Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the duration of the MCS programme?
The Master of China Studies is a 2-year part-time degree. The overall schedule is designed so students can finish all courses in 36 days, which are divided into several visits. Students registering in the Cambridge GEMBA programme will take courses for 24 days.
When does the programme start?
The Master of China Studies starts in September each year.
What specializations do you offer?
The Master of China Studies programme focuses on Economics and Management in China.
Where will the courses take place?
All courses will take place at PHBS, located in Shenzhen, China. Depending on content, some courses might also be delivered in Beijing or other cities in China.
Are there any scholarships available?
There is no school-funded scholarship, but applicants are encouraged to seek other sources of funding.
What is the difference between MCS and CCS?
MCS (Master's degree in China Studies for Economics and Management) Programme is a 2-year degree program, and CCS (Certificate Programme of China Studies) is a certificate programme without a degree. The CCS programme has fewer course requirements, so students in that programme will travel less or have shorter stays.

How is Field Study conducted?
PHBS will organize company visits, and you will have opportunities to communicate with the executives of these companies on certain topics.
What if I cannot attend some MCS courses due to my business schedule?
If you miss major required course classes, you will need to make them up during the following year, which can potentially affect your graduation year. For major elective courses, you may be able to take alternative courses offered in various programmes at PHBS. Please check with the programme office of the China Studies programme.
What are the graduation requirements?
You must pass all courses required by the MCS curriculum and the thesis defense organized by PHBS.
What is the duration of the Certificate Programme of China Studies (CCS)?
The Certificate Programme of China Studies is a 2-year programme. Students will take 12 days of courses.
When does the programme start?
The programme starts in September each year.
What specializations do you offer?
The programme focuses on Economics and Management in China.
Where will the courses take place?
All courses will take place at PHBS, located in Shenzhen, China. Depending on content, some courses might also be delivered in Beijing or other cities in China.
Are there any scholarships available?
There is no school-funded scholarship.
What is the difference between MCS and CCS?
MCS (Master's degree in China Studies for Economics and Management) Programme is a 2-year degree program, and CCS (Certificate Programme of China Studies) is a certificate programme without a degree. The CCS programme has fewer course requirements, so students in that programme will travel less or have shorter stays.
How is Field Study conducted?
PHBS will organize company visits, and you will have opportunities to communicate with the executives of these companies on certain topics.
Do you have a staged application process?
Yes. All our application deadlines can be found HERE.
Do you require work experience?
Yes. You will need at least 3 years work experience after you receive Bachelor's degree.
Do undergraduate internships count towards the minimum work experience requirement?
No. All work experience must be post-graduation.
Is there an application fee?
There is no application fee for international applicants. For Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan applicants, there is RMB138 application fee.
How many reference letters do I need?
Two reference letters.
How can I submit the reference letters?
You can submit the reference letters in PKU international application system, or your referee can send the reference letter via email to mcs@phbs.pku.edu.cn.
I have my own company. How do I choose my referees?
You can ask your partner, client, or supplier to be your referee.
Will you consider my application if I do not have a degree?
No. Applicants are required to have a Bachelor's degree.
If my undergraduate study is entirely conducted in English, do I need to submit TOEFL or IELTS?
No. You can submit a certificate from your undergraduate university to certify that all your courses are conducted in English.
Do you have an upper age limit?
No.
Do you have a staged application process?
Yes. All our application deadlines can be found HERE.
Do you require work experience?
Yes. You will need at least 3 years work experience after you receive Bachelor's degree.
Do undergraduate internships count towards the minimum work experience requirement?
No. All work experience must be post-graduation.
Is there an application fee?
There is no application fee.
Do you have an upper age limit?
No.
How do I know you have received my application and references?
After you submit your application online, you will receive an email to acknowledge it has been sent to the Admissions Committee.
What happens after the interview?
We usually notify applicants by email if they have been successful within one week of the interview.
Do I need a visa to visit or study at PHBS?
All nationals from outside China will be supported with a student visa entering China.
How do I know you have received my application?
After you submit your application online, you will receive an email to acknowledge it has been sent to the Admissions Committee.
What happens after the interview?
We usually notify applicants by email if they have been successful within one week of the interview.
Do I need a visa to visit or study at PHBS?
All nationals from outside China will be supported with a student visa entering China.
What is the cost of the MCS programme?
The tuition fee for 2022 Intake is RMB 95,000 per year, in total RMB 190,000.
If I am successful in applying, is there a reservation fee?
There is no reservation fee.
What is the cost of the CCS programme?
The tuition fee for the 2022 Intake is RMB 98,000 in total.
If I am successful in applying, is there a reservation fee?
There is no reservation fee.