XJTLU student¡¯s path to a fully funded PhD

Weiquan Chen began his academic journey at Xi¡¯an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) with a MA in International Business and Global Affairs at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS). In January 2025, he was awarded a full scholarship to pursue a PhD in HSS, focusing on policy transfer.

In this interview, Chen shares insights into the PhD application, research publication, and how to make the most of opportunities at XJTLU.

Weiquan Chen (left) and Professor Youmin Xi (right)

Q: How did your experience in the master¡¯s programme help prepare you for your PhD?

A: I hadn¡¯t initially planned to pursue a PhD, but my mater¡¯s experience changed my mind. Unlike my undergraduate studies in marketing which were mainly course-based and focused on lectures and exams, XJTLU offered a research-driven environment.

I was exposed to academic workshops and seminars led by scholars from diverse backgrounds and institutions, which deepened my understanding of research and shifted my student mindset to that of an independent researcher.

Writing and publishing my dissertation was crucial in preparing for my PhD. It not only strengthened my research skills but also allowed me to engage directly with academia, which gave me a sense of belonging in the academic community.

Beyond research, XJTLU provided an invaluable platform for building connections with scholars in my field, which opened doors to potential collaborations and professional growth. Looking back, the two most significant takeaways from my master¡¯s journey are research and networking ¨C both continue to shape my academic path.

Weiquan Chen (left)

Q: What helped you secure the scholarship for your PhD studies, and are there any funding opportunities that master¡¯s students can apply for?

A: At XJTLU, PhD funding generally falls into two main categories: existing funded projects and funding opportunities where you apply with your own research project. Information about available scholarships and funding is regularly updated on XJTLU¡¯s official website.

Competition for funding is intense, so preparation is crucial. To increase your chances, the priority is to have a strong academic performance and develop a well-structured, innovative research proposal which aligns with the expertise of potential supervisors.

Since funding is often tied to specific research projects, supervisors play a key role in deciding who receives support. I advise students to approach potential supervisors early, express their genuine interests in research, and demonstrate a strong commitment to their proposed project. Being proactive, humble, and professional in these interactions can leave a positive impression.

Lastly, stay engaged and responsive throughout the application process, because scholarship opportunities are competitive and sometimes time-sensitive.

Weiquan Chen and his dog

Q: What advice do you have for successfully publishing research?

A: Publishing research is a challenging and lengthy journey, often taking six months to a year or even longer. For master¡¯s students aiming for a PhD, the dissertation is usually the most suitable work to publish. To maximise your chances, make sure your dissertation is of high quality, ideally at a level that can be accepted by a peer-reviewed journal with minimal revisions.

Once you submit your paper to a journal, be patient and persistent. Rejection is common at the desk-review stage, so don¡¯t be discouraged. If you receive feedback for revisions, consult your dissertation supervisor on how to address the comments effectively and revise your paper until eventual acceptance.

XJTLU is very supportive of student research and offers academic funding that covers costs like open-access publication fees. Additionally, if you choose the open-access route, don¡¯t hesitate to communicate with journal editors about potential fee discounts to reduce financial burdens.

By Yiyi Gu

Edited by Katharina Zhu and Xinmin Han

Photos courtesy of Weiquan Chen