The Peking University Chinese Language Summer School, established in the 1980s, provides a diverse platform for international students and friends abroad to experience Peking University, learn Chinese, and gain a deeper understanding of China. With its long history, high-quality teaching system, extensive and in-depth cultural exchange activities, and a rich variety of practical experiences, the program has gained increasing attention and favor from international participants. Each year, it welcomes over 300 students from more than 30 countries. The program offers four-week (one in July and one in August) as well as six-week and eight-week Chinese language course sessions, including Business Chinese courses. We provide multiple proficiency levels for students ranging from absolute beginners to advanced learners. Additionally, it features a series of lectures on Chinese national conditions and culture (taught in English), organizes cultural visits within and outside Beijing, and facilitates exchange and social activities for Chinese and international students.
1. Course type: Comprehensive Chinese course, Business Chinese Course.
2. Class mode: Offline classes on campus at Peking University.
3. Class hours:
Comprehensive Chinese course: Monday to Friday (8:00-12:00), 4 hours per day, 20 hours per week. Business Chinese Course: Monday to Friday, 20 hours per week, including activities such as visits to Chinese business enterprises.
4. Course duration:
|
Course Type |
Course duration |
Applicable Language Level |
|
4-week Comprehensive Chinese A |
July 6 to July 31 |
Basic, Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced |
|
Business Chinese |
July 6 to July 31 |
Advanced |
|
6-week Comprehensive Chinese |
July 6 to August 14 |
Basic, Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced |
|
8-week Comprehensive Chinese |
July 6 to August 28 |
Basic, Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced |
|
4-week Comprehensive Chinese B |
August 3 to August 28 |
Basic, Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced |
1) Intensive Chinese Reading: Intensive Chinese Reading aims to improve students' reading and writing skills by learning vocabulary and grammar.
2) Spoken Chinese: Spoken Chinese aims to enhance proficiency in oral communication by learning common vocabulary and sentences.
Basic Class
Mainly for students with zero Chinese ability or at the stage of learning Pinyin, familiar Chinese characters, and simple Chinese words and sentences.
Elementary Class
For those with vocabulary skills of more than 200 Chinese words. The course focuses on foundational Chinese grammar and commonly used vocabulary, aiming to improve participants’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Intermediate Class
For those with vocabulary skills of over 1,200 Chinese words. The course focuses on expanding vocabulary and developing the ability to use Chinese accurately and proficiently in everyday life, as well as in study and work-related communication. Participants will also learn to express themselves in connected discourse.
Advanced Class
For those with vocabulary skills of over 2,500 Chinese words. The course aims to expand vocabulary further and enhance the ability to use Chinese accurately, proficiently, and appropriately. Participants will develop skills to engage in discussions and exchanges on various social topics.
Advanced Business Chinese (for those with vocabulary skills of over 2,500 Chinese words, Advanced Class Level)
1) Focused on specialized Chinese language courses in business and professional workplace domains.
2) Off-campus practical sessions will be arranged according to the learning content, including company visits, etc.
The Peking University Chinese Language Summer School adopts a small class teaching model, with approximately 18 students per class. To maximize the use of high-quality resources, courses at the same level with fewer than eight students will be canceled, and participants will need to select other programs or courses.
The "Dialogue with Experts" English language lecture series will offer a carefully curated academic feast over thesummer, featuring nine sessions, one per week, each lasting 1.5 hours. The topics covered will range from multiculturalism and global perspectives to technological innovation, with all lectures delivered in English. The detailed schedule will be announced after the student’s arrival. This lecture series has specially invited renowned professors from Peking University, who have strong academic backgrounds, to serve as speakers. They have extensive research and teaching experience in their respective fields and possess unique insights into cross-cultural communication. Here, students can engage closely with leading scholars, exchange ideas, broaden their international perspectives, and make friends worldwide. After attending more than 75% of the lectures during their program, participants will receive a certificate of completion, including information on the hours attended, adding recognition and honor to their academic journey. This academic and intellectual feast will bring valuable insights and inspire unlimited possibilities for the future.
1. Attendance for each course will begin to be recorded from the first class after registration. Students must avoid being late, leaving class early, or missing class. If unable to attend a class for any reason, students must request leave in advance (personal leave/sick leave).
2. 3 instances of being late or leaving early will count as one absence. Each unexcused absence will result in a 1- point deduction from the final grade. Sick leave supported by valid medical documentation will not lead to point deductions; however, absence without a doctor’s note will be treated as personal leave, with a 0.5-point deduction per missed session. Here, “one session” refers to 2 class hours.
3. The final grade of each course consists of three components: the final exam, regular performance, and attendance. If a student is absent from a course for a total of one-quarter (one-quarter: 1/4, 1/4: 25%) or more of the total class hours, the course will receive a grade of 0. This will be considered a failure to meet the graduation requirements, and the student will not be eligible to obtain a certificate or transc
4. Upon completion of the program, students who meet the requirements will be awarded a Certificate of Completion for Short-term Study in China and an official transc
The Chinese Language Summer School has arranged a series of cultural experience activities for program students, including international student exchanges, exploration of traditional culture, and journeys to discover China. Through these diverse and engaging activities, students can immerse themselves in the unique charm of Chinese culture. Students can gain a comprehensive understanding of China's history, modern development, and humanistic spirit through on-campus interactions with Chinese and international students, as well as by exploring traditional culture and historical architecture, and by participating in immersive cultural journeys and scenic nature excursions. These activities bridge the gap between Chinese and international students, providing them with profound cross-cultural experiences and understanding within authentic cultural settings, and opening a meaningful dialogue with China.
1. International students must enter with a valid study visa or a Permanent Resident Card for Foreigners.
2. Students must strictly abide by the school rules and disciplines and other relevant regulations during their studies on campus.
1. Visa: Admitted students must use their admission letter to apply for an X2 visa (student visa) at the local Chinese embassy or consulate. International students must enter China with a valid student visa or a permanent residence permit and ensure that their stay documents are valid throughout their entire stay in China. Students already in China should be aware of the expiration date of their visa during their study period to avoid any illegal overstays or other violations of visa regulations.
2. Insurance: Students must purchase insurance according to national regulations and university requirements and complete the purchase of insurance valid in China before arriving.
Peking University offers a limited number of student apartments (e.g., the Zhongguanyuan Global Village, PKU) for program participants to apply for online on a first-come, first-served basis. The accommodation fee ranges from 180 to 220 RMB per person per day, depending on the room type. If on-campus accommodation is fully booked, international students are required to arrange off-campus housing. International students living off- campus must promptly register with the local public security department and provide their detailed address and phone number upon check-in.
● Generally, be Non-Chinese citizens (that is, individuals holding a valid foreign passport, without a Chinese nationality).
● Be between 18 and 50 years of age (inclusive).
● Have a high school diploma or above when applying.
● Be in good health, friendly to China, and have no criminal record.
Applications will be accepted starting December 1, 2025. For the program starting on July 6, 2026, the application portal will close at 24:00 Beijing time on June 6, 2026. For the program starting on August 3, 2026, the application portal will close at 24:00 Beijing time on July 4, 2026. Spots are limited, and admission will be granted based on merit until the quotas are filled.
● Photocopy of your passport or other personal identification document information page.
● Proof of enrollment or the highest degree certificate (in Chinese or English).
● A reference letter in either English or Chinese.
● HSK Certificate or official transc
Course materials confirmation:
After admission, students must complete an online trial reading and confirm the textbook materials according to the guidance to ensure a better match with suitable classes.
1. Application Fee (non-refundable): ¥400
2. Tuition Fee (including fees for textbooks):
4-week Comprehensive Chinese A Program: ¥8,000
4-week Advanced Business Chinese Program: ¥8,000
4-week Comprehensive Chinese B Program: ¥8,000
6-week Comprehensive Chinese Program: ¥11,000
8-week Comprehensive Chinese Program: ¥14,000
3. Payment method: Online payment (applicants will receive an electronic receipt after the payment)
1. For courses starting on July 6, 2026 (for those who apply to withdraw from the program):
On or before May 13, 2026: A 50% refund of tuition fees will be available.
Between May 13 and June 7, 2026: 25% refund of tuition fees.
On or after June 8, 2026: No refund.
2. For the course starting on August 3, 2026 (for those who apply to withdraw from the program):
On or before June 6, 2026: 50% refund of tuition fees.
Between June 6 and July 4, 2026: 25% refund of tuition fees.
On or after July 5, 2026: No refund.
3. The above dates and times are Beijing time.
In 2026, the Peking University Chinese Language Summer School will continue to award the title of “The Star of Chinese Language Study” to students who have made significant academic progress, outstanding performance, and excellent achievements during the semester as an encouragement (specific measures will be announced in detail after the course starts, so stay tuned). In the event of exceptional circumstances, the above terms will be discussed on a case-by-case basis, and the right of interpretation shall belong to the International Students Division of the Office of International Relations of Peking University.
Contact Address: Room 335, New Sun Student Center, Peking University, Haidian District, Beijing, China, 100871.
Contact phone number:
+86-10-6275-7362（Ms. Huang），+86-10-6275-0592（Mr. Wo）
Email: pkuclss@pku.edu.cn
PKUCLSS Program Official website:
https://isd.pku.edu.cn/en/summer.php
Official website of the International Students Division of the International Relations of Peking University:
https://isd.pku.edu.cn/en/
