Are you ready to embark on a transformative educational journey at Peking University, a major university in Beijing? This article explains the main costs that international students should consider before studying at the university.
From tuition fees to accommodation, transportation, books, and living expenses, several factors will shape your budget. Since some fees vary by program and intake, it is important to confirm the latest information on Peking University’s official pages before applying or making a payment.
Study Costs at Peking University
Now, let’s break down the expenses you may encounter, from application fees to tuition, accommodation, transportation, and medical insurance.
Application Costs
One of the costs associated with studying at Peking University is the application fee. For the 2026 intake, the undergraduate admissions guide lists a nonrefundable application fee of 800 RMB. The graduate admissions guide also lists a nonrefundable application fee of 800 RMB for each program or major.
Application deadlines and procedures differ by program and intake. Review the current admissions guide for your chosen program and submit your documents and payment within the stated timeframe.
Tuition Fee Costs
Tuition fees at Peking University vary by academic level, subject area, program, and intake. Special programs and English-taught programs may have their own fee structures. Applicants should review the current program brochure and official admissions notice before making a payment.
Bachelor’s Tuition Costs
Peking University’s general expense page lists standard annual full-time undergraduate tuition of 26,000 RMB for humanities subjects and 30,000 RMB for science subjects. However, the university’s 2026 undergraduate admissions guide states that the tuition fee will be announced after approval. Applicants should confirm the final amount for their intake before paying.
Master’s Tuition Costs
Peking University’s general expense page lists standard annual full-time master’s tuition of 29,000 RMB for humanities subjects and 33,000 RMB for science subjects. The 2026 graduate fee schedule states that the standard tuition amounts for humanities and science master’s programs will be announced after approval. Special programs and English-taught programs may charge different fees.
For example, the tuition fee for the full-time Global MBA Program is 188,000 RMB for the 2026 intake.
Ph.D. Tuition Costs
Peking University’s general expense page lists standard annual full-time Ph.D. tuition of 32,000 RMB for humanities subjects and 40,000 RMB for science subjects. However, the 2026 graduate fee schedule states that the standard tuition amounts for humanities and science Ph.D. programs will be announced after approval. Program-specific fees can vary, and some programs have separate fee structures.
The university’s 2026 graduate admissions guide states that the basic study period for doctoral students is generally four or five years, depending on the program. Applicants should review the official program information for their chosen department.
Other Academic Costs at Peking University
Now let’s look at some other academic costs you may encounter when studying at Peking University.
Books and Miscellaneous Expenses
Beyond tuition fees, students should budget for required books, course materials, and program-specific expenses. Peking University’s public fee pages do not provide a standard textbook allowance for degree students, so confirm the expected costs with your department.
It is also a good idea to set aside a separate contingency budget for personal items, travel, and unforeseen expenses. The amount will depend on your lifestyle and travel plans.
Accommodation and Transportation
When studying abroad, plan your accommodation budget carefully. Self-funded international students should arrange and pay for their own accommodation on or off campus unless they have a scholarship that covers housing.
Peking University has dormitories with different specifications and conditions. Availability is limited and subject to the reservation process. A 2026 accommodation notice instructed eligible international students to view current room types, prices, and real-time vacancies in the online reservation system. Rooms were allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until full.
If you live off campus, compare current housing listings, deposits, utilities, and contract terms before signing a lease. Students living off campus must register their accommodation with the local public security authorities within 24 hours after moving in.
For transportation, Beijing offers public transit card and ride-code options for subway and bus travel. Use the city’s official public transit guidance to estimate your costs based on your commute and travel frequency rather than assuming a fixed monthly student-pass price.
Living Expenses
Your day-to-day budget may include food, utilities if they are charged separately, phone and data plans, internet service, and personal spending. Since Peking University’s public pages do not provide one standard living-expense estimate for degree students, build a budget based on your accommodation arrangements and lifestyle.
International students must also purchase the Comprehensive Insurance Plan for International Students before registration. Students without valid medical insurance are not permitted to register.
Studying at Peking University as an international student involves several expenses, including tuition, the application fee, accommodation, and living costs. Plan your finances carefully and review the latest official information for your chosen program before applying or paying any fees.
We hope that this article on the cost of studying at Peking University for international students was informative. Please also check out the China Scholarships Page for more details on studying in China.
