Nguyen Mai Chi, 24, will study logistics engineering and management at Tsinghua University's Shenzhen campus.

Shenzhen is renowned for its transportation industry and is known as the "warehouse" of the world. Tsinghua University, meanwhile, is a prestigious institution in China, ranked among the top 12 globally and leading in Asia, according to the 2025 THE World University Rankings.

She received a full scholarship from the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) program, covering tuition and living expenses.

Nguyen Mai Chi at her graduation ceremony from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in May. Photo: Provided by the subject

Nguyen Mai Chi at her graduation ceremony from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in May. Photo: Provided by the subject

Chi planned to study in China since her second year as a business administration student at the Foreign Trade University. With a HSK 5/6 certificate, an IELTS score of 8.0, and an excellent GPA, she received acceptance letters from three universities in 2022: Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, all with full scholarships.

She chose to pursue a master's degree in business administration at Shanghai Jiao Tong University to continue her undergraduate major. She was also drawn to the city's dynamic and international atmosphere, and the university's ranking among the top 5 in China, with significant government investment.

Chi admitted feeling pressured initially, knowing that the entry requirements for domestic students were generally higher than for international students.

"I studied alongside top students from various provinces and cities. Everyone was quietly competitive, studying and working from dawn until 9 or 10 p.m.", Chi recounted. To adapt to this intense study culture, she volunteered to be class president to interact more with her Chinese classmates. In her second year, she pursued internships and participated in business competitions and events to gain experience.

Associate Professor Giang Minh, head of the International Business Master's program at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, praised Chi as an exceptional student who understands theory and applies it practically. Her thesis, which explored optimization strategies in multinational supply chains, demonstrated both in-depth research skills and innovative thinking.

"Mai Chi possesses academic rigor, cultural adaptability, and strategic thinking, all essential for success in advanced logistics programs," Giang Minh said.

After graduating in May of this year, Chi worked at a financial institution. Her exposure to logistics sparked her interest, leading her to pursue further studies.

Now, with a clearer goal and a better understanding of the application process, Chi confidently applied to Tsinghua University and the CSC scholarship program. Her application included transcripts, her bachelor's degree, two letters of recommendation from Shanghai Jiao Tong University professors, a study plan, and documentation of her achievements and work experience.

After passing the initial screening, Chi was invited for an interview. According to Chi, the professors' questions focused on the information in her application, her professional skills, her studies, work experience, and life in China.

"Applicants need to be honest about themselves, have clear goals and directions, and be consistent with what they've written," Chi advised, declining to share specifics due to the university's confidentiality requirements.

From her experience and from assisting other applicants, Chi believes universities prioritize candidates' post-graduation career plans. This demonstrates a purposeful approach to education rather than simply applying to top-ranked schools.

Chi also advised against copying others' applications, emphasizing the importance of individuality. Instead, applicants should focus on their strengths and prepare the necessary requirements, such as GPA, HSK and IELTS scores, and relevant extracurricular activities.

"The key to a successful application is developing a suitable strategy and working diligently to achieve it," Chi said.

Doan Hung - Hai Yen