Public Administration

Public Administration at Peking University offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to cultivate talented professionals equipped with solid theoretical grounding and practical skills necessary for effective governance and public service. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from political science, economics, law, management, and sociology to prepare students for the complex challenges faced by modern public institutions. Students will engage in rigorous coursework covering public policy analysis, administrative law, public finance, organizational behavior, and strategic management, complemented by seminars, case studies, and research projects to enhance analytical thinking and decision-making abilities. The curriculum also fosters a deep understanding of China's governance system, administrative reforms, and international public administration practices, ensuring graduates are well-versed in both domestic and global contexts. Emphasis is placed on developing leadership qualities, ethical standards, and innovative problem-solving skills essential for effective public administration. The program encourages active participation in internships, conferences, and collaborative projects with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and international institutions, providing students with valuable practical experience and networking opportunities. Dedicated faculty members, many of whom are renowned scholars and practitioners in the field, guide students through academic pursuits and career development, ensuring a high-quality educational experience. Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue careers in government agencies, public enterprises, international organizations, and research institutions, contributing to the development of effective, transparent, and responsible public governance. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, the Public Administration program at Peking University aims to cultivate innovative leaders committed to enhancing governance and public service in China and beyond.

The Bachelor of Public Administration program at Peking University is a comprehensive and rigorous undergraduate degree designed to equip students with the essential knowledge, skills, and ethical principles necessary for effective public service and governance. The curriculum covers a wide range of disciplines, including political science, public policy, administration theory, economics, law, and social sciences, aiming to develop a deep understanding of the structures and functions of government institutions both within China and globally.

Throughout the program, students engage in core coursework that examines the principles of public administration, administrative law, public finance, organizational behavior, and policy analysis. Emphasis is placed on fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and a problem-solving mindset to effectively address complex public issues. In addition to theoretical foundations, the program offers practical training through case studies, simulations, internships, and collaboration with public sector agencies, enabling students to apply learned concepts in real-world contexts.

International perspectives are integrated into the curriculum to prepare students for the increasingly globalized nature of governance. Courses address international governance, comparative public administration, and cross-cultural communication, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to operate in diverse environments. The program also emphasizes ethics, transparency, and accountability in public administration, nurturing responsible and ethical leaders committed to public interest.

Students have opportunities to participate in research projects, seminars, and workshops led by distinguished faculty members and practitioners. The program encourages active engagement with contemporary issues such as environmental policy, urban management, social welfare, and digital governance. Through these activities, students develop a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by modern public administrators.

Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in government agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and private sector entities involved in public affairs. They are equipped with the analytical tools, managerial skills, and ethical framework necessary to lead initiatives, formulate policies, and contribute to the development of effective, fair, and sustainable public institutions. The Peking University Bachelor of Public Administration program embodies a commitment to academic excellence and societal contribution, aiming to cultivate future leaders dedicated to serving the public good.

Requirements

• Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens, and have attained a bachelor degree.
• Completed Application Form for International Students
• Competitive applicants should have good undergraduate grades, strong references, and some research experience, with a middle-level or senior position in a government agency;
• Original degree certificates in Chinese or English or notarized copies in Chinese or English;
• Two original recommendation letters in Chinese or English. The referees should be professors or persons with comparable titles.Official transcripts in Chinese or English or notarized copies in Chinese or English;
• A 1-2 page personal statement in English, outlining the applicant’s interests and reasons for seeking the degree.
• Applicants whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate studies were completed in a language other than English are required to submit one of the following documents as evidence of language proficiency: TOEFL of no less than 100, GRE of no less than 1300, or IELTS of no less than 7.0.
• A copy of valid passport.
• Table of contents and abstracts of academic publications and any other original achievement in the applicant’s field of study.
• Two 2-inch photos in hard copy.
• Application Fee 800 RMB payable in cash, by UnionPay card, or through online payment 

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Tuition fees for the Public Administration program at Peking University are competitive within China’s higher education landscape. For domestic students, annual tuition is approximately 40,000 CNY, which covers instruction, access to university facilities, and academic resources. International students are typically charged higher tuition, around 55,000 CNY per year, reflecting additional administrative and support costs. Financial aid options are available for outstanding students, including scholarships, grants, and fellowships provided by the university or external organizations. These financial supports aim to reduce the economic barriers for qualified applicants and encourage diverse student enrollment.

Peking University offers merit-based scholarships specifically for graduate programs like Public Administration. These scholarships can cover full or partial tuition fees and sometimes include stipends for living expenses. International students are also eligible for various government and university-sponsored scholarships, such as the Chinese Government Scholarship and the Peking University International Scholarship, which provide comprehensive financial assistance.

Students are encouraged to seek external funding opportunities as well, including scholarships from their home countries, international organizations, or private foundations that support studies abroad. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance and application support for these funding options, ensuring that students are aware of all available resources.

Cost of living in Beijing should also be considered in the overall financing plan. Housing options vary from on-campus dormitories, which cost approximately 4,000–8,000 CNY per semester, to off-campus apartments. Other living expenses, including food, transportation, and personal costs, are estimated to be around 10,000–15,000 CNY per month.

Students are advised to plan their finances carefully, considering tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and potential financial aid. The university’s admissions website provides detailed information about application deadlines, scholarship opportunities, and financial planning resources to assist prospective students in preparing for their studies at Peking University.

Public Administration at Peking University offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of public management and governance. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating political science, economics, law, and management to prepare graduates for diverse roles in government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international institutions. Students benefit from an innovative teaching methodology that combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, including case studies, simulations, and internships. The faculty comprises renowned scholars and practitioners who bring extensive experience and insights into the classroom, fostering an engaging learning environment. The program also encourages research and critical thinking, supporting students in developing analytical skills to address complex public policy issues. With strong links to government departments and international organizations, the university provides students with valuable networking opportunities and real-world exposure. The program's goal is to cultivate future leaders capable of designing effective public policies, managing administrative processes, and implementing reforms to improve governance and public service delivery. Graduates of the program are well-positioned to pursue careers in public administration, consultancy, policy analysis, and academic research. Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership, social responsibility, and sustainable development to prepare students for the multifaceted challenges of contemporary governance. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect current global trends and emerging issues in public administration, ensuring that students are equipped with relevant and up-to-date knowledge. Overall, the Public Administration program at Peking University is dedicated to fostering innovative thinking, analytical rigor, and practical skills, making it a leading choice for aspiring public sector professionals.