Mogadishu, Somalia – Today, Friends of China in Somalia – FOCs, in collaboration with Somali National University (Jaamacadda Ummadda Soomaaliyeed), successfully hosted our Study in China Orientation with a theme: “Unlocking Scholarship Application Skills”, bringing together prospective Somali students and academics preparing to pursue higher education in the People’s Republic of China.
A Gateway to Global Education
The orientation provided participants with practical guidance on the wide range of academic opportunities available at Chinese universities, one of the world’s fastest-growing hubs for higher education and innovation.
Attendees received comprehensive guidance on key topics, including:
- Scholarship opportunities available to Somali students through Chinese universities, MOFCOM and government programs
- University application procedures and admission requirements
- Visa application processes for prospective international students
- Life in China — covering academic culture, accommodation, and student support systems
- Career and research prospects available to graduates of Chinese institutions
The event reflects the deepening educational cooperation between Somalia and China, two nations that have enjoyed a long-standing friendship dating back to the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1960. In recent years, this partnership has expanded significantly in the field of higher education. Hundreds of Somali students now receive scholarships annually to study in China through programs such as the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and MOFCOM initiatives. Just last year, the Chinese Embassy in Somalia celebrated a record number of nearly 70 Somali students awarded scholarships to pursue their studies in China.
The “Study in China” Orientation builds on these efforts by preparing students to become successful scholars abroad and future contributors to Somalia’s reconstruction and development. Somali professionals who have studied in China now occupy key roles back home, particularly in medicine and engineering but also in government. Perhaps the most prominent example is Dr. Hodan Osman Abdi, a China-educated Somali alumna who was appointed Ambassador to China in 2024 . Dr. Hodan’s journey is a powerful illustration of the “alumni” role. She earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in China, and even worked as a researcher at a Chinese university.
Friends of China in Somalia extends its sincere appreciation to Somali National University for its collaboration and to all participants who made the event a memorable success. The organization looks forward to continuing its work in promoting educational and cultural exchanges between Somalia and China.
Author : Yasin JAMA is a co-founder to Friends of China in Somalia and a researcher on Sino-African relations based in Mogadishu.
