Peking University School of Transnational Law
2027 J.D. and J.M. Program Information
(For International Students)
1. Program Overview
Peking University School of Transnational Law (STL), part of PKU’s Shenzhen Graduate School, is the only law school in the world that combines an American-style Juris Doctor (J.D.) education with China law Juris Master (J.M.) education. STL provides an academically rigorous, bilingual four-year program of legal education that prepares students for the mixture of Common Law, civil law, and Chinese legal traditions increasingly characteristic of the global economy.
For more information about STL, including faculty and curriculum, please visit STL’s website: https://stl.pku.edu.cn/.
2. Program Structure
STL’s four year J.D. and J.M. degree program is rich in cutting-edge courses designed to equip STL graduates of all nationalities for law practice and leadership in advanced economies based on technological innovation, global financial services, and internationalization. J.D. courses are taught in English and China law J.M. courses are taught in Chinese.
3. How to Apply
Application Prerequisites
Applicants must comply with PKU’s policy (北京大学2027年来华留学生研究生招生简章（校本部）); English version available at https://isd.pku.edu.cn/en/detail.php?id=839; as well as STL's requirement.
1. Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport before April 30, 2021, and have attained a bachelor’s degree.
2. Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency-TOFEL or IELTS scores within its validity of two years, counting backward from August 30, 2027.
3. Applicants must provide Chinese language proficiency-HSK 6 or HSK 7 – 9 scores within its validity of two years, counting backward from August 30, 2027.
4. Applicants must take the LSAT or GRE before March 2027.
Application Procedures
All application materials must be submitted by March 15, 2027, 23:59 pm, Beijing Standard Time. We recommend applying by March 1, 2027 to avoid the rush of last minute applications.
1. Please apply online using the PKU portal: http://www.studyatpku.com.
After you successfully complete your application you will receive a confirmation report. Please print a copy of the report for your records. You will need to provide a copy of this report when you submit your hard copy.
2. In addition to the online application, please send materials listed in “Application Checklist” below to admission@stl.pku.edu.cn. Please include a copy of the confirmation report mentioned immediately above in #1.
3. If pre-admitted, please also send original hard copy of materials to the following address (please track delivery) before May 31, 2027:
J.D. and J.M. Admissions Office, 410
STL building, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School
University Town, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, CHINA
Tel: (86 755) 2603 2287
Application Checklist
Applicants must submit the materials listed below through PKU portal and send a scanned copy to admission@stl.pku.edu.cn before March 15, 2027. Applications will only be reviewed after all materials are received. All documents should be prepared in English. If the documents are not in English, they must be accompanied by a notarized English translation.
1. Peking University School of Transnational Law Application Form (download from PKU portal, complete and sign).
2. Copy of degree certificate or studying certificate. Degree diplomas awarded by overseas universities must be authenticated by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange, Ministry of Education, P. R. China (CSCSE). Degree diplomas awarded by universities on the Chinese mainland must be authenticated by the Center for Student Services and Development, Ministry of Education, P. R. China (CSSD).
Applicants who graduated before 2027 must upload their degree authentication report during the application period. Applicants expected to graduate in 2027 must provide an official letter from their current university confirming their expected graduation date and submit their graduation certificate upon pre-admission.
3. Academic Records. Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions, and official degree certificates (original or notarized documents with English translations if documents are not in English).
4. Personal statement. Please explain your reasons for pursuing a J.D. and J.M. degree at STL and why you believe STL’s program will advance your professional goals. No more than 1500 words, download at https://www.isd.pku.edu.cn/cn/down/brochures.php?cate=13, complete and sign.
5. Resume or Curriculum Vitae and Letter of Commitment of Application. Download at https://www.isd.pku.edu.cn/cn/down/brochures.php?cate=13, complete and sign.
6. Two recommendation letters from professor(s) or associate professor(s) (or equivalent professionals with relevant academic title). Once applicants submit a request, the application system will send a link to the recommenders, and the recommenders should click the link and complete the recommendation either by filling out the form online or by uploading the scanned copy of the signed letter. Download at https://www.isd.pku.edu.cn/cn/down/brochures.php?cate=13.
7. Proof of English Competency. Copy of results of TOEFL or IELTS within its validity of two years. Alternatively, you may attest that you attended university and received your undergraduate degree from an English-taught degree program.
8. Copy of LSAT or GRE score.
9. Proof of Chinese-language competency sufficient for graduate-level academic work. Score of HSK-6 or HSK 7 – 9 satisfies the requirement with PKU’s policy (北京大学 2027年来华留学生研究生招生简章（校本部）) .
10. Passport front page. Applicants must upload the front page of all ordinary passport(s) used continuously since April 30, 2021. The current passport must remain valid for at least three months beyond the date of enrollment.
Applicants should scan the original or notarized application documents in color using a scanner. Images taken with a mobile phone or camera are not acceptable.
Once confirmed, the applicant's passport details (including name, nationality, gender, date of birth, and the uploaded photo) submitted during the application phase cannot be modified before enrollment.
Applicants must thoroughly review and ensure that all required documents (including two letters of recommendation) are complete and meet the specified standards before submitting them. Consequences of incomplete or non-compliant materials will be borne solely by the applicant.
Deadline for Application
The deadline to apply for AY2027-28 admission to STL is March 15, 2027.
Interview
The Admissions Committee will review each application and decide whether to invite the applicant to interview with the Committee. Interviews typically occur in person in Shenzhen, but the Committee has arranged video interviews for students unable to travel to China.
Admission Decisions
The Admissions Committee reviews applications on a rolling basis, and applicants will be notified of whether they have passed the initial review. However, all interviews will be conducted in late March, and final admission decisions will be made after the interview process is completed upon approval by the University.
Tuition and Costs
The tuition fee for STL’s J.D. and J.M. degree is 120,000 RMB per year. The cost of living on campus is low in comparison to top university programs outside of China. For example, the current annual cost for a single room with private bathroom and small balcony is 15,840 RMB per year.
Applicants also are encouraged to consider scholarships for which they are qualified.
Accommodations and Services
Most international students choose to live on Peking University’s modern and attractive graduate school campus, which permits convenient access to the many on-campus community, dining, and sports opportunities, as well as close proximity to the STL Building and mass transportation serving the entire city and region. The accommodation fee standard for on-campus single room is 1320 RMB each month, while the rate for double room is 660 RMB each month. Students may also choose to live off campus. On-campus accommodations are subject to availability each year.
Contact Us
Keru CHEN, Associate Dean of Admissions and Administration
Email: chenkr@pku.edu.cn
Tel: (86 755) 26032186
Kim ZHONG, Assistant Dean of Admissions and Communications
Email: zhongxj@stl.pku.edu.cn
Tel: (86 755) 26035339
Carrie TAN, Associate Director of Admissions
Email: tanph@stl.pku.edu.cn
Tel: (86 755) 26032287
