Overview of Peking University
Peking University (PKU), officially established in 1898, is one of China's and Asia’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions. Situated in Beijing, China’s capital, PKU is a comprehensive, research-intensive public university recognized for a rich legacy of intellectual leadership and reform. The university enrolls over 43,000 students, including approximately 16,000 undergraduates and 27,000 graduate students, supported by more than 4,000 full-time faculty across a broad array of disciplines. Its extensive urban campus is home to multiple faculties and research centers, serving as a hub for academic innovation and cross-cultural engagement.
Peking University is renowned for strengths in philosophy, economics, mathematics, computer science, chemistry, engineering, law, and the life sciences. It upholds an interdisciplinary educational model, encouraging cross-departmental learning and collaborative problem-solving. This approach enables students and researchers to tackle complex global challenges, reflecting PKU’s commitment to both breadth and depth of knowledge. PKU ranks consistently among the world’s top universities (globally top 20 in QS World University Rankings 2024). Its outstanding research output is supported by partnerships with institutions like Stanford, Oxford, and Tokyo University, and membership in global consortia including the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU). Numerous alumni have become influential national and international leaders in academia, politics, science, and culture.
Campus life at Peking University is rich and dynamic, with over 200 student organizations spanning academic, social, cultural, and athletic interests. Annual cultural events such as the International Culture Festival and the PKU Arts Festival highlight diversity and foster global awareness. The university offers comprehensive student support services, ranging from mental health counseling to language training and international student advisement. On-campus housing accommodates thousands of students, and modern sports facilities host competitive teams. The arts, music, and volunteer initiatives provide further avenues for personal growth and cross-cultural engagement, underscoring PKU’s inclusive, internationalized community.
Peking University’s mission is to cultivate leaders, innovators, and global citizens who drive social progress and sustainable development. The university is dedicated to academic freedom, critical inquiry, and fostering an equitable and open intellectual environment for students and scholars worldwide.
