M.Sc. Applied Economics Student Muhammad Shoaib from Pakistan Shares His Journey of Studying at Xi’an Jiaotong University, China

My name is Muhammad Shoaib, and I am from Pakistan. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Gujrat. After completing my undergraduate studies, I pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the International Islamic University, Islamabad.

Following my education, I entered the professional industry, where I gained diverse experience across multiple sectors, including FMCG, banking, education, and other related fields. During this period, I worked as a Branch Services Officer at Meezan Bank, where I developed strong professional and operational skills.

While working in the banking sector, I began to seriously consider pursuing higher education abroad. Alongside my job, I started researching and applying for various international scholarship opportunities to identify programs for which I was eligible. During this process, the Chinese Government Scholarship emerged as the most suitable option for me.

China’s rapid economic growth, its position as one of Asia’s fastest-growing countries, and its global leadership in international trade and export-driven industries strongly motivated me to choose China for my higher education. I was particularly interested in gaining academic exposure from China’s education system to enhance my understanding of international business and economics.

Consequently, I decided to pursue an MS in Applied Economics from Xi’an Jiaotong University, which closely aligns with my academic background, professional experience, and long-term career goals.

Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) Details

The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) is regarded as one of the most competitive scholarships offered by the Government of China. Talented students from all over the world apply for this scholarship, making the selection process highly competitive and globally diverse.

Because of this intense international competition, obtaining the Chinese Government Scholarship requires strategic planning and careful preparation. Applicants must present a strong academic and professional profile that clearly demonstrates why they stand out among other qualified candidates applying from different countries.

It is important to note that the Chinese Government Scholarship is only available for Master’s and PhD programs and is not offered for Bachelor’s-level studies. Applicants who have completed their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in their home country are eligible to apply for postgraduate programs under this scholarship.

The scholarship also has defined age limits. Applicants seeking admission to a Master’s program must be under 35 years of age, while applicants applying for a PhD program must be under 40 years of age at the time of application.

Compared to other scholarships, such as those offered on a provincial or city-based basis, the Chinese Government Scholarship is more comprehensive and prestigious. It is a fully funded scholarship that provides extensive financial support to international students.

The scholarship covers full tuition fees, provides a monthly living allowance (stipend), and includes free accommodation and medical insurance. The stipend is sufficient to cover daily living expenses, allowing students to focus entirely on their studies without financial concerns.

As a result, recipients of the Chinese Government Scholarship can pursue higher education in China with complete financial security and peace of mind. This makes the CSC one of the most valuable and attractive opportunities for international students.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA Hons.) from the University of Gujrat, Pakistan. Following this, I pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the International Islamic University Islamabad, where I achieved a strong CGPA of 3.8, reflecting consistent academic excellence and merit-based performance.

After completing my formal education, I joined several organizations and gained practical professional experience across different sectors. During this period, I also began researching opportunities for further academic advancement, particularly international postgraduate and research-oriented degree programs.

Alongside my academic studies, I earned multiple professional certifications in areas such as business management, banking, and related disciplines, which strengthened my theoretical knowledge and enhanced my practical skill set.

Overall, my academic background, strong academic performance, professional experience, and continuous learning through certifications have collectively prepared me for advanced studies and research at an international level.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Xi’an Jiaotong University?

I learned about the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) during my undergraduate studies. At that time, one of my friends, who was pursuing a Master’s degree in the Computer Science Department, went to China for higher education under the same scholarship. While I was working in Pakistan, we remained in contact, and he informed me about the opportunity to apply for scholarships in China.

He shared with me an official website called Campus China, explaining that it provides a complete list of Chinese universities along with the academic programs they offer. Through this platform, applicants can identify suitable universities and programs that align with their academic background and research interests.

He further advised me to carefully select a relevant program and then visit the official websites of the shortlisted universities. From there, I was encouraged to identify professors whose research expertise matched my intended research area and to communicate with them directly. Obtaining an acceptance or consent letter from a supervisor, although not mandatory, serves as a highly supportive document and significantly strengthens a scholarship application by demonstrating academic alignment and research preparedness.

Following this strategy, I applied to multiple universities and was fortunate to receive acceptance confirmations from approximately five to six professors. After careful consideration, I decided to submit my final application to Xi’an Jiaotong University, as it is one of China’s top-ranked institutions. Based on international rankings, including the QS World University Rankings, Xi’an Jiaotong University is consistently placed among the world’s top 300 universities, which strongly influenced my decision.

Regarding English language requirements, some universities in China require IELTS or other internationally recognized English proficiency certifications, while others do not. In certain cases, an English proficiency certificate issued by the applicant’s previous institution is also accepted. Although IELTS is not mandatory for all Chinese universities, having a minimum score of 6.5 is generally advantageous and increases eligibility. I personally took the IELTS examination and ensured that I fulfilled all the eligibility requirements set by the university before submitting my application.

This is how I obtained accurate information and strategically prepared my application for the Chinese Government Scholarship.

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

When I decided to pursue another Master’s degree at an international institution, I began by thoroughly researching the universities and academic programs that aligned with my academic background and future goals. My first step was to explore the programs currently offered by different universities through official platforms such as Campus China and individual university websites.

After shortlisting the programs of interest, I focused on identifying the specific universities where I intended to apply. I carefully reviewed their eligibility requirements, admission criteria, and documentation guidelines to ensure that I fully met the requirements before proceeding.

Once I completed my preparation and gathered the required documents, I submitted my application through a two-step process, which is essential for the CSC scholarship. First, I completed and submitted the online application through the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) portal. After submission, I downloaded the completed CSC application form.

In the second step, I applied directly through the university’s own online application portal. I uploaded the downloaded CSC application form along with all required documents to the university website. Each university has a unique CSC registration number (agency number), which is available on the official university website, usually under the School of International Education or the relevant academic department.

By carefully following this structured approach, applying both to the CSC portal and the university portal, and ensuring that all eligibility requirements and documentation were fulfilled, I was able to successfully complete my scholarship application.

How is (was) Your Experience at Xi’an Jiaotong University?

My experience of studying at Xi’an Jiaotong University was extremely enriching and memorable. One of the most valuable aspects of this journey was the international exposure I gained. I had the opportunity to collaborate and interact with students from many different countries, including South Korea, Ethiopia, several African nations, Russia, Bangladesh, India, and others. This diverse academic environment brought together talented individuals from all over the world.

Studying alongside classmates from such varied cultural and educational backgrounds allowed me to learn not only from their academic perspectives but also from their cultures, values, and ways of thinking. At the same time, I had the chance to deeply experience and understand the local culture of China, which further broadened my global outlook.

During my stay, I was able to visit different cities and places, gaining firsthand exposure to China’s rich history, modern development, and social life. I learned essential skills such as team collaboration in multicultural environments, effective communication in multilingual settings, and adaptability in diverse professional and academic contexts.

China offers an excellent quality of life for international students. The country is fast-growing and rapidly developing, with highly efficient and easily accessible transportation systems. One of the most impressive aspects of daily life is the cashless economy, where payments are made effortlessly through mobile phones by simply scanning QR codes, eliminating the need to carry cash.

Additionally, Chinese cuisine is diverse and exceptional, offering a wide variety of food options to suit different tastes. Overall, studying in China was a truly beautiful and transformative experience. There is so much to learn when you gain international exposure, especially when that exposure comes from a dynamic and globally influential country like China.

How Do You Rate Xi’an Jiaotong University Academically and Why?

If I were to rate Xi’an Jiaotong University, I would describe it as excellent. On a scale of ten, I would give it 8.5 out of 10. The reason for this rating is primarily its strong international standing and overall academic performance.

According to the QS World University Rankings, Xi’an Jiaotong University is consistently ranked among the top 500 universities worldwide, and in recent years, it has also appeared within the top 300 universities, depending on ranking criteria and evaluation factors. While rankings may vary from year to year, the university continues to perform at a very strong academic level.

Academically, the university maintains high standards across departments. The faculty members are highly qualified, experienced, and supportive, and communication with professors, especially within international schools, is professional and well structured. This academic environment made my learning experience both productive and engaging.

Beyond academics, I had the opportunity to participate in various department-level and university-level events, which allowed me to interact with students from other institutions and gain exposure to diverse academic and cultural perspectives. I also had meaningful opportunities to explore and understand the local culture, as well as to study the Chinese language.

Learning the local language is particularly important in China, as most people primarily communicate in Chinese rather than English. I strongly believe that international students should learn at least basic Chinese language skills before or during their studies. This greatly helps with daily communication, shopping, local travel, and meaningful interaction with local people, making the overall experience much smoother and more enjoyable.

Overall, my time in China was deeply enriching. I fully immersed myself in the culture, academic environment, and social life, and I truly enjoyed every aspect of my stay. It was a valuable and memorable experience that contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth.

How Does the Institution Support International Students? 

At Xi’an Jiaotong University, the School of International Education plays a central role in providing comprehensive support to international students. This office primarily deals with all matters related to international students and serves as the main point of coordination and communication between the university and its international community.

Each international student is assigned a designated coordinator or academic advisor from the School of International Education, who works closely with the student on a one-to-one basis. This personalized support system ensures that students receive timely guidance on a wide range of matters, including academic concerns, course selection, administrative procedures, and financial or scholarship-related issues.

The core purpose of the School of International Education is to facilitate smooth academic and administrative coordination for international students throughout their study period. The office actively supports students in research-related activities, such as preparing and submitting research papers, writing theses, and participating in national and international academic conferences. Students are guided on how to submit conference papers, attend research events, and manage academic publications effectively.

In addition, the School of International Education assists students with conference participation, research collaboration, and academic communication, ensuring that international students remain well connected to academic opportunities both within and outside the university. Overall, the school provides end-to-end support for international students, covering every aspect of their academic journey and research development.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Mandarin?

At Xi’an Jiaotong University, as well as at many other Chinese universities, academic programs are offered in both English and Chinese. The language of instruction depends entirely on the program a student chooses to enroll in.

If a student opts for a Chinese-taught program, they are required to meet specific Chinese language proficiency standards, typically by passing the HSK examination at a minimum Level 4, while some universities or programs may require HSK Level 5. These requirements vary depending on the institution and the academic discipline.

Similarly, for English-taught programs, students must fulfill the relevant English language proficiency requirements, which may include IELTS, TOEFL, or other accepted certifications, depending on university policy.

Overall, Chinese universities provide flexibility by offering programs in both languages. The choice between an English-taught or Chinese-taught program depends entirely on the student’s language preference, academic goals, and preparedness to meet the required language standards.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing Mandarin?

Although China is not primarily an English-speaking country, the global trend is gradually shifting. China is now deeply connected to the global economy and international trade, which has led to an increasing presence of foreign professionals, international students, trade exhibitions, conventions, and global business events. As a result, the importance of the English language is growing steadily across the country.

Many Chinese families now encourage their children to learn English in order to connect with the global community and enhance international awareness. However, it is important to note that most local people primarily communicate in the Chinese language in their daily lives.

If a student is enrolled in an English-taught program, communication within the university environment is generally not a challenge. Universities provide a well-structured ecosystem where academic communication, campus facilities, shopping areas, and student services are accessible, making daily life manageable even without advanced Chinese language skills.

That said, based on my personal experience, I strongly believe that learning the local language is essential. Acquiring basic to intermediate Chinese language skills allows students to build stronger connections with the local community, develop meaningful relationships, and integrate more smoothly into society. Understanding the local language also helps students appreciate the culture more deeply, including traditions, food, social norms, dress customs, and historical background.

When studying in a foreign country, it is very important to learn about the local culture and language, as this enhances both personal growth and social interaction. I would highly recommend achieving at least HSK Level 4, which enables students to communicate effectively with local people and navigate daily activities with confidence.

Moreover, while many professors communicate in English, making an effort to interact with them in Chinese, even at a basic level, creates a stronger bond and a more positive academic relationship. This cultural and linguistic effort is often highly appreciated and contributes significantly to a richer and more rewarding educational experience.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I would like to explain the key factors behind the successful acceptance of my application at Xi’an Jiaotong University. My admission was based on several important academic and supporting elements.

First, I had already completed Chinese language training prior to submitting my application. I was formally enrolled in Chinese language classes, and I attached all relevant language certificates and supporting documents to my application. This demonstrated my preparedness to adapt academically and socially in China.

In addition, although a professor’s acceptance or consent letter was not a mandatory requirement for admission, I proactively contacted professors related to my field of study and obtained their acceptance letters. I chose to include these letters as supporting documents because I believed that early academic coordination with a potential supervisor would strengthen my application and facilitate smoother collaboration after admission.

I also ensured that I fully met all eligibility requirements, including academic qualifications, documentation standards, and program-specific criteria. My strong academic background, particularly my high CGPA, may also have played a significant role in strengthening my overall profile.

In my view, the success of my application was not based on a single factor, but rather on a combination of elements, including academic performance, language preparation, professor coordination, and the submission of comprehensive supporting documents. I strongly believe that submitting all relevant and supportive materials, beyond the minimum requirements, significantly increases the chances of successful admission to Chinese universities.

Overall, a well-prepared, complete, and strategically planned application can greatly enhance the likelihood of securing admission and scholarship opportunities in China.

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

What if I am planning to apply again in China for the Chinese Government Scholarship? This time, I am fully aware that the level of international competition is significantly higher than before, which means I must prepare myself more strategically and rigorously.

In addition to the steps I followed during my previous application, I now intend to place stronger emphasis on early academic coordination with prospective supervisors. Before arriving in China, I plan to communicate extensively with potential professors to discuss my research interests and directions. This approach will help me clearly understand their expectations from the very first day and allow me to engage in research activities in a structured, interactive, and productive manner.

For a PhD application, having a well-defined and focused research direction is essential. I must clearly identify my research themes, topics of interest, and long-term academic objectives. If my proposed research builds upon or extends work I have previously conducted during my earlier studies, it is important to communicate this clearly to my prospective supervisors. This continuity helps demonstrate academic maturity, consistency, and research potential.

At the same time, I must ensure that I fully meet all eligibility criteria for the intended program, whether it is a Master’s or PhD degree. Beyond meeting basic requirements, it is crucial to think creatively and strategically about how to differentiate myself from other highly qualified international applicants.

One of the strongest ways to enhance competitiveness is through research output. Clearly defined research proposals, prior research experience, and any published or ongoing academic papers significantly strengthen an application. Demonstrating a strong research mindset and academic contribution can greatly improve the chances of admission to leading Chinese universities.

In summary, a combination of meeting eligibility requirements, developing a clear and original research direction, engaging proactively with supervisors, and strengthening research credentials is essential for submitting a competitive and successful application.

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

If you are planning to apply for a Master’s or PhD program under the Chinese Government Scholarship, the first step is to clearly define your research direction. Understanding the specific area of study or research you wish to pursue is critical for academic success and for presenting a strong application.

Next, it is essential to coordinate with professors whose research interests align with your chosen field. Establishing communication with potential supervisors early on can provide valuable guidance, strengthen your application, and demonstrate your academic commitment.

Additionally, you must carefully prepare all eligibility documents and application materials required by the CSC scholarship. This includes academic transcripts, language certificates, recommendation letters, research proposals, and any other supporting documentation.

Both your research direction and proper documentation are crucial factors for a successful application. If you engage with professors who share similar research interests and submit a well-prepared application, your chances of being admitted to a Chinese university under the CSC scholarship program will significantly increase.