Peking University - School of Transnational Law (STL)

STL's LL.M. program is rich in courses emphasizing transnational law and practice, Chinese law and legal traditions, and other cutting-edge courses designed to equip STL graduates of all nationalities for leadership in the 21st century. LL.M. graduates will emerge from the program as lawyers uniquely equipped for leadership in today's interconnected and complex world, with deep knowledge and understanding of Chinese and Western law and legal traditions and with the practical skills necessary for cross-cultural success. LL.M. graduates from PKU STL will go on to distinguished careers in private sector, public sector, public interest legal work, and legal academia around the world.

The LL.M. program requires students to complete a minimum of three quarters of academic coursework and a thesis. Generally, students spend their first year on campus focusing on their course work. During the second year, students typically focus on writing their thesis and have the flexibility to either remain on campus taking additional courses, or to travel or return to their home countries for internships, work opportunities or field research. Thus, although the LLM degree is conferred at the end of two years, it is possible to complete all the credit and residence requirements during a one-year stay in China. 

For questions or to request further information about the LL.M Program at Peking University School of Transnational Law, please email our Director of International and Graduate Programs, Cole Agar, at coleagar@stl.pku.edu.cn.

Peking University ("PKU") is one of the most distinguished research universities in the world. The Times of Higher Education has named PKU the number 1 university in China, the number 1 university in all BRICs nations, the number 2 university in all of Asia, and the 27th most academically renowned university in the world.

Peking University School of Transnational Law ("STL") is China's most innovative law school in China's most innovative city. The English-language program in transnational, Chinese, and Western law is taught by expert faculty. With Shenzhen's close proximity to Hong Kong, students have the opportunity to study in the world's fastest growing transnational economy and in the only metropolitan area where the world's great legal systems are meeting and merging in ways likely to influence the next century of trans-border conduct.

Leading students from around the world compete for admission to STL. The law school's multinational faculty includes world-renowned scholars and practitioners from China, the U.S., the E.U., and elsewhere. STL graduates are highly sought after for positions with leading multinational law firms and corporations, leading Chinese law firms and corporations, major SOEs, and leading international NGOs

Applicants ordinarily should have a first degree in law (e.g., J.D., J.M., or LL.B.) or otherwise be licensed to practice law in their home jurisdiction. We also accept applications from students currently enrolled in a first degree program in law who wish to earn credits toward STL's LL.M. degree simultaneously. For example, U.S. law students are eligible to transfer a certain number of credits earned abroad toward their J.D. degrees; credits earned in STL's LL.M. program accordingly might be eligible to apply simultaneously toward both the U.S. J.D. and STL's LL.M..

Applicants whose first language is not English or who did not have a postsecondary education entirely conducted in the English language must provide evidence of English proficiency.The Program requires a minimum score of 92 in TOEFL IBT, or 6.5 in IELTS with 7.0 in IELTS writing.

Our application window is generally open from October until March 31. The process includes both a hard copy and online component. More details can be found at http://stl.pku.edu.cn/master-of-laws/how-to-apply/

Application Procedure

1. Please fill out the on-line application form and upload other required application materials on the Peking University Application Portal at studyatpku.com/member/login.do by referring to the Instruction for Online Application, which provides step-by-step application instructions with screen shots to help avoid any confusion. Please also note the formats and file sizes requested before uploading the application materials.
2. Please send an email to STL to llm@stl.pku.edu.cn and to coleagar@stl.pku.edu.cn indicating that you have filed your application online.
3. Please send by a trackable delivery method that gives you confirmation of receipt, hard copies of the original documentation including any sealed letters of recommendation to:

PKU STL LL.M. Admissions, Room 410, Peking University School of Transnational Law, University Town, Nanshan District Shenzhen 518055, P.R. CHINA

Application Materials

Applicants must submit the materials listed below. Applications will only be reviewed after all materials are received. All documents should be written in English. If the documents are not in English, they must be accompanied by a notarized/authenticated English translation.

1. Application Form for International Students (Master Programs) automatically produced by online application.
2. Personal statement: Submit a personal statement explaining the reasons you are pursuing an LL.M. degree and how the degree will help you advance your plans and goals. (700 to 1000 words)
3. Official transcripts: Submit official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions.
4. Official degree certificates/diplomas: Submit official degree certificates/diplomas (authenticated copies of documents with authenticated English translations if documents are not in English). (Upon application, you can substitute a letter on school letterhead stating that you are a student in good standing and expected to receive an official degree certificate/diploma before the August enrollment date.) The original of the highest diploma received must be presented in person upon enrollment.
5. Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
6. Letters of Recommendation: At least two signed letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or others familiar with your academic and professional qualifications. (original). If sealed, please send the letters with your hard copies of the original documentation or separately, but clearly labeled to the same address above.
7. Proof of English Competency: One photocopy of results of TOEFL or IELTS examination (unless you are a native English speaker or you have a degree from a postsecondary institution entirely conducted in the English language).
8. Copy of valid passport, or identification card, preferably with three or more years to expiration at the time of application.

Please note that all the Application Materials must be received before the March 31st, 24:00 hours, Beijing time deadline.

The tuition for the STL LL.M. program is 176,000 RMB for the entire two-year program.

The cost of living and other fees are relatively low. For example, the current cost for a single room (with a private bathroom and balcony) in PKU's beautiful Shenzhen campus is 12,000 RMB per year.

STL is committed to making the program accessible for qualified candidates and there are a limited number of international fellowships and scholarships available.

The most popular source of funding is through teh Chinese Scholarship Council, which awards scholarship from the Chinese government. STL students have had a great deal of success in the past in obtaining these scholarships. The Chinese government scholarships typically cover 30,000 RMB a year towards tuition, the vast majority of housing expenses, a generous living stipend of 3,000 RMB per month, and insurance.

Another opportunity is a recent initiative for students from countries involved with China's One Belt One Road strategic plan. This merit-based opportunity provides a 25% tuition waiver. More details can be found here: http://stl.pku.edu.cn/news-and-events/stl-announces-belt-and-road-scholarship-for-ll-m-students/. ;

Applicants are also encouraged to consider other scholarships for which they are qualified. More information about scholarships can be found on our website at: http://stl.pku.cn/master-of-law/scholarships/.

STL is located in the Southern city of Shenzhen. A fast-growing metropolis of 12 million people, Shenzhen has been on a steady rise since it was established as China's first Special Economic Zone in 1979. Now, Shenzhen is not only a major hub of China's most populous province, Guangdong, but also a market leader within all of China and a unique area where the world's great legal systems merge and influence transborder conduct. The city is a lodestar for biotechnology, logistics, and new energy industries, and top companies such as Huawei and Tencent are based here. On the world stage, Shenzhen has made its mark as well; in 2008, it was named UNESCO City of Design, and in 2011, it hosted the 26th Summer Universiade.

Geographically and economically, Shenzhen is also closely integrated with Hong Kong, with which it shares a border. Extensive public transportation options link the two cities from downtown, one may visit Hong Kong via bus, metro, and ferry. With a combined GDP of more than $650 billion, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong region is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world.

Most international students choose to live on our beautiful campus and to enjoy the community, dining, and sports opportunities as well as the close proximity to the law school building. Students may also choose to live off campus. The cost of living in Shenzhen, China is relatively low. For example, the cost of a single dorm room on campus for the academic year is currently 12,000 RMB for an academic year and 6,000 RMB for a double room.

Campus life at the School of Transnational Law is always full of fun and educational activities. We believe that our academic programs are greatly enhanced by activities and interactions outside the classroom.

To help our students make the most of their time while attending STL, our Office of Student Affairs has a variety of initiatives and programs dedicated to enabling growth and empowering students. Our mission is to facilitate the holistic development of our students, both in competence and character. In addition, more than 30 academic societies and 5 student interest clubs flourish on campus, catering to a broad range of subjects and concerns.