For questions regarding this program or your application, please email sisabroad@american.edu.

COURSEWORK

Graduate students from AU who participate in this one-semester program enroll for a full courseload at AU (9 credits) and take courses within Beida's Master's program in International Relations alongside regular degree-seeking students.

Examples of courses include:

China-Africa and Middle East Relations
International Security and China
U.S.-China Relations
China's Frontier and Ethnic Issues
Chinese Foreign Policy Analysis

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT

There is no language requirement for AU students who wish to take courses in English. Students who wish to take any academic courses conducted in Chinese are required to demonstrate proficiency in Chinese as part of the application. Students also have the opportunity to take a Chinese language course to improve their language skills.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

Fall: September - January
Spring: February - June

Students may spend one semester at Beida. Due to the differences between the AU and PKU academic calendars, students are encouraged to participate in the program in the spring semester.

REGISTRATION

Students are required to meet with their AU academic advisor and obtain formal pre-approval for their chosen courses before enrolling at Beida. This ensures that credits earned on the Program can be applied toward the student's AU degree.
Once accepted into the Program, students are registered through the SIS Office of International Programs for up to nine (9) SIS credits. These exchange credits cover the Program credits only; research and/or internship credits are registered under normal AU guidelines. 

N.B. Students are required to enroll in 12 credits at Beida. Students must be registered at AU for 9 credits while studying at Beida.

Credit articulation: Grades and credits earned at Beida are articulated through the SIS Office of International Programs upon receipt of an official transcript from Beida. For conversion purposes, students should expect 1 PKU credit to equal 1 AU credit.

TUITION AND FEES

Students pay regular tuition, emergency international health insurance, and technology fees to AU. Students do not pay the student activity fee, sports center fee, or SIS fee while studying at Beida. Students must pay an application fee to Beida, and are also billed directly by Beida for any applicable student fees.

Students are responsible for any incidental costs, such as library fines and lab fees, incurred during the program. Students are responsible for all personal expenses including housing and transportation.

Students are required to submit a non-refundable $50 application fee at the time of submitting their application to SIS Abroad. 

HOUSING

Only limited space is available for international students in on-campus dormitory facilities.

Students are responsible for making their own housing arrangements and for all associated costs.

VISAS AND IMMIGRATION

Once admitted to the Program, students are issued a letter of acceptance by Beida. Students use this document to apply for their student visa at the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate. 

Students are responsible for researching the most up-to-date immigration requirements and arranging all immigration documents.

STUDENT ORIENTATION

During the semester prior to the start of the Program, the SIS Office of International Programs conducts a mandatory pre-departure meeting. Topics covered include administrative, logistical, security, and cross-cultural issues. Beida holds a mandatory orientation for students prior to the beginning of classes.

HOW TO APPLY

Complete and submit the Peking University application to the SIS Office of International Programs (OIP) by the specified deadline for the semester in which you intend to study abroad. Applicants are required to submit a non-refundable $50 application fee. Payment details are included in the online application. Students may not apply directly to PKU. 
After applications are received and reviewed, students will then be notified by e-mail from OIP with a decision regarding their nomination for study abroad.
Once nominated, you will be instructed to complete PKU application which requires the following information:

Printed copy of submitted online application
Passport-style photograph
Enrollment certificate
Official transcripts
Two letters of recommendation from SIS faculty members
Certificate of Chinese proficiency level (if taking courses instructed in Chinese)
Copy of passport photo page
Application fee: 400RMB through online payment 

OIP will collect all paper applications and supplemental materials and mail them directly to PKU.
PKU makes the final admissions decision and corresponds directly with Program participants regarding all admissions and enrollment matters.

The Program is competitive, and applying does not guarantee admission.