For Kandit Ratanasurakarn, a 25-year-old Thai student, securing a scholarship at one of China's most prestigious universities, a success he credits to early preparation. Now pursuing a Master of Laws at Tsinghua University, Kandit stands as an inspiring example for many international students aspiring to study in China.
Kandit completed his undergraduate degree in law at Thammasat University in Thailand. In 2023, he spent a year as an exchange student at Chongqing University, focusing on the Chinese language, before returning to Bangkok to work as a Chinese–Thai legal translator. During that year, he began preparing his scholarship applications — a process that would ultimately lead him to Tsinghua.
"I initially failed my first attempt at applying for the Chinese Government Scholarship," Kandit admitted. "That experience reminded him of the importance of preparing ahead of time. The following year, I planned ahead, refined my materials, and applied for the Tsinghua University tuition scholarship — and this time, I succeeded."
Finding the right information
According to Kandit, the first step in any scholarship application is thorough research. "I started by checking the official websites of the universities and the China Scholarship Council (CSC)," he explained. "It's crucial to read the most up-to-date requirements and policies".
He noted that different universities follow very different submission procedures — some only require uploading documents to the CSC platform, while others require passing the university’s own screening or interview before uploading to CSC.
He also joined online communities such as Facebook student groups and RedNote, where international students share their real experiences and advice. "Sometimes you find the most useful information from those who've been through the process," he added.
Preparing the application one year in advance
Kandit emphasized the importance of official instructions and preparing materials well in advance. "Each university has different requirements, from document formats to the number of recommendation letters," he said. "It's crucial to start early and double-check everything."
In Thailand, the police clearance certificate can only be processed in Bangkok, so applicants from other cities need extra planning time.”
He also suggested asking alumni when something is unclear, especially those who had studied the same program. "Their advice helped me avoid mistakes that could have jeopardized my application," he noted.
Writing a strong study plan
For Kandit, a study plan is more than just a formal requirement. He believes there is no single perfect template — everyone thinks differently, and what really matters is how you showcase your abilities.
He finds that the goal is to let the university, including the relevant committees, see your skills and potential, and to clearly outline your academic plans for the years ahead.
Preparing recommendation letters
When it came to recommendation letters, Kandit began early. "I chose professors were familiar with my academic performance," he recalled. "One of them asked me to draft the first version myself, which he then he revised and signed it. The other wrote his own version."
He arranged two recommendation letters a year in advance — one professor asked him to draft the first version, and the other wrote his own.
Lessons learned: The cost of not preparing early
He emphasized that applying as early as possible increases the chances of success — he submitted during the earliest application window.
Kandit shared the story of a classmate who failed to secure an interview due to poor timing. "His Chinese proficiency was even higher than mine," he said. "But he applied last minute after hearing that I was admitted to Tsinghua. Since he hadn't prepared his materials in advance, he missed the deadline and lost his 800 RMB application fee".
"Ability alone isn't enough," Kandit reflected. "You have to prepare early, plan your strategy, and be ready for every step."
Advice for future applicants
Kandit encourages prospective students to begin planning as early as possible and to utilize every available resource. "Start with the official information, then learn from others' experiences," he said. "The earlier you prepare, the higher your chances of success."
His journey — from a failed scholarship attempt to earning a tuition waiver at Tsinghua University — shows that, as he described, early planning mattered far more than last-minute effort.
