The School of Advanced Materials (SAM) at Peking University invites applications from international students for Master's and Ph.D. programs commencing in 2026. Admission is based on a comprehensive "Application-Assessment" process. SAM is committed to cultivating innovative scholars with a global perspective and a deep understanding of China. The detailed provisions are as follows:
I. Program Overview
Established in 2005, the School of Advanced Materials at Peking University has achieved a global reputation, currently ranking in the top 1‱ globally by ESI, 6th by U.S. News, and 16th by QS in its subject area. We enthusiastically welcome outstanding international students to join our vibrant academic community.
II. Program Structure and Duration
1. Both Master's and Ph.D. programs at SAM are conducted on a full-time basis.
2. The standard program duration for master’s students is 3 years. For doctoral students, the duration is 4 years, or 5 years for those admitted directly with a bachelor's degree.
III. Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all the following requirements:
1. Must be non-Chinese citizens holding a valid passport. Individuals who were previously citizens of the People's Republic of China and have emigrated, including residents of mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, must submit valid passport or citizenship documents issued before April 30, 2020, along with proof of cancellation of their Chinese nationality.
*Note: The final authority to determine an applicant's nationality rests with the Exit-Entry Administration of China's Public Security Organs. If an applicant is found to hold Chinese nationality at any stage, including during application, after admission, or after registration, their application, admission, registration, and enrollment will be invalidated.
2. Must be in good physical and mental health, have no criminal record, and agree to comply with Chinese laws, regulations, and the rules of Peking University.
3. Applicants for Master's programs must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an institution recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Education. Applicants for doctoral programs must have attained a master's degree or higher. Outstanding applicants with a bachelor's degree may apply directly for the Ph.D. program in science and engineering disciplines.
IV. Application Period
October 20, 2025 – December 23, 2025
・Application deadline for English-taught Master's programs: March 31, 2026.
・Application deadline for English-taught Doctoral programs: February 28, 2026.
V. Application Materials
Applicants must complete the online application via the International Student Service System and upload the following documents:
1. Graduation and Degree Certificates, along with verification reports from the Chinese Ministry of Education.
Certificates in languages other than Chinese or English must be accompanied by notarized Chinese or English translations.
・Degrees obtained from overseas institutions must be authenticated by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE).
・Degrees obtained from mainland Chinese institutions must be verified by the Center for Student Services and Development (CSSD).
*Note: Applicants graduating before 2026 must upload the degree verification report during the application period. Prospective 2026 graduates must provide an official pre-graduation certificate from their current institution, confirming their expected graduation date, and submit the final graduation certificate upon pre-admission.
2. Official academic transcripts detailing courses taken and grades achieved. These must be original documents or notarized copies in Chinese or English.
3. A Personal Statement, including a research plan (approximately 1500 words for Master's applicants, 3000 words for Doctoral applicants).
Template available for download at: https://www.isd.pku.edu.cn/cn/down/brochures.php?cate=13
4. Curriculum Vitae (Resume) and a signed copy of the Application Commitment Letter.
Template for the Commitment Letter available at: https://www.isd.pku.edu.cn/cn/down/brochures.php?cate=13
5. Two academic Recommendation Letters from professors or associate professors (or professionals with equivalent academic titles) in a relevant field. The application system will generate a link to be sent to the recommenders upon request. Recommenders must complete the recommendation online via the link or by uploading a scanned, signed letter.
Template available for download at: https://www.isd.pku.edu.cn/cn/down/brochures.php?cate=13
6. Language Proficiency Test Scores:
・For Chinese-taught programs: Submit valid Chinese proficiency test scores meeting the program's requirement.
*Note: For Chinese-taught programs, submit relevant Chinese proficiency test scores (e.g., a valid and satisfactory New HSK Level 7-9 score report) or other proof meeting the required standard.
・For English-taught programs: Non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL (iBT, 100 or above) or GRE (315 or above) scores, or provide other evidence demonstrating sufficient English proficiency.
7. Passport information page. Applicants must upload a clear copy of the information page of all passports held continuously since April 30, 2020. The passport valid at the time of application must remain valid for at least three months beyond the intended enrollment date.
8. Table of contents and abstracts of any academic publications or other original research achievements (if applicable).
9. Any other supplementary documents as specified by the School.
*Note: All application documents must be color-scanned copies of the originals or notarized copies. Photographs taken with mobile phones or cameras are not acceptable. Passport details submitted (including name, nationality, gender, date of birth, and photo) cannot be modified after confirmation during the application process. Applicants are responsible for ensuring the completeness and compliance of all application materials, including both recommendation letters, before submission. Any consequences arising from incomplete or non-compliant materials shall be borne by the applicant.
VI. Admission Review Process
1. The International Student Division will conduct an initial review of applicants' eligibility.
2. Qualified applications will be forwarded to the SAM Admissions Office for academic assessment.
3. SAM's admissions team will convene a panel of experts to evaluate all application materials comprehensively and shortlist candidates for the next stage.
4. A second round of examination (e.g., interview) will be conducted before April 2026. The specific schedule will be announced on the School's website (https://sam.pkusz.edu.cn/). Applicants should monitor the website regularly for updates.
5. The School's Admissions Committee will conduct a comprehensive assessment of shortlisted candidates' professional competence and research potential to determine the final ranking.
VII. Admission Procedure
1. Based on the School's evaluation results, the Admission Office will review and propose a preliminary admission list.
2. The preliminary admission list will be announced on the School's website before the end of May 2026. Applicants should monitor the School's announcements closely.
3. Pre-admitted candidates must download and print the application form, and submit it along with the original versions of all other required application documents (excluding the original degree certificate and recommendation letters) to the International Student Division of Peking University, either in person or by post.
・Deadline: May 31, 2026
・Mailing Address: Office 409, Building D2, Nanshan Zhiyuan, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, 518055.
・Attn: Ms. An.
・Tel: +86-755-26038230.
Please mark the envelope clearly: "Graduate Application Materials".
4. In late June 2026, the International Student Division will issue the official Admission Notice, Visa Application for Study in China (JW201/202 Form), and other relevant documents to admitted students.
VIII. Registration
Admitted students are required to complete registration procedures and enroll at Peking University in early September 2026. The specific date will be indicated in the Admission Notice. Students must register in person with their valid ordinary passport, valid student visa, and the original Admission Notice. All students must present their original degree certificates during registration for enrollment qualification review. Students with degrees from overseas institutions must also submit the authentication report from the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE). Students who fail the enrollment qualification review will be disqualified from enrolling at Peking University.
IX. Tuition Fees and Scholarships
1. Tuition Fees: To be announced upon approval by the relevant authorities.
2. Scholarships:
New international students may apply for the following scholarships:
・Chinese Government Scholarship (Type B): Covers tuition fees, provides accommodation subsidy, living stipend, and comprehensive medical insurance in accordance with the scholarship regulations.
・School of Advanced Materials Scholarship: SAM offers scholarships to students who do not receive the Chinese Government Scholarship.
X. Visa, Medical Insurance, and Accommodation
1. Visa: Admitted students should apply for a student visa at the Chinese Embassy/Consulate in their home country using the Admission Notice and JW201/202 Form. Those studying for more than 6 months require an X1 visa, which is valid for 30 days after entry. Students must report to the International Student Division upon arrival and apply for a Residence Permit within 30 days to maintain legal status in China.
2. Medical Insurance: All international students are required to purchase the Comprehensive Insurance Plan for Foreign Students in China on the registration day. Registration cannot be completed without valid medical insurance.
3. Accommodation: The University will arrange accommodation for international students in Shenzhen.
XI. Important Notes
1. For detailed information about SAM, including faculty, research areas, and facilities, please visit our website: https://www.mse.pku.edu.cn/.
2. Graduate students are not permitted to be simultaneously enrolled in more than one academic program or at more than one university.
3. Applicants are responsible for actively monitoring all relevant notices and deadlines published on the School's website or communicated via email. The University is not responsible for any consequences resulting from an applicant's failure to note or meet posted requirements and deadlines.
4. Matters not covered herein will be handled in accordance with the relevant regulations of Peking University and the Chinese government. Should new admission policies be issued for the 2026 academic year, Peking University reserves the right to make corresponding adjustments and will announce changes promptly.
XII. Contact Information
We are here to provide guidance and support throughout your application process and your future studies at SAM. We look forward to welcoming you!
・Tel: (+86-755) 26038230
・Email: sam-admissions@pku.edu.cn
・SAM Faculty Directory: https://sam.pkusz.edu.cn/szdw/zzjs.htm
School of Advanced Materials, Peking University
November 2025
