How Arjaree Ratanasangsathien, a Thai Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Bachelor’s Through the Belt and Road Scholarship (Thailand)

Hi, my name is Arjaree Ratanasangsathien. I am a 20-year-old Thai student currently studying in Hong Kong. I am majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Business at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), where I am also part of the Science, Technology, and Research Stream (STARS) in the Science Faculty. My passion for science started when I was very young. It was further strengthened at my high school, Kamnoetvidya Science Academy (KVIS) in Thailand, through hands-on projects—such as studying the mechanism of a photocatalyst. This experience showed me that chemistry is everywhere and can solve many real-world problems, giving me a solid foundation to pursue it further. I chose CUHK because of its high global ranking, international environment, full scholarships, and the STARS program, which also gave me the chance to explore new interests like research exchanges and business.

Belt and Road Scholarship Details

I received the Belt and Road Scholarship (Thailand) from the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). It provides HKD 145,000 per year (an HKD 580,000 full scholarship) alongside a one-off relocation subsidy of HKD 15,000 for non-local students. This is renewable annually for the normative period of the study program, subject to achieving a year GPA of at least 3.0 in the preceding academic year.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Yes, I was originally offered a university scholarship with similar benefits from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), but it was replaced once I received the Belt and Road Scholarship.

Educational Background

I graduated high school from KVIS in Thailand with a GPA of 3.92 out of 4. My educational background prepared me by allowing me to work on many hands-on projects, both academic and extracurricular. One of my academic projects focused on studying the mechanism of the nanoscale TiO₂-Cu₂O heterojunction in photocatalytic activity. This provided a strong chemistry foundation and sparked a genuine passion for science and research, especially in nanoscience and material science. Outside the classroom, I joined clubs, did several volunteer works, and served on the student committee, all of which helped me develop strong leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)?

How Did You Find Information About Belt and Road Scholarship and The Chinese University of Hong Kong?

I used guidance from my school counselor, online tools like QS Rankings, and official websites to learn about the criteria.

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

Yes, I took standardized tests, including the SAT (1380 overall: 790 Math, 590 EBRW), IELTS (overall 7.0), and AP exams (4 in AP Chemistry, 4 in AP Physics 1). To prepare for all these tests, I reviewed past official papers and practiced with them multiple times. For the IELTS writing section, I took mock tests and had my teacher or sometimes AI grade my work. For IELTS speaking and listening, I practiced mock tests with friends by switching roles as examiner and examinee, and occasionally asked my English teacher to run a mock test and grade my skills. For the AP exams, I studied the official prep materials and practiced past papers for about a month.

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

The Belt and Road scholarship process involves university nomination after receiving an admission offer, followed by an essay and supplementary document submission. To prepare my portfolio for admission, I gathered documentation from my high school projects, including clear summaries of my research from methods to results, as well as awards and certificates received. I also included my involvement in sports and arts to show well-roundedness. After I got nominated, in my essays, I shared my love for science, explained my hands-on projects, showed how science helps the world, highlighted my sports and arts activities, and described how the scholarship would help strengthen my skills academically and socially.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing Cantonese? 

At CUHK, my classes are conducted in English, and while some classes might use Putonghua or Cantonese, an English section option is always available. Living in Hong Kong is also manageable with English, though picking up basic Cantonese can be helpful!

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was my portfolio. It not only showed a genuine passion for science, but it showed that I can transfer knowledge into real applications and highlighted my international award-winning results. It was also supported by my high school GPA of 3.92 out of 4 and my interest in non-science extracurriculars.

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

If I were going through the process again, I would improve my AP and SAT scores by preparing for standardized testing even earlier.

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

For anyone looking to apply for a similar scholarship, my advice is to get involved in as many hands-on projects as you can, as I believe they end up carrying more weight than grades alone. Focus on building a well-rounded profile that shows a real curiosity for your field, and ensure your essays tell a clear and genuine story about why you love your subject.