At 19, Vietnamese student Lâm Chi began her undergraduate studies at Fudan University after receiving the Confucius Institute Scholarship (CIS). Her journey highlights the importance of early preparation, reliable information sources, and careful management of application materials for international students seeking scholarships in China.
Originally from Vietnam, Lâm Chi is now enrolled in Fudan’s Chinese Language for Foreigners (Business Chinese) program, with an HSK Level 6 certificate.
The CIS covers a four-year study period, including tuition, accommodation, insurance, and a monthly stipend of 2,500 RMB, with funding subject to annual academic review.
Navigating multiple scholarships
Lâm Chi started her preparation long before submitting any applications. She first sought advice from seniors who had already been admitted to major Chinese universities.
“They advised me on what materials to prepare, what questions to ask, and how to avoid confusion when facing different requirements,” she said.
She then consulted official university websites and international student offices to compare scholarship information and confirm each program’s requirements.
During the application cycle, she applied to Nankai University, including for the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC). Although her CSC application was unsuccessful, Nankai redirected her to its own university-level scholarship.
Hoping to study and live in Shanghai, she also applied for the Confucius Institute Scholarship (CIS) at Fudan University. Ultimately, Fudan University admitted her with CIS support.
“The procedures and required documents vary widely across scholarships,” she noted. “That was the most challenging part.”
Building and managing a timeline
Lâm Chi described the early stage as crucial, involving research on scholarship policies, coverage, and eligible majors. She listed potential universities, checked their funding details, and planned her document preparation accordingly.
She believes common application materials includes passport, personal statement, study plan, recommendation letters, award certificates, and police clearance records. Among these, police certificates, were the most prone to delays.
For her study plan, she highlighted her achievements and future goals. “A good plan shows your strengths, what you’ve accomplished, and what you can bring to the university,” she said.
She contacted her teachers one to two weeks before submission. Both recommendation letters were written by instructors familiar with her academic performance.
Looking back, she attributes her success to meticulous preparation and diversifying her applications. “I was careful with every document, and applying to multiple scholarships gave me more options,” she said.
The scholarship has significantly reduced her financial burden, allowing her to focus on her coursework. “It ease living expenses and reduces the pressure on my family,” she said. “Now I can concentrate on my studies and prepare for the annual review.”
Advice for future applicants
To students preparing to apply for scholarships in China, she offered three pieces of advice:
- Begin preparations at least six months in advance.
- Seek guidance from reliable seniors or alumni.
- Apply to multiple universities and scholarship programs.
“If one application fails and you have no backup, you might lose the whole cycle,” she cautioned. Her experience, shows that for many applicants, early planning is not an option — it is the key factor determining success.
