How an Indonesian Student Received the Fully Funded Chinese Government Scholarship to Pursue a Bachelor’s in Computer Science at Sun Yat-sen University in China

Hello, my name is Eric Tianto, and I am from Indonesia. I graduated from Sutomo 1 Senior High School. Since childhood, my parents instilled in me the belief that mastering an international language could open many opportunities. With that in mind, I dedicated myself to learning Chinese, and as I gradually became fluent, my parents were proud of my progress.

Beyond language learning, I have always been passionate about computers and science. This passion has motivated me to further my studies at a university in China, where I can deepen my knowledge in these fields. With this goal in mind, I am eager to apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship, which will allow me to pursue my academic aspirations and immerse myself in a learning environment that aligns with my interests.

Chinese Government Scholarship Details

I have been awarded the Chinese Government Scholarship by Sun Yat-sen University (中山大学), with my tuition fees covered under the Belt and Road Undergraduate Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, covering not only tuition fees but also accommodation and living expenses. By receiving this scholarship, I can pursue my academic goals in a globally recognized institution without the burden of financial constraints. It allows me to fully dedicate myself to my studies, immerse myself in a new cultural environment, and gain valuable international experience that will contribute to my future career development. I am truly grateful for this support, as it enables me to strive for academic excellence and personal growth while studying in China

Educational Background

Since high school, I have always been passionate about expanding my knowledge, spending much of my time reading books and browsing the internet to develop new skills, especially in coding. While many people are unfamiliar with the importance of coding and how it contributes to solving real-world problems, I have always aspired to master it and use it to create impactful solutions.

Academically, Chinese Mandarin and Mathematics were my favorite subjects. Although many of my peers found these subjects challenging, I enjoyed them because I thrive on overcoming difficulties. Studying Mandarin Chinese has strengthened my discipline and ability to learn complex systems, while Mathematics has enhanced my logical thinking and problem-solving skills. I have always been fascinated by the structured nature of mathematics, as it plays a crucial role in programming and computational thinking. Understanding mathematical concepts is essential for excelling in Computer Science and Coding, which is why I devoted myself to mastering the subject.

Throughout my high school years, I maintained a consistent academic performance, achieving a score of 90 or above in every semester. This reflects my dedication to learning and my strong work ethic. My outstanding grades in Mathematics, Science, and Chinese Mandarin have further reinforced my readiness to pursue higher education in Computer Science.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Sun Yat-sen University?

Before applying, I conducted in-depth research on top universities in China and found that Sun Yat-sen University was an excellent choice due to its strong academic reputation and high global ranking. I carefully reviewed the admission requirements and discovered that for Chinese-taught programs, a minimum HSK 4 was required. Determined to meet and exceed this qualification, I dedicated one year to intensive Chinese language training, eventually achieving HSK 5 and HSKK to strengthen my fluency in both written and spoken Mandarin.

My preparation involved a structured daily study plan, including vocabulary building, listening exercises, and conversation practice to ensure I could adapt to a fully Chinese-speaking academic environment. Additionally, I thoroughly reviewed the university’s application process, faculty profiles, and scholarship opportunities, ensuring that I met all the necessary academic and language qualifications. Through this preparation, I gained confidence in my ability to succeed at Sun Yat-sen University and fully immerse myself in its academically rigorous and culturally enriching environment.

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

To prepare for the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS), I started by researching its eligibility criteria, benefits, and application process through the China Scholarship Council (CSC) website and official university portals. I also joined online forums and reached out to past recipients to gain insights into the selection process and how to strengthen my application.

Since the scholarship is highly competitive, I focused on building a strong academic profile. I maintained a consistent score of 90 or above in high school, ensuring my transcripts reflected my dedication to excellence. Additionally, I prepared a compelling personal statement and study plan, highlighting my passion for computer science, my future goals, and why I chose to study at Sun Yat-sen University. I refined these essays multiple times and sought feedback from mentors to make them as impactful as possible.

To further strengthen my application, I secured strong recommendation letters from teachers who could attest to my academic abilities and commitment. I also carefully reviewed and organized all necessary documents, ensuring they met the CSC's guidelines. Lastly, I submitted my application before the deadline and actively followed up with the university’s admissions office to track my progress.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I honestly did not expect my application to stand out among so many highly qualified candidates, given how competitive the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) is. However, I believed in myself and the effort I put into my application. I think what made my application strong was my HSK scores and my well-structured study plan.

Achieving HSK 5 and HSKK demonstrated my dedication to mastering the Chinese language, which is essential for studying in a Chinese-taught program. Additionally, my study plan clearly outlined my academic goals, how I intended to contribute to Sun Yat-sen University, and how this opportunity would shape my future. I made sure my application reflected my passion for computer science, my commitment to academic excellence, and my ability to adapt to new environments.

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

If I were to go through the application process again, I would focus on starting my preparations earlier to reduce stress and allow more time for improvement. While I successfully achieved HSK 5 and HSKK, beginning my Chinese language studies sooner could have helped me aim for an even higher proficiency level, making my application even stronger.

Additionally, I would have sought more guidance from scholarship recipients or university advisors to refine my study plan and personal statement further. While I believe my essays effectively conveyed my goals and passion, receiving more feedback could have helped me make them even more compelling.

Lastly, I would have explored more extracurricular activities or research projects related to my field of interest. Although my academic performance was strong, additional hands-on experience in computer science or coding competitions could have further distinguished my application.

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

For those applying for a similar scholarship, my advice is to stay dedicated, work hard, and never give up. Make sure to study consistently, especially if Chinese proficiency is required—practice every day, build your vocabulary, and aim for a higher HSK level. Write a strong study plan, highlight your passion, and ensure your application stands out. The competition is tough, but do not get discouraged—keep improving and refining your application. Seek guidance from past recipients or mentors to strengthen your chances. Most importantly, believe in yourself and keep pushing forward! 加油!