When people talk about successful Indians abroad like Satya Nadella or Sundar Pichai, a common question arises: “They’re Indian, but are they really contributing to India’s progress?”
This thought often leads us to a bigger question—should Indian students look beyond India for education and research opportunities? I recently had the chance to study at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China through a summer exchange program. In this article, I’ll share my honest experience and what India can learn from China’s education system.
Why Tsinghua University?
- Tsinghua is among the top universities in Asia, often compared with Harvard, Stanford, and Oxford.
- Admission for Chinese students is extremely competitive—hundreds of times harder than IIT-JEE.
- For international students, the acceptance rate is much higher because fewer apply.
- Studying here means sitting alongside the brightest minds in China.
The Reality of Education in China
1. Extreme Competition and Rigor
- Chinese students prepare for years to crack national-level exams.
- During these exams, internet is shut down in certain regions to prevent cheating.
- Only a handful of students from entire provinces get admitted to Tsinghua.
👉 Compared to this, international students have a relatively easier entry path.
2. Massive Research Funding
- Universities provide huge budgets for research projects.
- If your research proposal is promising, funding is available almost instantly.
- The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) can cover:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses (housing, food, travel) for 4–5 years
- Condition: You must study in Mandarin.
3. Pride in Language
- Chinese universities insist on Mandarin because they are deeply proud of their culture.
- Surprisingly, despite the language barrier, locals are extremely accommodating:
- They often use translation apps to communicate.
- They treat international students as guests and make them feel welcome.
Job Opportunities in China
- For English Speakers: Huge demand.
- Example: A UK graduate I met earns ₹2 lakh/month teaching English right after her bachelor’s.
- For Tech/Engineering Students: Not as attractive.
- China already has massive local talent pools.
- Competing with their academic rigor is extremely tough.
👉 If you’re from tech, AI, or engineering, Europe or the US might be better.
👉 If you’re strong in English or humanities, China can be very rewarding.
What India Can Learn from China
1. Respect for Talent
- China values talent and research immensely.
- Instead of dismissing their AI startups as “fake,” India should focus on how China prioritizes innovation and R&D.
2. Sports Culture
- Every student participates in at least one sport.
- Tsinghua’s campus has basketball courts, tennis courts, and nightly sports activity.
- Contrast: In India, sports are optional; in China, they’re integral.
3. Food & Facilities
- Every building has its own cafeteria.
- Students can eat anywhere on campus using their scholarship card balance.
- Compared to India, the system is much more structured and student-friendly.
4. Collaboration & Networking
- The campus is buzzing with students open to collaboration.
- Even strangers approach you for conversations, often appreciating your background.
5. National Talent Programs
- China actively invests in its youth.
- Example: the “Thousand Talents Program” recruits the brightest Chinese minds from across the world back into the country.
Final Thoughts
Studying in China was a reality check for me. I realized that while India has incredible talent, we lack:
- Proper research funding,
- Respect for talent, and
- A unified vision for education.
China, on the other hand, is building a research-driven, talent-focused ecosystem.
👉 Should you study in China?
- Yes, if you’re open to learning Mandarin and want fully-funded research opportunities.
- No, if you’re aiming for English-speaking corporate or tech careers—Europe/US may be better.
At the end of the day, my biggest takeaway was this: India must learn to value research and talent the way China does. Only then can we truly compete at a global scale.