught undergraduate options are very limited at PKU. HSK 5 required for Chinese-taught programs after foundation year.

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: ¥20,000–¥30,000. Application deadline: March–May (annual intake).

Academic Requirements

Minimum GPA: 3/4. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required. CSC scholarship application runs simultaneously with university admission. PKU President's Scholarship is highly competitive. Apply early as CSC slots fill quickly.

English Language

IELTS: 6.5+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: ¥29,000–¥33,000. Application deadline: November–January for September intake; April for spring intake. Decision time: 4–8 weeks.

Documents Required

Official academic transcript (translated & certified)
Motivation letter (500–1,000 words)
Two academic references
Valid international passport
IELTS/TOEFL score report
Financial evidence (bank statement or sponsor letter)

Available Scholarships

Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)

Full tuition + free accommodation + ¥3,000/month stipend + medical insurance Deadline: January–April (annual)

by Chinese Government (MOE) · Undergraduate, Masters, Phd

Learn more →

Belt and Road / Silk Road Scholarship

Full tuition + accommodation + ¥1,500–2,500/month stipend Deadline: March–May (annual)

by Chinese Government · Masters, Phd

Learn more →

PKU President's Scholarship for International Students

Full or partial tuition waiver + ¥2,000–3,000/month stipend Deadline: Check PKU admissions portal (January–March)

by Peking University · Masters, Phd

Learn more →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Peking University accept KCSE for Kenyan students?

Yes, KCSE is accepted as a senior secondary school equivalent for undergraduate foundation admission. Most Kenyan applicants will need to complete a one-year Chinese language foundation program before entering a degree program, as most PKU undergraduate courses are taught in Chinese.

What GPA do I need for a Masters at Peking University?

PKU requires a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0. In practice, successful applicants typically have GPAs above 3.5/4.0 due to high competition. A First Class degree from a Kenyan university gives you a strong foundation for your PKU application.

Are there scholarships for Kenyan students at Peking University?

Yes. The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) is the primary route — it covers full tuition, accommodation, and provides a monthly stipend of ¥3,000. Apply through the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi. The PKU President's Scholarship is also available for exceptional applicants.

Tips for Applying to PKU

Peking University is China's most prestigious comprehensive university and a genuine world-class institution. For Kenyan students with exceptional academic records, PKU offers access to some of the best research environments in Asia. Kenya has strong bilateral ties with China which can support CSC scholarship applications — apply through the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi. Focus on English-taught programs in Economics, Computer Science, Law, or International Relations.

Official source: Peking University ↗

Cost of Living in Beijing

Accommodation ¥2,000 – ¥4,000/month

On-campus dormitories available from ¥1,500/month. Off-campus rooms in Haidian district.

Food & Groceries ¥800 – ¥1,200/month

University canteen offers affordable meals from ¥10–25 per meal.

Transport ¥200 – ¥400/month

Beijing subway is efficient and affordable. Student discounts available.

Estimated Total Monthly Cost ¥3,000 – ¥5,600/month