Why the Guanghua-Kellogg EMBA?

As the first Sino-US joint degree EMBA program in the mainland of China, the program leverages its unique position to bring together the world-class faculties of two premier business schools from the two largest economies in the world. The students at the GK EMBA also benefit from the program’s rigorous focus on academics, electives taught at the partner schools of Kellogg’s global network, and a globe-spanning alumni network made up of over 70,000 executives. The GK Program is ranked 10th worldwide by the Financial Times in its 2025 Global EMBA Top 100 list.

How long is the program?

The program is part-time, with a duration of two years (22 months), one intake each September.

When do classes take place?

The program has 12 modules in total. Modules are held once every 1-2 months. Each module lasts 5-6 days.

Where are the classes taught?

Mainly at Peking University. The participants will also study at Kellogg's Evanston campus. Additionally, they also have the oppurtunities to take global electives at Kellogg's Miami campus and any of Kellogg's partner schools within the global network (Vallendar, Toronto, and Hong Kong China). Global Classroom is the best way to strengthen your understanding of local business practices, and to expand your professional network and career potential.

What is the language of instruction? Who teaches the program?

The language of instruction is English, interpretation services are not provided. Half of the faculty are from Northwestern University while the other half are from Peking University.

What is the class profile?

Currently, over 300 participants from 30 countries and regions worldwide have joined the GK community. The average age of participants is 38, with an average of more than 13 years of management experience. Many have already earned a master's degree or higher in a variety of fields.（*Data source: students enrolled 2014–2025)

Can I obtain both schools' alumni status?

Yes, by enrolling in the program, you can obtain dual alumni status from Peking University and Northwestern University, enjoying the rich resources from these two prestigious institutions. You can engage in various alumni events organized by Guanghua or by Kellogg both in China and globally, gaining access to a global network of elite peers.

What degree will I earn?

In accordance with Ministry of Education regulations in China, graduates will receive a Master's graduation diploma and a Master's degree from Peking University, in addition to a Master of Business Administration degree jointly-issued by Northwestern University and Peking University.

How will the program help with my career?

The Guanghua-Kellogg EMBA is a global program with a focus on helping its students develop an international vision and network, delivering key insights into economic management both in China and abroad, and cultivating critical thinking skills, thereby enhancing their ability to adapt to a cross-cultural world. The diverse and international faculty and students will inspire and challenge you, and what you learn at the program will help you in dealing with real-world problems.

What are the requirements for a candidate?

A candidate for this program must have:

1.A Bachelor’s degree or above from a recognized university or an approved institution;

2.A minimum of 8 years of significant full-time work experience and 5 years of work experience in a managerial position with increasing responsibilities;

3.Professional English proficiency;

4.Motivation and commitment to attend a rigorous academic program.

How to obtain a bachelor's degree verification report?

Applicants must submit a degree verification report recognized by the national authorities. For degrees obtained outside the mainland of China, please proceed with the verification through Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange. Website: http://zwfw.cscse.edu.cn/

For degrees obtained in the mainland of China, please proceed with the verification through China Higher Education Student Information Network：https://www.chsi.com.cn/

What level of English proficiency is required?

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate their English proficiency to the program during the application process. They may submit their official transcripts if they have completed undergraduate or graduate degrees with English as the sole language of instruction. Alternatively, they may provide valid TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English test scores obtained within 2 years.

What if I don’t have any financial or business background?

Applicants from both business and professional fields can apply for the program as long as they meet the above requirements. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who have the confidence and ambition to be leaders in their organizations. The diversity of the student body adds to the value of the program.

Is full-time employment necessary？

Yes. In order for each student to contribute fully to the classroom experience, students should have full-time employment that they can draw upon and reflect on during the program.

When is the application open?

The program is open for applications all year-round and applications for the 2027 Fall Intake are now fully open. International applicants may still apply for the 2026 Fall Intake (Deadline: June 10, 2026).

What is the application process?

The application process start with an application form online (click here). Selected candidates are invited to an interview.

Successful candidates from the mainland of China are required to register in October to take the National Postgraduate Entrance Examination in December.

Applicants from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and international applicants are admitted through an "Application-Assessment" system. Only those who pass the interview and receive approval from the Graduate School of Peking University will be granted admission to the Guanghua-Kellogg EMBA program.

What application materials are required?

Please click here and refer to the program's website for more details.

Are the two letters of recommendation on the materials list mandatory? What are the requirements for the recommenders?

Two letters of recommendation are mandatory. The recommenders should have a thorough understanding of the applicant's management experience, business background, or academic achievements. There is no mandatory requirement for the recommenders to be alumni. The content of the recommendation letters should reflect the genuine opinions of the recommenders and must be signed by them personally.

How can I qualify for an interview?

The first step is to submit an online application. After passing a preliminary screening, you will be asked to submit supporting documents and be invited for an interview.

Is the interview result valid for the second year?

The interview result is only valid for the current year.

What language is used for the interview?

English.

Once the interview has been completed, what factors does the program use to assess an applicant?

Along with your application materials and your interview performance, the program assesses candidates on a variety of factors not limited to: educational background, work experience, international experience, English proficiency, recommendation letters, awards and honors, leadership ability, personal statement, the completeness of the application, and so on. The admissions committee will comprehensively evaluate the background of each candidate and make offers to the best candidates.

内容来源北大光华EMBA