As a residential college, the Yenching Academy aims to support students as they become involved in the larger Peking University and Beijing communities. Scholars benefit from the administrative support of the Banzhuren team and residential advisors.

The Academy's extracurricular activities are directed toward helping scholars deepen their understanding of Chinese society and cultivating intercultural communication skills. The Academy provides many opportunities and resources for students, which enable the next generation of leaders to reach their potential. The “Ambassador Speaker Series” brings scholars together with ambassadors and senior embassy officials from around the world. The Yenching Academy also invites notable figures such as Laura Shih May-lung, Chairman of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Market; Mark Schwartz, former Vice-Chairman of Goldman Sachs and Chairman of Goldman Sachs Asia Pacific; and Richard Haass, President of the Council on Foreign Relations of the United States of America, among others, to help facilitate Scholars career exploration and professional development.

Throughout their time at the Yenching Academy, scholars have opportunities to explore various interests and identify potential career options. The Career Development service strives to enhance Yenching scholars’ career prospects and help them improve their academic and professional skills. Aimed at fostering competitive advantage, the Academy's workshops, one-on-one consultations and seminars assist scholars in planning their careers. Whether scholars have a clear career path in mind or are still in the process of defining one, the Academy offers them guidance through their personal journeys.

Beyond formal Career Development services, scholars receive extensive professional support from the Academy at large. The Academy encourages scholars to communicate with their advisors, professors and staff about leadership opportunities that could advance their careers. We also support scholars' participation in selected international conferences and fora.

Yenching Academy hosts and supports a wide range of leadership programs, which provide scholars with meaningful opportunities to develop their potential and build leadership skills. Programs include the Young Professionals' Series, PIM Impact Lab, Design for the Common Good, and more. The Academy also invites professors from within China and abroad to give lectures on topics pertaining to leadership. Past themes have included women in leadership, leadership in Chinese organizations, and leading the way in global expansion, leading in the era of globalization.

Yenching Academy provides ample opportunities and funding for students to conduct field research starting from their first year.

In addition to the compulsory courses of Field Study and China in Transition, first-year Scholars have the opportunity to apply for the Dean’s Research Grant. Offered on a competitive basis, these grants are aimed at supporting China-related research projects. The topics typically extend beyond the regular curriculum, encouraging students to explore the diverse make-up of China’s society. Moreover, the grants offer a unique opportunity for Scholars to travel across the country and undertake academically rigorous research.