Peking University Ranking 2026 — World & China Rankings Explained

Peking University (PKU) is one of the best-known universities in Asia, and "Peking University ranking" is one of the first things Pakistani students search when they consider applying. Rankings are useful, but they are often quoted without saying which list or which year they come from. In this article we only use the ranking number in our own verified records, we tell you exactly which list it comes from, and we point you to the official sites for the others.

Peking University world ranking (QS)

According to our verified university record (last checked on 21 May 2026), Peking University is ranked 14th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2025. QS is a British company that publishes one of the most widely cited global university lists each year at topuniversities.com.

We do not list THE or ARWU positions here because they are not in our verified records yet. Rather than repeat a number we have not checked, we recommend you look it up directly on each official site, where you can also see the year and method.

Peking University ranking in China

Inside China, Peking University and Tsinghua University are usually discussed together as the country's two leading universities. In our records, Tsinghua is ranked 20th in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and Peking University 14th — but different lists use different methods, so the order can change between rankings and years. For a China-only ranking, check the ARWU / Shanghai Ranking website for its national tables.

Why different rankings give different numbers

• QS gives significant weight to academic and employer reputation surveys.
• THE looks at teaching, research environment, research quality, industry and international outlook.
• ARWU focuses mostly on research output and major awards.
• Each list publishes a new edition every year, so always note the year.

Because of these differences, the same university can sit at quite different positions in each list. That is normal and does not mean one number is wrong.

What the ranking means for Pakistani applicants

Competition is high

A top global ranking means many strong applicants from around the world. Our record lists a typical eligibility of a 75%+ academic record for PKU, but meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission. Apply with your strongest documents and a tailored study plan.

Scholarship options

Our record lists the CSC Scholarship, the PKU Scholarship and the Beijing Government Scholarship as options at Peking University. Read our CSC requirements guide and, for the Pakistani bilateral route, our HEC Chinese Government Scholarship page. Confirm current awards on PKU's official international admissions site.

Ranking is not everything

For your degree, the program, supervisor, language of teaching, cost and — for MBBS — PMDC recognition often matter more than the overall rank. Compare PKU with other Beijing and Shanghai universities on our profile pages before deciding.

Key facts about Peking University (from our records)

• Founded in 1898 in Beijing — China's oldest national comprehensive university.
• Public university and C9 League member.
• 7,000+ international students.
• Programs in our data include MBBS, Economics, Law, Computer Science and International Relations.
• Official website: english.pku.edu.cn

How to check the latest ranking yourself

1. Go to the official site of the ranking (QS, THE or ARWU).
2. Choose the latest year and search for Peking University.
3. Note the year and the list name together with the number.
4. If you need a subject ranking (for example medicine or engineering), use the subject tables on the same site.

Peking University subject rankings

Overall rankings average many subjects together. If you already know your field — medicine, economics, law, computer science or international relations, all listed among PKU's programs in our records — the subject tables on QS, THE and ShanghaiRanking are more useful than the overall number. A university can be stronger in one subject than its overall rank suggests, or the reverse. Always check the subject table for the same year as the overall ranking you are quoting.

Fees and costs at Peking University

Our record lists PKU tuition at about USD 4,500 per year, hostel about USD 1,200 per year and living costs about USD 450 per month (hostel and living are estimates), with an application fee of about USD 120 and a usual deadline of 1 March. Fees differ by program, so confirm on PKU's official admissions site before applying.

How to read ranking claims online

• Check which list the number comes from (QS, THE, ARWU or another).
• Check the year — a 2021 rank is not a 2026 rank.
• Check whether it is a world, Asia, China or subject ranking.
• Prefer the official ranking website over a screenshot or blog post.

Using these four checks, you can compare Peking University fairly with Tsinghua, Fudan, Zhejiang or Shanghai Jiao Tong — all of which have profiles on our site.