Yenching Global Symposium (YGS) registration is now open to international students worldwide for the 2026 academic year. Yenching Global Symposium (YGS) gathers emerging leaders from around the globe each year to discuss.

The Yenching Global Symposium (YGS), organized by scholars from the Yenching Academy of Peking University, is a leading conference on China-related topics. Held in China, YGS offers academic panels with esteemed speakers, cultural workshops, and social events, making it a unique and enriching experience for all participants.

This year, the event will take place from April 16 to 19, 2026, exploring the theme “Harnessing Momentum: The Power to Act in a Changing World” through engaging speakers and interactive events. The conference will feature leading scholars and young professionals from various fields, offering a platform for constructive dialogue on key issues concerning China and the world.

This fully funded, three-day interdisciplinary conference will cover international diplomacy, AI’s role in tackling climate and societal issues, advances in health, and art’s transformative power. It will include around 100 participants, consisting of the 11th cohort of Yenching Scholars and approximately 100 delegates. Delegates can critically analyze and discuss the key issues related to this year’s theme.

Launched in 2016, YGS brings together emerging global leaders for interdisciplinary discussions on China. With thousands of applications from over 120 countries, we received a record 6000 last year.

Applicants are accepted regardless of nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, color, or educational background.

Key Details

Early-Bird Applications Deadline: 22 December 2025, 23:59 (GMT+8)

Standard Applications Deadline: 05 January 2026, 23:59 (GMT+8)

Program Duration: April 16 to 19, 2026

Number of Opportunity: 100 Delegates

Program Location: Yenching Academy of Peking University

Host Country: China

Eligible Country: All

Program Language: English and Chinese

Yenching Global Symposium Benefits

The program offers the following benefits for the participants:

• Flights costs
• Public transportation
• accommodation
• Lodging and food
• Free conference and events participation
• Participants who attend the whole program will receive a certificate.

Note: The organizer recommends bringing some small pocket money for your convenience. The delegates are responsible for their visa costs, but the organizer can provide an invitation letter to assist with the application. If any issues arise, they’re ready to help.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants from any region, color, gender, educational background, or ability who are qualified can apply:

• Applicants should be in the final year or have already gained a bachelor’s degree in any field of study
• Be able to participate in the entire program
• Be proficient in English; Non-native English speakers who have not graduated from an English-instructed program should provide IELTS 7, TOEFL 100, Cambridge 185, CEFR C1, CET 600, and TEM 4.
• Born After April 1995
• Has not attended previous Yenching Global Symposiums or Yenching Social Innovation Forums
• Be interested in learning about China and engaging in a nuanced discussion addressing social issues.
• Have leadership ability
• Having social responsibility, voluntary, and academic activities will be a plus.
• Have a valid passport

YGS Delegate Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for the 2026 YGS are as follows:

• Diversity: Delegates from around the world and various disciplines.
• Passion: Enthusiasm for the Symposium’s theme and vision.
• Interest in China: Strong demonstrated interest in China.
• Eligibility: Must be in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree or already hold one.
• Leadership: Proven leadership qualities.
• Curiosity: Deep curiosity about China.
• Communication: Ability to express thoughtful arguments convincingly.

Required Materials

The application consists of three parts:

1. Application Questions: Detailed questions requiring thoughtful responses.

2. Video Essay:

• Answer the question: “What is one key question you would like to explore in relation to this year’s YGS theme and why is it an important topic to discuss?”
• Maximum length: 1 minute.
• Provide a public link to the video.

3. Short Essay Questions (4 questions, 50-200 words each):

Q1. What has motivated your interest in China and how does your interest in China relate to your academic, professional and/or personal experiences? Provide examples in your answer.

Q2. What makes attending YGS 2026 important to you, and how do you plan to apply the insights gained from this experience in your field, country/home, and/or context? Provide examples in your answer.

Q3. At YGS, we believe that there is great potential in harnessing global momentum to address the challenges of today. Identify a challenge in your field of expertise and explain how emerging trends or developments could be leveraged to address it.

Q4. Identify a major trend affecting China today. Do you think China is sufficiently equipped to navigate this trend?

Important:

• Complete all parts of the application.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Save your draft in Word format before submitting.

How to apply?

Applicants who want to apply for the Yenching Global Symposium (YGS) should prepare all the information, answer short essay questions, and then apply online. Please consider these points before applying:

• Save your responses on a Microsoft Word document for reference; drafts won’t be saved.
• Submit the full application when all reactions are completed.
• Each essay response should be a maximum of 200 words.
• Incomplete and late applications will not be accepted.
• Do not pay for anything following your application; it’s a scam if you receive such requests.
• Check this link for an application update.

Apply Now

Please visit the official website of the Yenching Global Symposium for detailed information and details, or read the FAQs. For any further questions, please contact: delegates@yenchingsymposium.org

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