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The China Oxford Scholarship Fund (COSF), founded in 1992 in Hong Kong, was set up to enable Chinese students to pursue their studies at the University of Oxford.
In 2010, the COSF Awards Panel received 115 applicants, nearly double the number of applicants received in 2008.
Competition amongst the students, therefore, is fierce. Over the years, the abilities of the applicants have significantly improved.
“The difference is huge,” Zhang Zhe, one of the members of the COSF Award panel in Beijing, tells China Daily. “Before, at times, during interviews, applicants would not be able to follow a question or would entirely misunderstand something we said.”
“Now, compared to five years ago, today’s applicants have brilliant communication skills. They can speak English much more fluently,” Zhang says, “the student’s are now well prepared, eloquent and interactive.”
Furthermore, Chinese now have a greater balance between extra-curricular activities and academic studies.
“Previously a lot of the students, especially those who studied science and engineering, stayed holed up in their labs all the time,” says Zhang.
Ren Yuheng, an applicant wishing to pursue multimedia retrieval in Oxford, challenges this image of the one-track minded student ensconced in a pile of books.
Aside from his experiences as the president of his student union and internships at Microsoft Asia, Ren is an avid ice hockey player and enjoys playing other sports.
“My father’s motto is ‘Don’t be idle’”, Ren told the panel during his interview.
Chosen courses of study at Oxford have also changed over the years, from languages, comparative studies and international trade to more emphasis on scientific research and technology, and the finance industry.
The COSF says it not only looks for academic excellence, it also puts great emphasis on finding students who will stimulate, formulate and drive the changes which will come to all parts of society in China’s 21st century.
Zhang pursued a master’s degree in law at Oxford after being awarded a scholarship by the COSF. Now, he is the deputy director of the European affairs department of the Ministry of Commerce.
“Whether or not they become senior managers of a hotel, CEOs in the finance industry, or trend setters in the fashion world, the main goal is that they apply what they learnt at Oxford and contribute to the future of China,” Zhang says.
