Clerkship Program for Students

2026-05-29

Notice: Due to adjustments in the coordination of teaching resources, the clerkship program for overseas medical students is temporarily paused pending further administrative arrangements. Thank you for your understanding.

Peking University People’s Hospital (PKUPH) provides a clerkship program for students from overseas institutions.

Program Overview

PKUPH offers immersive clinical clerkships for international medical students seeking clinical experiences at a pioneering teaching hospital in China. Founded in 1918, PKUPH is the first general hospital financed and operated by Chinese nationals. It combines century-old excellence with cutting-edge practice across 40+ specialties. Trainees will gain direct access to high-volume clinical environments (serving approximately 4 million patients annually) under the mentorship of globally recognized faculty.

PKUPH is a major teaching hospital affiliated with Peking University Health Science Center (PKUHSC). While PKUPH is responsible for the clinical training arrangements and departmental placements, certain administrative procedures for international students, including visa-related documentation, are coordinated through PKUHSC in accordance with university regulations. We appreciate applicants’ understanding that certain procedures may therefore require coordination between multiple offices. 

Clerkship placements are generally arranged at either the Xizhimen Campus or the Tongzhou Campus of PKUPH, depending on availability and teaching arrangements. The Tongzhou Campus is located approximately 40 km from central Beijing. Applicants who have concerns regarding placement location are encouraged to indicate their preferences in the application form.

Full Department List

Scope of Clinical Activities

During the clerkship, students participate in supervised observational learning activities. Typical activities may include, but are not limited to:

Can do:

Observe outpatient clinics

Attend ward rounds

Observe surgeries and procedures

Participate in academic discussions and teaching activities

Can’t do:

* Can’t access the hospital’s electronic medical record system independently

* Can’t work with patients without supervision

* This clerkship is primarily observational and does not provide hands-on clinical training for students

If you have specific learning objectives or your home institution has any requirements, please discuss them with your assigned supervisor(s) after arrival. Due to heavy workload of the clinical departments, you are unlikely to be connected with your supervisor(s) before the clerkship starts.

Student Eligibility

• Enrolled medical students (min. 3 years completed)
• Must be in good academic standing at your institution
• Clear learning objectives
• English or Mandarin proficiency
• Cultural adaptability
• Must comply with laws and regulations in China during your visit

Application Timeline

Applicants are encouraged to apply up to 12 months in advance of their desired start date. However, all applications must be submitted at least 5 months prior to the intended start date-no exceptions, regardless of prior communication or arrangements.

Applications submitted less than 5 months in advance will strictly not be considered. This policy gives Peking University People's Hospital ample time to coordinate with relevant departments to make the necessary preparations for your clerkship.

The minimum clerkship duration for each department is 2 weeks. Applications for periods shorter than 2 weeks will not be considered. Common clerkship duration ranges from 30 days (approximately 4 weeks) to ~90 days (approximately 3 months).

Before You Apply

We strongly encourage all applicants to carefully review the detailed guidelines and instructions available on the website. Failure to follow the proper application procedures may result in your application not being considered. Please note that incomplete applications will not be processed.

Before starting your application, please make sure you have:

• Your Resume or Curriculum Vitae 
• Your Transcript or a Letter of Good Academic Standing (waived if applying through a clinical department within PKUPH)
• A Photocopy of Your Passport/ID Card Photo Page 

If you are admitted, the following documents will be required before you start the clerkship: 

• Proof of Clean Criminal Record 

 *Please note that if you have difficulty obtaining the proof, you may alternatively sign the Criminal Record Declaration provided by PKUPH. 

• Agreement for Student Clerkships at Peking University People’s Hospital 

• Proof of Medical/Accident/Travel insurance (preferred but not a must) 

• Immunization Proof (preferred but not a must) 

Fees & Funding

As for now, there is no training or administrative fee charged for attending this program. We also do not have any scholarships or financial aid available for any students. The successfully selected participants will be responsible for their own travel expenses, including visa application, flight tickets, accommodations, insurance, etc.

Living expenses in Beijing vary depending on personal lifestyle and accommodation arrangements. On average, students may expect monthly living costs of approximately RMB 7,000–15,000, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other daily expenses.

Visa & Accommodation Guidance

If you are an international student from other countries, you are required to apply for an X visa (a study visa) in order to visit China and complete your clerkship at our hospital. After receiving the acceptance letter from our hospital, you will be directed to an online portal managed by Peking University Health Science Center to apply for the documents required for your visa. PKUPH does not directly provide accommodation. You may search for housing options in the nearby areas.

Hospital Address: No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China

For hotel recommendations, please refer to the information below. 

锦江之星北京动物园酒店 Jinjiang Inn Beijing Zoo

汉庭北京西直门酒店 Hanting Hotel Beijing Xizhimen

全季酒店（北京西直门店） JI Hotel Beijing Xizhimen

德宝饭店 Debao Hotel (*renovation in progress starting June 1, 2026) 

远通维景酒店 Grand Metropark Yuantong Hotel Beijing

国二招宾馆 Guoerzhao Hotel

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Chinese language proficiency required? 

No. Chinese language proficiency is not required for participation. But students with high Mandarin Chinese proficiency may better adjustthe clinical environment and daily communication.

• Can nursing/pharmacy students apply?

Nursing students may apply, while applications from pharmacy students are currently not accepted.

• Is there an application fee?

No.

• Can students receive certificates? 

You may require the hospital issues you a certificate.

• Are weekend activities included?
  

It depends on the arrangements made by the clinical departments.

• When does the hospital assign a supervisor to the student?

Three or two weeks before the clerkship begins.

• What is the minimum clerkship duration?

The minimum duration for each departmental placement is 2 weeks. Applications for periods shorter than 2 weeks will not be considered. Common clerkship duration ranges from 30 days (approximately 4 weeks) to ~90 days (approximately 3 months).

• Does the clerkship include hands-on clinical training?

This clerkship is primarily observational and does not provide hands-on clinical training for students.

Please direct your questions to pkuphiao@163.com.

Disclaimer: 

Email responses will be from Monday – Friday (not inclusive of public holidays).

We are receiving a high volume of inquiries and applications daily. There may be a delay in our response time. Please be assured that your email is important to us and we aim to respond. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this period.