Five BUTEX alumni win Chinese Government Scholarships, studying at Donghua and Wuhan

The Chinese government offers scholarships to foreign students every year to expand opportunities for higher education and research. Among them is the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS), administered through the China Scholarship Council (CSC). Depending on the type and conditions of the scholarship, it covers tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance and a monthly stipend.

Five former students of Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX) have won this scholarship for the 2026–27 academic year. They are studying, or have gained the opportunity to study, at postgraduate level in textile engineering at China's Donghua University and Wuhan Textile University.

Md Ziaur Rahman, a student of the 46th batch of BUTEX's Department of Fabric Engineering, is doing his postgraduate studies in textile engineering at Donghua University in Shanghai, China. He received the opportunity under the Chinese government's fully funded scholarship. At the time he won the scholarship, he was working at a factory.

About his application process, Ziaur Rahman said that after researching various universities he applied to Donghua University and completed the application process by email. He said his IELTS score and academic results were considered in the application.

Speaking about Donghua University's laboratories, Ziaur Rahman said there are separate labs under professors for master's and PhD-level research, and because those labs have equipment for making different kinds of samples, students can prepare samples as their research requires. In his view, BUTEX needs to expand such sample-making equipment and practical research opportunities at undergraduate level.

Md Rakib Hasan Gazi, a former student of the 42nd batch of BUTEX's Department of Yarn Engineering, has gained the opportunity to study in the Master of Science programme in textile engineering at Wuhan Textile University in China under the same scholarship. Rakib said it is an important milestone towards realising his long-held dream of higher education in textile engineering and advanced materials.

Addressing those interested in higher studies in textile subjects in China, Rakib said that alongside maintaining a good CGPA, research papers, conference publications and project experience can strengthen an application. It is also important to learn about the research areas of the chosen university's department and professors, contact them, and keep the necessary documents ready on time. He added that IELTS or TOEFL scores can help for English-taught courses, and learning basic Chinese can help in daily life. Although he saw the language difference, food and weather as challenges after arriving in China, he said they could be managed by using translation apps and practising essential Chinese sentences.

Mehedi Hasan Emon, a former student of the 45th batch of BUTEX's Department of Fabric Engineering, has gained the opportunity to study in the Master of Engineering programme in textile engineering at Donghua University under the CSC scholarship. About his application process, he said he first researched suitable universities and the scholarship conditions; then prepared his academic documents, CV, study plan and recommendation letters, completed the necessary preparation including IELTS, submitted the application through the prescribed process and completed the medical and other formalities.

Addressing current students, Emon said that to go for higher education through a scholarship, it is essential to start preparing from undergraduate level, maintain good academic results and stay involved in research and co-curricular activities. He also advised strengthening one's CV, preparing a clear study plan and keeping good contact with teachers for recommendation letters. He urged students not to step back from their dreams because of financial limitations.

Hasan Mazharul Haque, a former student of the 42nd batch of BUTEX's Department of Yarn Engineering, is studying in the MSc programme in textile engineering at Wuhan Textile University. He received a fully funded scholarship in the Type B category of the Chinese Government Scholarship, which covers tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance and a monthly stipend. Hasan said his work experience at BUTEX on fibre composites, sustainable materials, recycling, waste management and textile durability clarified his research interest.

Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman Shawon, a former student of the 44th batch of BUTEX's Department of Industrial and Production Engineering (IPE), is doing his master's at Wuhan Textile University under the Type B category of the same scholarship. As the first member of his family to go abroad for higher education, he described the achievement as a moment of emotion and pride for himself and his family. His experience working as a research assistant at BUTEX and North South University built his interest in research, and Shawon said he has had the opportunity to work in a world-class laboratory at Wuhan Textile University on advanced materials such as aerogel. In his case, a language test or knowing Chinese was not mandatory for coming to China.