2017 J.D./J.M. Admission for International Students

Program Overview

Peking University School of Transnational Law (“STL”) is the only law school in the world that combines an American-style Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) with a China law Juris Master degree (J.M.). 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.

Peking University

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 29nd most academically renowned university in the world.

Students, Faculty and Careers

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.

Cutting-Edge Curriculum

STL’s curriculum emphasize lawyering skills and knowledge for the 21st century: (i) transnational law and practice, (ii) cross-cultural competence, (iii) the ability to contend with the complex legal and factual issues characteristic of advanced economies based on technological innovation and global financial services, and (iv) the professional responsibilities of lawyers in these contexts. No law school anywhere better equips graduates for private sector, public sector, or public interest legal work related to China, the United States, the United Kingdom, or British Commonwealth nations. Students may choose to specialize among the many course offerings as they wish.

Global Leaders

STL graduates are uniquely equipped for leadership in today’s inter-connected world, with deep knowledge and understanding of Chinese and Western law and legal traditions and with the practical skills necessary for cross-cultural and transborder success.

Shenzhen–A Dynamic City

STL is located in the Southern city of Shenzhen. A fast-growing metropolis of 15 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.

Shenzhen is Hong Kong’s closest Mainland neighbor, only minutes to the north. Together, Shenzhen and Hong Kong form the core of the world’s largest single metropolitan area, China’s Pearl River Delta, where China’s economy is increasingly based on advanced technologies, services and internationalization, and where Chinese and Western legal and commercial traditions are meeting and merging in ways likely to preview future legal developments throughout China and the rest of the world as China’s global economic influence grows.

Program Structure

STL’s four year J.D. and J.M. dual degree program is rich in courses emphasizing transnational law and practice, Chinese and Western law and legal traditions, and other 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. The J.D. courses are taught in English and the China law J.M. courses are taught in Chinese. International students have the option to pursue the J.D. program only and graduate within three years.

The curriculum of STL’s J.D. and J.M. program is designed to emphasize skills and knowledge for the 21st Century: (i) transnational law and practice; (ii) cross-cultural competence; (iii) the ability to contend with the complex legal and factual issue characteristic of advanced economies based on technological innovation and global financial service; and (iv) the professional responsibilities of lawyers in these contexts. Specialized offerings in Chinese legal history and law enable students to acquire a deep understanding of the cultural traditions and modern developments of China today.

STL J.D. and J.M. graduates are uniquely equipped for leadership in today’s inter-connected world, with deep knowledge and understanding of Chinese and Western law and legal traditions and with the practical skills necessary for cross-cultural success.

How to Apply

Application Prerequisites

1. Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport, 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.

3. Applicants must take the LSAT before April 2017.

Application Procedures

All documents must be submitted by March 31, 2017, 24:00pm, Beijing Standard Time. We recommend applying by March 1, 2017 to avoid the application fee and the rush of last minute application.

1. Please apply online using PKU portal. Once you receive the confirmation report of a successfully completed application, please print a copy to email and send to STL(see below).

2. Please also e-mail to admission@stl.pku.edu.cn a copy of all the documents in your complete application and the confirmation report.

3. Please also send to the address below by a trackable delivery method with a confirmation of receipt: the original application form and the supporting documents listed below.

J.D. and J.M. Admissions Office, Room 410

STL Building, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School

Xili University Town, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, China

Tel: (86 755) 2603 2287

Application Checklist

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 English translation.

1. Peking University School of Transnational Law Application Form.

2. Personal statement: A personal statement explaining the applicant’s reasons for pursuing a J.D. and J.M. degree and how the degree will help advance their plans and goals. (700 to 1000 words)

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. Resume or Curriculum Vitae

5. Letters of Recommendation: At least two signed letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or others familiar with the applicant’s academic and professional qualifications. (original)

6. Proof of English Competency: One photocopy of results of TOEFL or IELTS examination (unless the applicant is a native English speaker or has a degree from a postsecondary institution entirely conducted in the English language).

7. A copy of LSAT Score;

8. Proof of Chinese Competency if applying for the dual degree J.D. and J.M. program.

9. Copy of passport, or identification card.

Please note: all the Application Materials must be received before the March 31, 2017 deadline.

Application Fee

Amount: 800 RMB. (Please note that the fee is waived for applications received by March 1, 2017)

Deadline for Application

The application deadline is March 31, 2017. All application materials should reach the program office before the deadline.

Interview

Short-listed applicants will be invited to an interview by the STL Admissions Committee.

Admission Decisions

The Admissions Committee will make decisions on a rolling basis.

Accommodations and Services

Most international students choose to live on Peking University’s modern and attractive graduate school campus, which permits students to easily enjoy the on campus community, dining, and sports opportunities, as well as the close proximity to the STL law school building. Single and double rooms are available on campus. Students may also choose to live off campus.

Tuition and Costs

The tuition fee for the STL J.D. and J.M. degree is 120,000 RMB per year. Cost of living is relatively low. For example, the current annual cost for a single room with private bathroom and small balcony is 12,000RMB. Applicants are also encouraged to consider scholarships for which they are qualified.

Contact Us

J.D. and J.M. Admissions Office, Room 410

STL Building, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School

Xili University Town, Nanshan District Shenzhen 518055, China

Email: admission@stl.pku.edu.cn

Kim Zhong

Director of Admissions at Peking University School of Transnational Law

Tel: (86 755) 2603 2287

Fax: (86 755) 2603 2567

Email: zhongxj@stl.pku.edu.cn