Five former students of Bangladesh University of Textiles (Butex) have secured Chinese Government Scholarships for the 2026–27 academic year to pursue postgraduate studies at universities in China.

The scholarships, administered by the China Scholarship Council (CSC), support international students pursuing higher education and research in China. Depending on the category, the benefits may include tuition fees, accommodation, medical insurance and a monthly stipend.

Md Ziaur Rahman, a graduate of the 46th batch of the Department of Fabric Engineering, will pursue a master’s degree in Textile Engineering at Donghua University in Shanghai under the fully funded scholarship.

Rahman was working at a textile factory when he received the scholarship. He said the opportunity would allow him to transition from professional work to higher studies while receiving financial support through the monthly stipend and other benefits.

He applied to Donghua University after exploring different institutions and contacting the university by email. His IELTS score and academic results were among the factors considered during the application process.

Rahman said the university has separate laboratories for master’s and PhD students under faculty supervision, equipped with instruments for sample preparation and research-related experimentation.

He suggested that Butex expand its undergraduate research facilities, particularly by introducing more equipment for sample preparation and practical experimentation to provide students with greater hands-on experience.

Md Rakib Hasan Gazi, a graduate of the 42nd batch of the Department of Yarn Engineering, has secured the scholarship to pursue a Master of Science in Textile Engineering at Wuhan Textile University.

“Pursuing higher education in Textile Engineering and Advanced Materials has been a long-standing dream of mine. Getting the opportunity to study at a university with internationally recognised research facilities is an important milestone towards making that dream a reality,” Gazi said.

He advised students interested in pursuing higher studies in China to maintain a good CGPA and develop a strong academic and research profile. Research papers, conference publications and project experience can strengthen applications, he said.

Gazi also recommended exploring the research interests of prospective universities and faculty members, contacting potential supervisors and preparing application documents well ahead of deadlines.

He said IELTS or TOEFL scores could be advantageous for programmes taught in English, while learning basic Chinese could help students communicate and adjust to everyday life in the country.

Gazi identified language barriers, unfamiliar food and weather conditions as some of the initial challenges of living in China. He said translation applications, learning essential Chinese phrases, finding suitable food options and wearing weather-appropriate clothing helped him adjust.

Mehedi Hasan Emon, a graduate of the 45th batch of the Department of Fabric Engineering, has secured the scholarship to pursue a Master of Engineering in Textile Engineering at Donghua University.

Emon said he had planned to pursue higher education after completing his undergraduate studies and gaining professional experience in the textile industry.

He said his application process involved researching universities and scholarship requirements, preparing academic documents, a CV, a study plan and recommendation letters, and completing IELTS preparations. He subsequently submitted his application and completed the required medical examinations and other formalities.

Advising current students, Emon emphasised the importance of preparing during undergraduate studies. Maintaining a good academic record, participating in research and extracurricular activities, developing a strong CV and preparing a clear study plan can improve applicants’ prospects, he said.

He also highlighted the importance of maintaining communication with faculty members for recommendation letters and independently researching scholarship requirements and universities. Financial limitations, he added, should not discourage students from applying for international opportunities.

Hasan Mazharul Haque, a graduate of the 42nd batch of the Department of Yarn Engineering, is currently pursuing an MSc in Textile Engineering at Wuhan Textile University under the fully funded Type B category of the Chinese Government Scholarship.

Haque said his interest in research developed during his undergraduate studies at Butex. His work on fibre composites, sustainable materials, recycling, waste management and textile sustainability helped shape his research interests.

He said his research experience and a postgraduate study plan aligned with his academic interests helped strengthen his application, although he did not attribute his success to any single factor.

Haque advised students to complement their academic performance with research skills, English communication abilities and awareness of international higher education opportunities.

He also encouraged applicants to focus on developing fundamental research skills and understanding their work rather than prioritising the number of certificates or research publications.

According to Haque, students can develop scholarship applications based on their individual qualifications, interests and goals by setting realistic plans and working consistently towards them.

Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman Shawon, a graduate of the 44th batch of the Department of Industrial and Production Engineering (IPE), is pursuing postgraduate studies at Wuhan Textile University under the Type B category of the Chinese Government Scholarship.

Shawon said receiving the scholarship was a significant moment for his family, as he was the first member to get the opportunity to pursue higher education abroad.

He said his experience as a research assistant at Butex and North South University helped develop his interest in research.

“My desire to explore research opportunities and gain hands-on experience in advanced laboratories motivated me to pursue higher education in China,” he said.

At Wuhan Textile University, Shawon has the opportunity to work with advanced materials such as aerogels in a research environment equipped with specialised facilities.

He described the CSC scholarship as an opportunity for Butex students who may have had limited access to research or publication opportunities during their undergraduate studies but plan to pursue a PhD in the future. Such scholarships can provide international research exposure and support students’ academic and professional development, he said.

Shawon said neither a language proficiency test nor prior knowledge of Chinese was mandatory in his case. However, he believes learning the host country’s language can help international students better understand its culture, people’s perspectives and research environment.