How Abdoul-Rachid SIDIBE, a Burkinabè Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Through the Chinese Government Scholarship

My name is Abdoul-Rachid SIDIBE, and I come from Burkina Faso in West Africa. I'm currently a first-year undergraduate student in Cyberspace Security at Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT), China, supported by the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC). Before coming to China, I studied software engineering at the Virtual University of Burkina Faso.

My interest in cybersecurity grew out of my broader interest in computing and the role technology plays in our societies. As more public services, businesses, and everyday activities move online, protecting information and digital infrastructure becomes increasingly important. I wanted to study a field where I could develop strong technical skills and eventually put them to practical use. Studying in China also gives me the chance to experience a different academic and technological environment.

Chinese Government Scholarship Details

I received the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) in 2025 through the Type A, or bilateral, application route. My degree institution is Beijing Institute of Technology in Beijing, where I'm pursuing an undergraduate degree in Cyberspace Security. Before starting my degree, I completed a Chinese-language preparatory year at Northeast Normal University in Changchun.

My scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly living allowance. In my case, the international flight from Burkina Faso was not covered. This is worth checking carefully: travel coverage can differ depending on the country, agreement, and scholarship arrangement. Applicants should always read the specific terms of their award rather than assume that every CSC recipient receives exactly the same benefits.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

The Chinese Government Scholarship is the scholarship funding my current degree in China. I don't have another university scholarship to report for this program. I have also benefited from a separate excellence and leadership mentoring program run by the Tegawende Foundation in Burkina Faso, which supported my preparation but was not a second scholarship for this degree.

Educational Background

I completed my secondary education in Burkina Faso and earned my baccalaureate in 2022 with honors (mention Bien), scoring 14/20. I then studied software engineering for two years at the Virtual University of Burkina Faso. That gave me a foundation in computing and made me want to specialize further in cybersecurity.

In 2025, I came to China for a language preparatory year at Northeast Normal University. I arrived knowing no Chinese at all; not even the basics. By the end of that year, I had passed HSK Level 5 and achieved an overall average of 95.87/100. I also received recognition for academic performance and my involvement in class activities. I began my undergraduate studies at BIT in September 2026.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Beijing Institute of Technology?

I started by thinking about the kind of degree I wanted, rather than choosing a university based only on its name. Since I had already studied computing, I looked for programs that would allow me to move toward cybersecurity. I compared universities, academic programs, admission requirements, and scholarship opportunities.

BIT stood out because of its strong science and technology focus and the opportunity to study in my chosen field. I worked on my university application and obtained pre-admission as part of my scholarship journey.

How Did You Find Information About Chinese Government Scholarship and Beijing Institute of Technology?

I discovered the CSC scholarship while researching opportunities to continue my education abroad, especially in China. My search first led me to the DGCOB (formerly CIOSPB) in Burkina Faso, where I saw information about the scholarship call.

I applied through Type A. In my country, this meant applying locally, going through an initial shortlist, attending interviews at the Chinese Embassy, and then submitting the required application through the CSC platform for the final selection. I also learned about other routes: Type B applications through participating Chinese universities and Type C programs through designated organizations, including some international cooperation programs such as China-UNESCO opportunities. The exact process depends on the scheme.

I did a lot of my own research, but I also reached out to former scholarship recipients. Hearing how they had navigated the process helped me understand details that were not always obvious from an announcement.

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

No, I did not need those tests for my 2025 application. My undergraduate program is taught in Chinese, and my scholarship pathway allowed me to complete a one-year Chinese-language preparatory course before starting the degree. I began learning Chinese only after arriving in China.

One important update for future applicants: the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) became a required exam for undergraduate applicants to Chinese Government Scholarship universities beginning with the 2026/2027 intake. It was not required when I applied. Candidates should check the latest official rules and the subjects required by their intended university and major. At master's and doctoral level, programs may be offered in Chinese or English, depending on the university. Prior language knowledge is useful even when a language certificate is not required for a particular pathway.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship?

I spent time understanding the selection stages and preparing the documents, including my diplomas, transcripts, CV, motivation letters, study plan, recommendation letters, and other required administrative papers.

I was fortunate to join the Tegawende Foundation's Excellence and Leadership Mentoring Program. My mentor, Mr. Tegawende Brice Ouédraogo, had studied in China himself. We worked together on my motivation letters, study plan, and CV, especially how to explain the link between my previous studies, my interest in cybersecurity, and my future goals. My professors provided my academic recommendations.

After the national preselection, I attended an interview at the Chinese Embassy in Burkina Faso. The discussion focused mainly on my study plan and my motivation for choosing China. I had to explain my choices in my own words, not just repeat what I had written in my application.

How is Your Experience at Beijing Institute of Technology?

My first year in China was at Northeast Normal University in Changchun, where I studied Chinese and adjusted to a completely new environment. I met students from many countries and took part in university activities and competitions. I also served as a class representative for international students, helping with communication between classmates and teachers and supporting group activities. I received recognition for my work as a class leader.

Since September 2026, I've been studying at BIT in Beijing. Moving from full-time language learning to technical university courses has been a big change. I'm still settling in, but I enjoy being part of an international campus and learning alongside students with different backgrounds.

How Do You Rate Beijing Institute of Technology Academically?

BIT is one of China's leading science and technology universities. It is ranked 243rd worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2027, in the top 10 Universities in China, and its reputation in technical fields was one of the reasons I was interested in studying here.

Cybersecurity requires strong foundations in computing, mathematics, and problem-solving. I'm only in my first year, so it would be too early to give a definitive assessment of the entire degree. So far, I find the academic environment motivating, and I'm looking forward to discovering the more advanced courses as I progress.

How Does Beijing Institute of Technology Support International Students?

During our introduction to BIT, we were informed about different student support services, including psychological counseling for students who want someone to talk to. There are also student clubs and activities that make it easier to meet people and become involved in campus life.

I'm still new to BIT and haven't personally used all these services, so I can only speak about what has been introduced to us and my early impressions. So far, the environment feels welcoming, and there seem to be many ways for international students to get involved.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Mandarin?

My undergraduate cybersecurity classes at BIT are taught in Chinese. That's why I completed a preparatory language year before joining the university.

There is a real difference between being able to communicate in everyday Chinese and following mathematics or computing lectures in Chinese. I am still building my technical vocabulary and sometimes need to review material after class. It's challenging, but it's also helping me grow academically and linguistically.

What Did You Pursue After the Chinese Government Scholarship?

I'm still completing the degree funded by my scholarship. After my bachelor's degree, I hope to pursue a master's in cybersecurity at one of the world's leading universities. I don't want to commit to one narrow specialization yet: I'd like to explore the different areas of cybersecurity during my undergraduate studies before making that decision.

Longer term, I want to work on protecting information systems, strengthening cyber defense, and helping organizations respond to digital threats. I'm also interested in how artificial intelligence could improve threat detection and incident response. I'd be excited to contribute through research, public institutions, international organizations, or technology companies. I particularly hope to support meaningful collaboration between Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world, including projects that improve cybersecurity capacity in developing countries.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Mandarin?

Yes, especially if their degree is taught in Chinese. Even after a preparatory year, university lectures can be difficult because the technical vocabulary is very different from everyday conversation. I can communicate in Chinese now, but following a specialized computing or mathematics class still requires extra preparation.

I'd encourage students to begin learning the language before arrival if possible, practice with local students, and ask questions when they don't understand something. A language year helps a lot, but language learning doesn't end when the degree begins.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I can't know exactly what convinced the selection committee, but I believe the consistency of my academic plans helped. I had already studied software engineering and wanted to build on that background through cybersecurity. I also put serious work into my study plan and application materials with my mentor's guidance.

Another important part of my profile was my involvement outside the classroom. In Burkina Faso, I took part in youth associations and community initiatives, including activities focused on peace, development, and supporting vulnerable communities. Those experiences gave me opportunities to take responsibility, work with others, and contribute beyond my own studies.

Scholarships often value academic excellence alongside leadership and commitment. I think candidates should work hard on their academic record while also getting involved in causes they genuinely care about. The activities should be real commitments, not simply items added to a CV.

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

I would start earlier, especially when comparing universities and their course offerings. I would also begin learning Chinese before departure, even knowing that I would have a preparatory year. That would have made my first months easier.

Otherwise, I would keep the same approach: research the official requirements, talk to former scholarship recipients, and get thoughtful feedback on my application documents. Having a mentor who understood studying in China was particularly valuable.

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

Start researching early and understand the application route that applies to you. For CSC scholarships, Type A, Type B, and designated Type C programs do not necessarily follow the same process or deadlines. Always check official sources, and never assume that someone else's application requirements will be identical to yours. Undergraduate applicants should now pay particular attention to the mandatory CSCA exam and the subjects required for their chosen program.

Take your study plan seriously. Explain what you have studied, why you want this degree, why you chose the institution, and where you hope to go afterward. Prepare your CV and motivation letters carefully, and ask professors who know your work for recommendations. If you can, speak to former scholars or mentors.

Also, don't focus only on grades. Academic excellence matters, but so do initiative, leadership, and genuine contributions to your community. Join activities you care about, take responsibility, and learn from those experiences. Above all, if you meet the requirements, give yourself a chance and apply. You cannot know the outcome before trying.