Chinese Government Scholarship Recipient, Marvin Mirzaliyev, Shares the Story of How He Applied for the Fully Funded Award to Pursue His Master’s in Business Administration at Shanghai University

My name is Marvin Mirzaliyev, born in 2003 in Shamkir, Azerbaijan. After completing high school, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Baku Engineering University. Throughout my studies, I maintained a GPA of 91.26/100, consistently ranking first in my major. My academic achievements and international volunteer experiences motivated me to aim higher and continue my education abroad at the graduate level.

Chinese Government Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) and will be studying at Shanghai University in the 2025–2026 academic year. This fully funded scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend. For me, this scholarship is not only financial support but also an invaluable opportunity to grow in an international academic environment.

Educational Background

During my bachelor’s degree, I combined academic success with research and extracurricular involvement. I presented my first article on tourism development in Azerbaijan and another thesis on Herzberg’s motivation theory at international conferences. I also earned the IPMA Level D project management certification and became a finalist in the “Skills for the Future” startup competition out of 176 teams with our SmartZont project.

In addition, I volunteered at major international events such as COP29, the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and the FIG Gymnastics World Cup, which improved my leadership, organizational, and cross-cultural communication skills.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Shanghai University?

I researched universities and scholarships through official websites, scholarship portals, forums, and by networking with previous recipients.

English Test: I took the Duolingo English Test and scored 140. My preparation included daily reading, writing, listening, and speaking practice, along with official mock tests.

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

I carefully studied the scholarship requirements and followed a structured approach:

Prepared and translated all official documents on time.

Wrote a strong personal statement emphasizing my academic excellence, research work, and volunteer experiences.

Obtained recommendation letters from professors highlighting my achievements and leadership potential.

Demonstrated how Shanghai University’s programs aligned with my future academic and career goals.

How is (was) Your Experience at Shanghai University?

I will begin my studies at Shanghai University in September 2025. Most classes will be conducted in English, while Chinese language courses are also available. Academically, not knowing Chinese will not be an issue, but learning the basics is highly recommended for daily life and cultural integration.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

High GPA (91.26) and first place in my department.

Research publications and presentations at international conferences.

Project management certification (IPMA Level D).

Volunteer experience at world-class events (COP29, Formula 1, FIG World Cup, etc.).

Proven leadership and teamwork skills with real-life examples.

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

I would have started preparing earlier, refined my personal statement more, and participated in more projects related to business and data science.

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

Maintain strong academic performance.

Engage in research, conferences, and volunteer activities.

Write a personal statement that reflects both your academic profile and personal story.

Start preparing at least six months before the deadline.

Believe in yourself, scholarships value not only numbers but also your potential.