Exchange guide Peking University
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Peking University in Beijing, China.
Snapshot
The 'Harvard of China'. China's most prestigious liberal arts and sciences university, with a stunning lakeside campus and the deepest academic tradition in the country.
Why students shortlist it
China's most prestigious university, consistently among the world's top 20 for arts, humanities, and social sciences. Beijing's political and cultural epicentre — the experience of studying here carries weight for the rest of your career.
Teaching languages: Chinese (primary); English-taught in PKU international programmes; Mandarin courses available for beginners
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Good academic standing (typically GPA 3.0+ or equivalent). Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL 90 / IELTS 6.5) for English-taught classes, or Mandarin proficiency (typically HSK 4-5) for Chinese-taught classes.
Nomination Process
Home university coordinators must submit official nominations through the host university portal, followed by student online application submission.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| March-April | May |
Arrival Checklist
- Apply for your X1 or X2 Student Visa using the official JW202/DQ form
- Register for the mandatory student health insurance plan (Ping An)
- Reserve on-campus housing or secure verified off-campus accommodation
- Register at the local police station (within 24 hours of arrival if off-campus)
- Attend the international student welcome briefing and complete course registration adjustments
Academics
Course Registration
15-20 credits typical. Many humanities courses are in Mandarin only.
Credit System
Chinese credits. 1 CN credit ≈ 1.5-2 ECTS approximately.
Grading System
Standard percentage-based grading scale (0-100) or letter grade system: A (90-100, Excellent), B (80-89, Good), C (70-79, Fair), D (60-69, Pass), F (<60, Fail).
Exam Culture
Peking University is academically intense — professors expect deep preparation and active participation in seminars. Most undergraduate modules weight 50–70% on a final written exam plus mid-term tests, papers, and class participation. Attendance tracked strictly (80%+ typical). International programmes (Yenching Academy, PKU-Stanford) use discussion-based seminars with shorter papers and presentations. PKU's reputation matters — locals study hard and exam stress is real.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | CNY 0 exchange / CNY 22,000–32,000 self-funded | Bilateral exchange tuition fully waived. Self-funded/non-exchange students pay ¥22,000–32,000 per semester depending on uni and programme. Mandatory student … |
| Full degree – international | CNY 26,000–50,000/year | PKU international full-degree: humanities CNY 26,000/year, sciences CNY 30,000–36,000, law/economics CNY 38,000, medicine/Yenching Academy CNY 45,000–50,000.… |
CNY 0 exchange / CNY 22,000–32,000 self-funded
Bilateral exchange tuition fully waived. Self-funded/non-exchange students pay ¥22,000–32,000 per semester depending on uni and programme. Mandatory student …
CNY 26,000–50,000/year
PKU international full-degree: humanities CNY 26,000/year, sciences CNY 30,000–36,000, law/economics CNY 38,000, medicine/Yenching Academy CNY 45,000–50,000.…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Valid health coverage is required for the exchange period.
EHIC Accepted
No
Campus Clinic
Use university student health/wellbeing services first for local care routing, prevention, counselling, and referrals.
Mental Health
Most universities route students through student health, wellbeing, or counselling services. Ask early, not only during exam stress.
Ping An government insurance
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Private international
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Campus Services
Main University Library
Access to extensive print collections, online international academic databases, quiet study rooms, and computer terminals.
Student Services (PKU)
Peking University student services portal: academic life, health, counselling, career, and campus life resources for all enrolled students including international students.
International Student Division (PKU)
PKU International Students Division: registration, visa, health insurance, medical services, and life support for international students at Peking University.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- 300+ student organizations. Strong debate, philosophy, and arts culture.
Buddy Program
PKU offers a Language Partner program pairing international students with Chinese students.
Sports & Recreation
- PKU has one of the most beautiful campuses in China with Weiming Lake — jogging, basketball, and martial arts clubs.
Public Groups & Erasmus Communities
WeChat semester groups managed by ISD.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Complete registration and medical check.
- Explore the campus — it's massive and beautiful.
- Join the Language Partner program.
- Visit the Summer Palace (it's walking distance).
Key Dates
Nomination & Application Window
March to May (for Fall intake) / October to November (for Spring intake)
Home university nominates students, who then complete host institution portal registration.
Welcome Week & Orientation
Late August or Early September (Fall) / Late February (Spring)
Mandatory campus check-in, visa validation, health insurance activation, and campus tours.
Semester Classes & Exams
September to January (Fall) / March to July (Spring)
Academic terms running for 16-18 weeks, followed by a 2-week final exam period.
Application window (Autumn intake)
March – May
JW202/JW201 admission form issued by host university; required for X-visa application.
Application window (Spring intake)
October – November
Same flow for February/March arrival. Allow 6–8 weeks for visa processing.