Peking University (PKU)

Peking University: A Comprehensive Overview

Founded in 1898, Peking University (PKU) is China’s premier public research university, located in Beijing. A member of the C9 League and the International Alliance of Research Universities, PKU enrolls over 45,000 students, including 15% international students from 120+ countries, across 400+ degree programs. Renowned for its academic excellence, cultural influence, and research innovation, PKU ranks among Asia’s top universities, driving advancements in science, humanities, and global policy.

History

Established as the Imperial University of Peking during the Qing Dynasty’s reforms, PKU replaced the ancient Guozijian, becoming China’s first modern university. It played a pivotal role in the May Fourth Movement of 1919, fostering intellectual and democratic ideals. PKU expanded post-1949, merging with Yenching University in 1952 and admitting women from its inception. With five Nobel Prize affiliations, PKU has shaped China’s modernization and global scholarship for over 125 years.

Academic Structure

PKU comprises 55 schools and departments under six faculties: Humanities; Social Sciences; Sciences; Health Sciences; Economics and Management; and Information and Engineering. These offer 400+ bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in fields like physics, economics, law, and AI, with 100+ English-taught programs and flexible options like double degrees and online courses via PKU Online. Research-led teaching integrates tradition and innovation.

Prominent Faculties and Departments

The School of Physics, ranked among Asia’s top 10, leads in quantum mechanics and materials science. The Guanghua School of Management, with AMBA accreditation, excels in finance and entrepreneurship. The Peking University Health Science Center, linked to top hospitals, drives medical research. The School of International Studies is renowned for diplomacy, while the School of Law excels in Chinese and international law. These collaborate with industry leaders like Huawei and Alibaba.

Research Activities

PKU secures CNY 4 billion ($560 million) annually in funding, ranking among China’s top research institutions. It leads in AI, biomedicine, and environmental science, with facilities like the Kavli Institute for Astronomy and the Beijing International Center for Mathematical Research. PKU’s five Nobel Prize affiliations, including Tsung-Dao Lee’s 1957 physics award, highlight its impact. The university holds 3,000+ patents, produces 15,000+ publications yearly, and collaborates via IARU, addressing challenges like climate change, health, and digital transformation.

International Rankings

PKU ranks 14th globally in QS World University Rankings 2025, 12th in Times Higher Education 2023, and 16th in U.S. News & World Report 2025, topping mainland China. It excels in physics, economics, and modern languages (top 20, QS 2023), with graduate employability 23rd globally (QS 2022). PKU’s reputation reflects its academic and research excellence.

Campus Life

PKU’s 274-hectare Haidian campus, once part of the Qing Dynasty’s Yuanmingyuan gardens, features historic Yenching architecture and modern facilities like the Boya Tower. With 200+ student organizations, including the PKU Debate Club and International Student Union, campus life is vibrant. Sports facilities support 40+ clubs, and Beijing’s cultural hub offers museums, hutongs, and global connectivity. International students benefit from orientation, Chinese language courses, and a subway pass.

Notable Alumni

PKU’s alumni include five Nobel laureates, like Yang Chen-Ning (Physics, 1957) and Tu Youyou (Medicine, 2015), and prominent figures like former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Baidu founder Robin Li, and writer Lu Xun. Others include philosopher Hu Shih and ByteDance CEO Zhang Yiming. The 300,000+ alumni network impacts science, tech, and policy, contributing to malaria treatment, AI, and modern Chinese literature.

Future Goals

Under its 2030 Global Excellence Strategy, PKU aims to lead in innovation, sustainability, and global education, expanding research in AI, green technology, and public health, targeting carbon neutrality by 2040. It will strengthen partnerships via IARU and enhance interdisciplinary learning. PKU is investing CNY 5 billion in infrastructure, including a new AI and Health Sciences Hub, prioritizing diversity and employability to tackle global challenges like urbanization and climate change.

Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Admission is highly competitive (5% acceptance rate for undergraduates). Undergraduate programs require a high school diploma (e.g., 90% in Indian CBSE), 3.5/4.0 GPA, and Chinese proficiency (HSK Level 5) for Chinese-taught programs or English proficiency (IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 90) for English-taught ones. Graduate programs need a bachelor’s degree (2:1 equivalent). International applicants submit transcripts, SOP, LORs, and CNY 80,000/year funds for a student visa (CNY 400). Applications are via PKU’s portal (undergraduates: April 30, 2025; graduates: December 31, 2024–March 31, 2025). Tuition is CNY 30,000–50,000/year, plus CNY 1,000 student fee. Scholarships like the PKU International Student Scholarship (CNY 20,000/year) are available. Early housing applications advised.

Contact Information

Address: Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan Road, Haidian, Beijing 100871, China; General Inquiries: +86 10 6275 1201, [email protected]; International Office: [email protected]; Admissions: www.pku.edu.cn (Apply via PKU portal); Housing: [email protected].

Conclusion

Peking University blends a 125-year legacy with cutting-edge research and a vibrant, global campus. Its top rankings, innovative programs, and leadership in science and humanities make it a premier choice for students worldwide. With robust support, Beijing’s dynamic setting, and a commitment to global challenges, PKU offers an exceptional platform for academic excellence and societal impact.