How Varney J. Golafily, a Liberian Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Master’s Through the Belt and Road Scholarship

My name is Varney J. Golafily, and I am from Liberia, West Africa. I am a final-year Master of Business Administration (MBA) student at Beijing Normal University (BNU), Belt and Road School, China. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Liberia and have professional experience in the oil and gas industry ( Liberia). I decided to pursue an MBA to strengthen my knowledge of business and entrepreneurship,  and to contribute to private-sector development and economic growth in Liberia and across Africa.

Belt and Road Scholarship Details

I received a fully funded Belt and Road Scholarship through Beijing Normal University's Belt and Road School in 2025 to pursue my MBA.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

N/A. Beijing Normal University's Belt and Road Scholarship was my successful scholarship offer.

Educational Background

I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Liberia in 2023. My undergraduate education provided me with a foundation in economic analysis, markets, and development, shaping my interest in business management and institutional performance.

I am also a recipient of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) fellowship, through which I completed intensive professional training in business and entrepreneurship at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Ghana. The training strengthened my interest in entrepreneurship, ethical leadership, and professional development.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Beijing Normal University (BNU), China?

I researched universities, postgraduate programs, scholarship opportunities, and admission requirements through official university websites and online resources. I focused on identifying fully funded opportunities that aligned with my academic background and long-term goals.

I also prepared the necessary academic credentials and supporting documents, reviewed eligibility requirements, and compared available opportunities to determine which institutions offered suitable programs and financial support.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

English is my native language, and I considered the language requirements of the institutions to which I applied. I advise prospective applicants to confirm whether their chosen universities require IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, or other standardized tests, as requirements and exemptions differ by institution.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Belt and Road Scholarship?

I prepared by organizing my academic documents, reviewing the scholarship eligibility criteria, and ensuring that my application presented a clear connection between my Economics background, professional experience, and MBA objectives.

I focused on demonstrating my commitment to further education and explaining how advanced business training would support my professional development and enable me to contribute to business and economic development in Liberia.

How is Your Experience at Beijing Normal University (BNU), China?

My experience at Beijing Normal University has broadened my academic and international perspective. Studying in China has exposed me to a different educational environment and provided opportunities to develop my understanding of business management, organizational performance, and strategy.

I have remained committed to my academic responsibilities, completing all courses offered in the previous semester and maintaining full class attendance. Beyond the classroom, the experience has encouraged me to consider how international business practices and economic development strategies can be applied to challenges facing Liberia and other African countries.

How Do You Rate Beijing Normal University (BNU), China Academically?

I value Beijing Normal University for the opportunity it provides to pursue postgraduate education in an international academic environment. My experience has reinforced the importance of academic discipline, independent learning, and engagement with different perspectives.

Studying in China has also broadened my understanding of business and economic development, allowing me to reflect on how international experiences can inform future professional and research activities in Liberia.

How Does Beijing Normal University (BNU), China Support International Students?

Studying at Beijing Normal University has given me the opportunity to learn in an international academic environment and interact with students from diverse backgrounds. As an international student, I have gained valuable exposure to a different education system and culture, which has encouraged me to become more independent and adaptable.

My experience has also helped me appreciate the importance of international student services and access to reliable information when navigating university procedures and life in a new country. The support available for individual matters can vary, so prospective students should contact the university directly regarding scholarship administration, accommodation, registration, and other practical arrangements before arrival.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Mandarin?

English is my native language, and my academic background has prepared me to study in an English-language environment. Living and studying in China has also exposed me to a different linguistic and cultural setting. While English is important to my academic development, learning basic Mandarin is helpful for everyday communication, interacting with local communities, and adapting to life outside the university.

Prospective students should confirm the language of instruction for their specific program before applying and consider learning basic Chinese to make their transition to life in China easier.

What Did You Pursue After the Belt and Road Scholarship?

After receiving the scholarship in 2025, I continued my MBA studies at Beijing Normal University. My current academic interests include corporate governance, information asymmetry, and access to finance, particularly in Liberia's banking sector.

Following graduation, I hope to apply the knowledge and international exposure gained through my studies to business development, research, and initiatives that support private-sector growth and economic development in Liberia.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Mandarin?

The extent of any language-related difficulty depends on the program's language of instruction and the student's circumstances. Students enrolled in English-taught programs may be able to complete their academic work without advanced Chinese proficiency, although they should confirm their program's requirements.

From the perspective of living and studying in China, learning basic Mandarin can be helpful for everyday communication, shopping, transportation, and interacting with local communities. I would encourage prospective students to prepare for the cultural and linguistic transition and learn basic Chinese before arrival.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe the combination of my academic background in Economics, professional experience in the oil and gas industry, entrepreneurship training, and commitment to professional development strengthened my application.

My goal was to demonstrate a clear reason for pursuing an MBA and explain how the degree would build on my previous experiences. I also wanted to show how the knowledge gained could support my long-term ambitions in business management, entrepreneurship, and economic development in Liberia.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were going through the process again, I would begin preparing earlier, establish a more structured application timeline, and explore additional funding opportunities from the outset. I would also plan more carefully for expenses that might not be covered by a scholarship, particularly international travel and initial relocation costs.

Keeping a detailed record of application deadlines, required documents, university correspondence, and scholarship conditions would also help make the process more organized and efficient.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My advice is to start early, research opportunities through official university websites, and apply to multiple institutions whose programs align with your academic background and long-term goals. Prepare your documents carefully, verify eligibility and language requirements, and understand exactly what each scholarship covers.

Applicants should also develop a clear statement of purpose explaining why they have chosen a particular program, how their previous education and experience have prepared them, and what they intend to achieve after graduation.

Most importantly, remain persistent. The process can take time, and unsuccessful applications should not discourage you from pursuing other opportunities. Careful planning, patience, and a clear sense of purpose are essential when seeking international scholarships.

Additional Information: My Scholarship Journey

After completing my bachelor's degree in 2023, I spent nearly two years pursuing fully funded postgraduate scholarship opportunities. During this period, I applied to more than ten universities across the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, and Turkey.

The process required extensive research, preparation of application documents, and persistence in pursuing opportunities that aligned with my academic and professional goals. In 2025, my efforts culminated in admission to Beijing Normal University's Belt and Road School with a fully funded Belt and Road Scholarship to pursue my MBA.

My journey has taught me the value of perseverance, strategic planning, and remaining committed to long-term educational goals. I hope my experience encourages other students, particularly those from Liberia and across Africa, to explore international scholarship opportunities and continue pursuing their academic ambitions.