Exchange guide Peking University
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Peking University in Beijing, China.
Study abroad at Peking University (PKU / Beida): overview
Study abroad at Peking University (PKU / Beida) makes sense when the academic fit is stronger than the destination brand alone and you are honest about everyday logistics. Peking University (Běijīng Dàxué — PKU / 北京大学) is China's most prestigious comprehensive university, founded in 1898. Useful proof points: Visible university community; verify the current headcount on the official page.; Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.; Economics and Finance, International Relations and Public Affairs, Chinese Language and Literature. Before choosing, confirm teaching language, faculty seats and housing near the campus.
Enrollment
Visible university community; verify the current headcount on the official page.
International Mix
Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.
Why students choose it
Best for students who want Economics and Finance, International Relations and Public Affairs, Chinese Language and Literature and are willing to check language, seats, campus rules and housing before choosing.
Language of instruction: Chinese (primary); English-taught in PKU international programmes; Mandarin courses available for beginners
Exchange & application at Peking University (PKU / Beida)
Start with home-university nomination, then application, Learning Agreement, insurance and course approval. At Peking University (PKU / Beida), rules can sit at faculty level, so do not promise yourself courses before they are validated.
Exchange document
Fact-Sheet-Peking University-2025-2026.pdf
Host-university document shared through UAB partner materials. Check the academic year and faculty scope before applying.
✅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.
🧭Orientation Week
Events hub: https://iso.pku.edu.cn/exchange_programs/
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | 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 & courses at Peking University (PKU / Beida)
Academics combine credits, exam calendars and faculty-level rules. Check prerequisites, the real teaching language of each course and whether course lists can change before enrolment.
📝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.
📚Library Access
Library, digital resources and study spaces become available after activating the university account.
Tuition & fees at Peking University (PKU / Beida)
For exchange, separate home tuition, local admin fees, insurance and living costs. Full-degree tuition is a different category and must be checked on the official fee page.
| 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
Student housing at Peking University (PKU / Beida)
Housing near Peking University (PKU / Beida) should move in parallel with the application. Compare residence, private room, transport route and contract terms before arrival.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Beijing
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at Peking University (PKU / Beida)
Use the international office, faculty coordinator, library, wellbeing services and student groups from week one. Asking early prevents small admin mistakes from becoming blockers.
🛡️Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Valid health coverage is required for the exchange period.
🏥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 at Peking University (PKU / Beida)
Student life depends on repeatable routines: associations, sport, ESN or faculty groups. Do not wait for the campus to do all the work; join repeated channels early.
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 & 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 exchange dates at Peking University (PKU / Beida)
The critical dates are nomination, application, fee or registration steps, course selection, housing, arrival and exams. Keep resit periods visible before booking return travel.
-
1
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.
-
2
Welcome Week & Orientation
Late August or Early September (Fall) / Late February (Spring)
Mandatory campus check-in, visa validation, health insurance activation, and campus tours.
-
3
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.
-
4
Application window (Autumn intake)
March – May
JW202/JW201 admission form issued by host university; required for X-visa application.
-
5
Application window (Spring intake)
October – November
Same flow for February/March arrival. Allow 6–8 weeks for visa processing.