How Hasnain Hyder Shah, a Pakistani Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Master’s in International Law Through the Chinese Government Scholarship

My name is Hasnain Hyder Shah, and I am from Umerkot, Sindh, Pakistan. I am a first-generation lawyer who has always believed that education can transform not only an individual's life but also the community they come from. I completed my LL.B. (Honours) at the University of Sindh, Jamshoro, and am now pursuing a Master's degree in International Law at the School of Law, Northwest University, Xi'an, China, under the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC).

My interest in International Law developed through my undergraduate studies, particularly my research on international criminal tribunals and the prosecution of war crimes. I wanted to understand how international legal frameworks address conflict, protect human rights, and promote accountability. Studying in China offers me an opportunity to deepen this knowledge, experience a different legal and academic environment, and develop the research skills necessary to contribute to legal scholarship and reform in Pakistan.

Chinese Government Scholarship Details

I received the Chinese Government Scholarship through the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan under the Type A programme for my Master's studies at Northwest University, Xi'an.

The scholarship provides full tuition coverage, university accommodation or an accommodation benefit under the applicable award terms, comprehensive medical insurance, and a monthly living stipend. The standard CSC stipend for Master's students is RMB 3,000 per month.

This financial support has made it possible for me to pursue postgraduate education abroad without bearing the full cost of tuition and living expenses. International travel is not automatically covered under the HEC-administered programme, so applicants should check the official financial coverage conditions.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

I also explored other international postgraduate opportunities, including the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship programme in Hungary. I received an unconditional admission offer from Széchenyi István University for a programme related to Modern Technologies and Cybersecurity Law.

Educational Background

I completed my LL.B. (Honours) at the University of Sindh, Jamshoro, with a CGPA of 3.67 out of 4.00. My undergraduate education provided a strong foundation in constitutional law, criminal law, international law, legal research, and legal reasoning. My academic performance also earned me recognition through the Prime Minister's Laptop Scheme and the Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship.

My undergraduate thesis examined the effectiveness of international criminal tribunals in prosecuting war crimes. This experience developed my interest in international criminal justice and strengthened my ability to analyse legal rules, evaluate sources, and construct research arguments.

I subsequently developed my research portfolio through publications on topics including artificial intelligence and law, alternative dispute resolution, counterterrorism prosecution, and international legal issues. These experiences helped me prepare for postgraduate study by developing my academic writing, independent research, and critical thinking skills.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Northwest University?

I began by identifying universities that offered relevant postgraduate programmes and examining their academic strengths, research opportunities, admission requirements, and scholarship options. I looked for a programme that aligned with my background in law and my long-term interest in international legal research.

Northwest University appealed to me because it offered an opportunity to study International Law in an established academic environment in China. I reviewed the university's programme information and prepared my application documents carefully, ensuring that my academic background, research interests, and future goals were presented consistently.

How Did You Find Information About Chinese Government Scholarship and Northwest University?

I used official scholarship websites, the HEC Pakistan website, university admission pages, and online scholarship resources to identify opportunities. I also examined application requirements and deadlines to understand what each programme expected from applicants.

For the CSC scholarship, the HEC process was particularly important because I applied through Pakistan's official nomination route. I learned that applicants should distinguish between the university admission process and the scholarship selection process, as both may require separate applications and supporting documents.

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

I did not take IELTS or TOEFL for this application. Instead, I relied on the English-language proficiency documentation accepted during my application process.

My advice is to check the current requirements of both the scholarship authority and the chosen university. Language requirements can vary by institution, programme, and year. Applicants should never assume that an English-medium education automatically exempts them from a standardised test.

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

I treated the scholarship application as an academic project rather than simply completing an online form. I prepared my academic records, curriculum vitae, research materials, study plan, recommendation letters, and other required documents. I also worked to ensure that my proposed field of study was connected to my previous education and future plans.

My legal research experience helped me explain why International Law was the right field for me. I focused on presenting a consistent academic profile, demonstrating genuine research interests, and explaining how postgraduate study would support my future contribution to Pakistan.

I also prepared for the interview by reviewing my academic background, research interests, reasons for choosing China and Northwest University, and long-term objectives. This helped me communicate my motivation more clearly.

How is Your Experience at Northwest University?

My experience at Northwest University has been very positive so far. Studying in Xi'an has introduced me to a new academic environment, different cultural perspectives, and opportunities to engage with international legal questions.

My classes have been intellectually engaging, particularly those dealing with Public International Law, International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law, International Criminal Law, and Environmental Law. These subjects allow me to connect my previous legal education with broader international debates.

Living in China has also encouraged me to become more independent, adaptable, and open to different perspectives. Learning to navigate a new country while continuing my research has been an important part of my personal development.

How Do You Rate Northwest University Academically?

I have found the academic environment at Northwest University engaging and valuable for my development as a law student and researcher. The programme exposes me to different approaches to international legal questions and encourages me to examine how international rules operate in practice.

For someone interested in International Law, studying in a different national and legal context is particularly useful. It encourages comparative thinking and helps broaden one's understanding beyond the legal system in which one was originally trained.

How Does Northwest University Support International Students?

As an international scholarship student, I have benefited from the university's admission and registration arrangements for international students and the academic environment provided by my school.

Moving to another country involves practical challenges, including documentation, accommodation, registration, and adapting to a different culture. I would encourage future applicants to communicate with the university's international student office, follow official instructions carefully, and ask questions whenever a requirement is unclear.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Mandarin?

My Master's programme in International Law is taught in English. I am also taking a Chinese-language course to develop my everyday communication skills and become more comfortable living in China.

Learning Chinese is valuable even when a degree programme is taught in English. It helps with daily activities, communication with local students, and understanding the surrounding culture.

What Did You Pursue After the Chinese Government Scholarship?

I am currently pursuing my Master's degree in International Law at Northwest University. Alongside coursework, I continue to develop my research interests, particularly in the relationship between international law, emerging technologies, and accountability.

My long-term goal is to pursue a career in legal academia and research, contribute to legal development in Pakistan, and encourage other students from underserved backgrounds to consider international postgraduate opportunities.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Mandarin?

Not necessarily. Students enrolled in an English-taught programme can pursue their academic studies in English, provided they meet the university's language requirements. However, not knowing Chinese may make certain aspects of daily life more challenging, especially when dealing with local services or communicating outside the university.

I recommend learning basic Chinese before travelling and continuing language study after arrival. Even a modest knowledge of the language can make daily life easier and help students integrate into their new environment.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe the strength of my application came from the combination of my academic performance, research experience, and clear motivation for pursuing International Law. I graduated with a CGPA of 3.67/4.00 and developed a research portfolio addressing contemporary legal questions.

My undergraduate thesis on international criminal tribunals gave me a clear foundation for further study, while my legal practice helped me understand the practical importance of legal institutions and accountability. I was able to connect these experiences with my postgraduate research interests and explain why further education was important to my long-term goals.

I also approached the application with persistence and careful preparation. Rather than relying on academic grades alone, I sought to present a coherent account of my background, research interests, and intended contribution to Pakistan.

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

If I were applying again, I would begin preparing even earlier, particularly for identifying suitable universities, contacting potential academic supervisors where appropriate, and organising documents well before the deadline.

I would also dedicate more time to learning Chinese before travelling. Although my programme is taught in English, having some knowledge of the local language would have made my initial adjustment easier.

Most importantly, I would continue improving my research proposal and seek feedback from experienced academics as early as possible. A scholarship application benefits from clarity, consistency, and careful attention to each institution's specific requirements.

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

My first advice is to start early and rely on official sources. Read the eligibility criteria, scholarship coverage, university requirements, and deadlines carefully. Do not depend entirely on social media posts or assume that the process is identical for every applicant.

Second, build a strong and coherent academic profile. Grades are important, but applicants should also demonstrate genuine interests, relevant research experience, and a clear explanation of why they have chosen their field of study. A research proposal or study plan should reflect your actual interests rather than simply trying to impress the selection committee.

Third, prepare every document carefully and maintain consistency across the application, CV, study plan, and interview answers. If an interview is required, practise explaining your academic background and future goals in clear, natural language.

Finally, do not become discouraged by competition or setbacks. My journey taught me that persistence, preparation, and a willingness to keep learning are essential. Coming from a smaller city or a less privileged educational environment does not mean you cannot compete internationally. Identify your strengths, improve your weaknesses, and keep applying strategically.