How to apply

General Prerequisites

English Language certificate

International English Language Testing System

• Types: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training
• Score validity: 02 years
• Score range: 0 to 9 band scale in 0.5 increments
• Test booking fee: PKR 39,440 for ISL, LHR,… (varies depending upon location)
• Skills / Knowledge tested: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
• Test occurrence: 3 – 4 times in a month
• Generally acceptable score: 6.5 – 7.0 overall band score (depends on HEI, country and program) 
• Results announcement: In 13 days for IELTS on paper and 3 – 5 days for IELTS on computer at the test center

  Links Registration portal IELTS Registration (britishcouncil.org) Few test material IELTS | Sample test questions  Good IELTS score https://magoosh.com/ielts/what-is-a-good-ielts-score/  Test Of English as a Foreign Language Types: TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Paper delivered Test

• Score validity: 02 years
• Score range: 0 -120
• Test booking fee: USD 200
• Skills / Knowledge tested: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
• Test occurrence: 3 – 4 times in a month
• Generally acceptable score: 90 – 110 (depends on HEI, country and program )
• Results announcement: 10 – 13 days after test date

  Registration portal https://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/register  Few test material & Acceptable score Test Preparation for the TOEFL iBT Test (ets.org) What is an Average TOEFL Score? – Magoosh Blog – TOEFL®️ Test

Qualifications comparison certificate

 

Graduate Record Examinations

• Types: GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test
• Score validity: 05 years
• Score range: 260 – 340
• Test booking fee: USD 205
• Skills / Knowledge tested: Analytical writing, Quantitative reasoning, Verbal reasoning
• Test occurrence: Year round
• Generally acceptable score: 300 – 320 depends on HEI, country and program )
• Results announcement: 10 – 15 days after test date

Registration portal GRE Test Registration (ets.org) Few test material Prepare for the GRE General Test (ets.org)

Recommendation or reference letter

 A recommendation or reference letter is a document written by someone who can vouch for an individual’s qualifications, skills, character, or achievements. These letters are typically provided to support an individual’s application for a job, educational program, scholarship, internship, or other opportunities. Recommendation letters play a crucial role in helping the recipient, such as an employer or admissions committee, assess an applicant’s suitability and potential.

• Types of letter: Academic and Non Academic
• Who to ask: A responsible academic who has taught you or personal tutor
• Essential attributes of letter: Introduction, Professional Success, Personal testimony, Closing
• Modes of letter: Printed sealed with signature, Email, On line form

Here are key points about recommendation/reference letters:

• Authorship: Recommendation letters are written by individuals who are well-acquainted with the applicant’s qualifications and character. These individuals are often referred to as “references” or “recommendation providers.”
• Content: A typical recommendation letter includes information about the reference’s relationship with the applicant, details about the applicant’s strengths and qualifications, examples of their accomplishments or abilities, and a personal endorsement of the applicant’s suitability for the position or opportunity.
• Purpose: These letters serve several purposes, such as helping employers assess a job candidate’s qualifications, assisting admissions committees in evaluating applicants for educational programs, and supporting scholarship applications. They provide an external perspective on the applicant’s abilities and character.
• Customization: Recommendation letters should be tailored to the specific opportunity or purpose for which they are written. The content may vary based on the nature of the position or program being applied to.
• Confidentiality: In some cases, recommendation letters may be kept confidential and submitted directly by the reference to the recipient. In other cases, they may be shared with the applicant, allowing them to review the content before submission.
• Significance: Strong and well-written recommendation letters can significantly impact an applicant’s chances of success. They provide valuable insights into an applicant’s qualifications and character that may not be evident from other application materials.
• Professionalism: Both the content and format of a recommendation letter should maintain a professional and respectful tone. References should focus on specific examples and avoid personal or irrelevant information.
• Typically, individuals asked to provide recommendation letters should have a close professional or academic relationship with the applicant. Common sources of recommendation letters include supervisors, professors, mentors, colleagues, or other individuals who can speak to the applicant’s qualifications and character. These letters are an essential part of the application process and can carry significant weight in decision-making.

Sample LOR 1 I am writing this letter at the request of Miss Soha Salman, who is applying for MEng ( at Singapore University of Technology and Design ( SUTD)..( I had the opportunity to observe Miss Soha’s personality and academic career in the last two years of her undergraduate Electrical Engineering degree program as his teacher and final year project supervisor As an instructor, I have always found an eagerness in her to learn and explore the subject at hand She studied the course of Digital Signal Processing from me, in which she always came prepared in the lectures and remained responsive in the classroom interactions She performed exceptionally well in her final year project, the “Development of Drone Detection Surveillance System,” which involved advanced knowledge of Machine Learning and Audio Signal processing, showing the analytical and creative abilities typical of those with a strong engineering background In her final year, Soha distinguished herself from the other graduating students She won the National Technology Ignite funding for her project and published an IEEE conference article based on her project findings ..(Professional Success) Miss Soha also possesses a supportive, understanding and accommodating, yet witty and cheerful nature that helps him maintain a very charming and lively environment around him Besides education, she is also very active in extra curricular activities and has participated in various national events ..(Personal Testimony) Based on my observations, I would keep Miss Soha among the top 1 of the students and recommend her highly for the postgraduate studies She has essential engineering skills and research aptitude, which are required to perform well in the research oriented programs Therefore, I highly recommend Miss Soha for postgraduate study programs and scholarships . (Closing) Sample LOR 2 It gives me a great pleasure to recommend Mr Muhammad Haris an individual of exceptional talent, for JEMARO Erasmus Mundus Master programme on Japan Europe Master on Advanced Robotics ( I have known Haris for more than three years in the capacity of his teacher and mentor He is an exceptionally hardworking, motivated and self directed individual I can still remember our first interaction during the entrepreneurship project assignment interviews, where based on his enthusiasm and self learned software development skills, the idea of developing a solution for tracking the university transportation system was discussed with him He not only conceived the exact idea but also developed in less than a months’ time, a real time GPS based university transportation tracking solution, accessible through a mobile application In his final year of the undergraduate degree program, I again witnessed his brilliance when he successfully defended and presented an AI based autonomous drone network for surveillance and goods transportation as his final year project The project was awarded the second prize by the industrial evaluators in the university electrical engineering project exhibition of 2018 He clearly distinguished himself from the other students as he participated and won many business idea competitions ..(Professional Success) Haris also possesses a supportive, understanding and accommodating, yet witty and cheerful nature which helps him in maintaining a very charming and lively environment around him He enjoyed the general credibility in the department as he used to orient all the incoming batches of our undergraduate program on an informal level ..(Personal Testimony) Keeping in view all these aspects, I would strongly recommend Haris for the JEMARO Masters programme Considering his perseverance, clarity of goals, intellectual capacity and a strong background in Electrical automation, I have a firm belief that he would perform exceptionally well You are welcome to contact me if you need any further clarification regarding him .(Closing) To get a successful letter

1. Choose referees carefully based on the subject area you are applying for
2. Retain ample amount of time for letters
3. Where possible, seek permission in person before mentioning or giving referees name in application
4. Provide referee with the following: 

• Sample recommendation letter
• Updated version of CV
• Scholarship application form
• Short paragraphs of your achievements

1. Give a gentle reminder of application deadline to the referee

Motivation Letter

A motivation letter, also known as a motivational letter or a statement of purpose, is a document typically submitted as part of an application for a job, educational program, scholarship, or other opportunities. Its primary purpose is to explain the applicant’s motivation, qualifications, and reasons for pursuing the specific opportunity. Here are the key components of a motivation letter:

• Introduction: Begin with a formal salutation and a concise introduction that states the purpose of the letter.
• Personal Background: Share relevant personal information, such as your name, contact details, and any pertinent background details, such as your current studies or employment.
• Motivation: Explain why you are interested in the opportunity and why it matters to you. Highlight your passion and enthusiasm for the field or position.
• Qualifications: Discuss your qualifications, skills, and experiences that make you a suitable candidate. Relate your background to the specific requirements of the opportunity.
• Achievements: Mention any notable achievements, awards, or recognition you’ve received that are relevant to the application.
• Future Goals: Explain how the opportunity aligns with your long-term goals and how it will contribute to your personal and professional development.
• Fit: Describe why you believe you are an excellent fit for the position or program. Highlight how your background and aspirations match the organization’s or institution’s values and mission.
• Closing: Express your gratitude for considering your application and your eagerness to move forward in the selection process.
• Signature: Sign the letter if it’s a printed document. If it’s an email or an online application, a formal closing such as “Sincerely” followed by your name suffices.

Remember to keep the letter concise, well-structured, and tailored to the specific opportunity you are applying for. It should reflect your genuine enthusiasm and passion for the opportunity while showcasing your qualifications and suitability for it.  The most important document of your application which can turn the tables around by directly influencing the scholarship awarding committee Few essential attributes  

1. Introduction, an impression of who you are
2. Reason for applying in that particular program 

Make yourself aware of the program and its contribution towards your goals

1. Why you are the right person for that particular applied program

 Knowledge, Skills, Relevant professional experience, Personal traits 

1. Professional goal and how you are different from other with same education
2. Contribution to your society after completion of your applied program

 

• Your motivation letter and CV echo 
• A motivation letter is a copy of another and not unique or personal
• Forgetting to proofread
• Writing your letter at the last moment in a single sitting
• The letter is too general, not written for a specific scholarship or university program
• Not answering the questions
• Having a boring introduction
• Trying to make too many points without examples or facts

 

Research Proposal

A concise and coherent summary of your proposed research

• Purpose: To demonstrate your aptitude of research and ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, concisely and critically
• Essential Components

1. Title 
2. Research Context
3. Literature Review 
4.  Aims and Objectives
5. Methodology

Make or break document for project based and departmental scholarship applications

Educational Documents

They depend on your level are different: For bachelor:

• High school diploma certificate
• Grades record

For master:

• Bachelor certificate 
• Graded record

For PH.D.

• Master certificate
• Grades record
• Additional documents

 

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A curriculum vitae is a short written summary of a person’s career, qualifications, and education. You can write about your work history, experiences, skills and expertise. These specializations can include training courses, software skills and etc.   

Starting scholarship hunt: Do you have?

Different form of scholarships

Not all scholarships are created equally

• Partial cash grants 

• Tuition fee waive – off only

• Living expenditures only

• Fully – funded (fixed)

• Fully – funded including allowances

  Suitability for a particular candidate depends highly on one’s financial situation, country of the program, family status, institution

General types of scholarships / grants

• Student – Origin Specific

Scholarships specifically aimed at Pakistani students offered independently by foreign universities and institutions

• Limited number and generally a partial grant or certain tuition fee waiver
• Few scholarships (NOT ALL) given in:

Scholarships for Pakistani Students | Top Universities  Scholarships for Pakistani students through MOU signed between foreign universities and HEC

• Maintenance allowance and certain tuition fee waiver

Guideline for Country Wise Overseas Scholarships Guideline for Country Wise Overseas Scholarships (hec.gov.pk)

• Local Government Funded

Scholarships offered by Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC)

• Will generally require a NTS test
• Fully funded (Fixed) with average allowance
• 4 – 5 years of bond is required to ensure service to the country after completion of
• studies
• Quota based and profession based scholarships

https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/scholarshipsgrants/Pages/InternationalScholarships.aspx 

• Foreign Government Funded

  Scholarships offered by different governments through their organizations to study generally at the university of your choice in that country

• Most prestigious and best scholarships
• Generally Fully funded (Tuition fee and maintenance allowance) with additional allowances offered
• Offered by developed countries every year for specific countries with strict deadlines and highly competitive selection procedures

Few of the best fully-funded scholarships

  These deadlines are for scholarship applications, where most of them require admission letter or correspondence from HEI in that country which have different deadlines

Links of foreign government funded scholarship

Fulbright: USEFP – Fulbright Degree  Commonwealth UK: Scholarships – Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (fcdo.gov.uk) Chevening: Pakistan (Chevening Scholarship) | Chevening  AUS Awards: Pakistan Australia Awards intake information | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (dfat.gov.au)  DAAD: DAAD Scholarship Programmes for Pakistan – DAAD Pakistan SISS: Scholarship for Global Professionals | Svenska institutet Erasmus Mundus: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (organisations) | Erasmus+ (europa.eu) SWISS Excellence: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (admin.ch) NZAID: Scholarships for international tertiary students | MFAT Scholarships (nzscholarships.govt.nz) MEXT: MEXT RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIP 2024 (for Masters and Ph.D) | Embassy of Japan in Pakistan (emb-japan.go.jp) GIST: GIST Scholarships<Financial Support   

• University / Departmental Funded

Top 25 University Scholarships Open to ALL* International Students 2023-2024 | Scholars4Dev Scholarships offered by nearly every top ranked university of the developed countries

• Open to postgraduate students in any subject offered at that HEI
• Fully funded and Partially funded scholarships
• Needs to be applied at the time of admission and generally needs recommendation by the prospective supervisor
• Departmental based are generally offered by the academics for a particular project
• Countless options available around the globe

How to establish contact with potential supervisor through the email

Contacting potential supervisor for admission and scholarship applications

Your first impression is the most critical one, unless your email is properly narrated, it is going straight to trash folder To avoid this

• Write to someone with approximately the correct expertise in your area of interest
• Your email should be tailored to the academic’s area of interest and refer to their current work
• Take time over writing your introductory email Be polite and use proper English with salutations without any mistake
• Highlight your strengths and technical papers if you have
• Include information regarding the funding
• Don’t just attach CV, establish contact first

Common Myths: Is this stopping you?

Tuition fee waive off scholarships are not good There are many other ways to get maintenance allowance Partial supports, bursaries, TA ships, Lab demonstration jobs, Project work, Tuitions, Odd Jobs. These options vary and depend on HEI and country My chances are very less with so many applications Government funded scholarships are generally most competitive due to good publicity and being well renowned Apply in other scholarships as well. The more you apply, higher are your chances My GPA is low to compete in the scholarships Do not give up so easily GPA is just one aspect which can be overshadowed by other application components and scores in your GRE and IELTS etc Play to your strengths, not every subject will have a low GPA Having a killer GPA alone does never ensure or increases your chances of getting scholarship Foreign Supervisors don’t respond to the emails During my undergraduate studies at LUMS, I was heavily involved in student activities, leadership roles and social projects requiring spending months in rural areas In addition to working at a small village for almost 10 months in my junior year (during which time I used to spend my complete weekends at the village and weekdays travelling between college and the village) I organised orientation weeks, TEDx LUMS, headed the student council, lead my team to the second place at a national business plan competition, worked at the United Nations, and interned at several multi national companies such as Pepsi and Nestle etc In my final year, I also assisted a non profit startup, MAKTAB, to aid more village students with their educational needs by collaborating with big NGOs Seeing an invaluable opportunity in the growing educational technology space, I have been working with them to make this a success and have been currently putting tremendous effort in partnering with other non profits and human rights organisations looking for capital and developing the business plan. Although these leadership experiences taught me many valuable lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and business intelligence, I learnt the very important lesson of maintaining balance I lost academic focus and my grades suffered in my sophomore and junior years Thus, I do not view my undergraduate performance during these two years as an accurate representation of my academic abilities However I have now set things right and in my last semester I got a GPA of 3 5 and scored 316 on the crucial GRE exam with a 110 on the TOEFL, which is a better reflection of my potential to succeed in an academic setting while working in an analytical and complex job I hope these experiences will help me become a business graduate at Columbia business school, which has been my dream destination I’m sure that I can achieve my goals by benefiting from its enriching program. Taken from https://brightlinkprep.com/overcome-low-gpa-fulbright-application/   

Lets start applying

PREPARE

1. 1Prepare for the language certificate and give either IELTS or TOEFL (Some countries e g China, Japan, etc do not require English language certificate for their offered scholarships)
2. Prepare and give GRE if you are targeting particularly USA Though GRE does reflect your academic aptitude, it is generally not required and optional in most scholarships offered around the globe
3. Prepare Write, Review through feedback, Proof Read multiple times your Motivation Letter Statement of Purpose Research Proposal (for PhD applicants), and CV Also prepare samples of Letter of Recommendations
4. Meet the potential academics for recommendation letters and to take their consent for mentioning their names as referees in scholarship applications
5. Attest all your educational documents if intending to apply for HEC funded or HEC managed foreign scholarships

Search

1. Sign up for few of the following scholarship search engines and set your preferences by applying suitable filters

• 2023/2024 Master, Postgraduate, PhD scholarships and grants, Postdoctoral positions | scholarshipdb.net 
• Scholarship Positions | The World’s #1 Scholarship Website (scholarship-positions.com)
• Jobs | Job Search | Job Vacancies on jobs.ac.uk
• International Scholarships for International Students 2023-2024 | Scholars4Dev
• Find money for your education among 12,320 scholarships, grants and awards | EFG – European Funding Guide (european-funding-guide.eu)

 

1. You cannot apply in every scholarship offered out there Search and take intelligent decisions to shortlist the scholarships (University Funded, Government Funded, HEC Funded) related to your field of subject and preferences Go through the eligibility criteria

APPLY

1. Note down the deadlines for the shortlisted scholarships of your interest
2. For PhD candidates, establish the communication with the academic in the university for their consent to act as a potential supervisor and feedback in the scholarship application
3. Check the scholarship application requirement and if desired, take the conditional admission in the university Some universities have strict admission deadlines as well
4. Fill in the scholarship application Take your time as every question is important and has weightage in decision
5. Apply for the scholarship and…

 

How they evaluate us

2019 MSc(CivilEng) University of Engineering & Technology Taxilia, Pakistan, 2yrs complete, GPA 3.92/4 = UWA 75 79%. Thesis completed weight 6/6 credits (ie. 100%) in final yr, 6/30 credits (ie. 20%) overall, grade “approved”. Comparable to Aust Master degree (CEP Sec 2) 2017 BSc(CivilEng) Bahauddin Zakariya Uni, Pakistan, 4yrs complete, WAM 84.96% = UWA 80+. Comparable to Aust Bachelor degree (CEP Sec) WAM in qualifying degree is comparable to UWA H2A, graduation date 10 June 2019 SARP:(i) jrnl pub +0.5; (ii) res exp +0; (iii) prize/patent +0; (iv) conf pub +0; (v) acad esteem +? FARP: (i) esteem +0; (ii) domain know ? (iii) gender +0; (iv) SRP?   2017 MSc(CivilEng ) , Uni of Engineering & Technology Taxila , Pakistan 2.5yrs part time, GPA 3.37/4.0 = UWA 70 74%. Thesis completed weight 6/6 credits ( ie 100%) in final year, 6/30 credits ( ie 20%) credits overall; grade “ungraded pass”. Comparable to Aust. Master. 2012 BSc( CivilEng ) , Uni of Engineering & Technology Taxila , Pakistan 4yrs complete, GPA 3.08/4.0. Comparable to Aust. Bachelor. WAM in qualifying degree comparable to low UWA H2A , graduation date 28 Apr 2017 Undeclared current PhD candidate @ UET Taxila according to ResearchGate SARP : i ) jrnl pub +1 ( C1x2 ); (ii) res exp ?; (iii) prize/patent +; (iv) conf pub +0; (v) acad esteem +0 FARP : i ) esteem +0; (ii) domain know ? (iii) gender +2; (iv) SRP   Do you know you can directly apply for the PhD having 3.5 CGPA in your undergraduate……..Strange????  

Benefits of studying abroad

Studying abroad can offer a wide range of benefits, both academically and personally. Here are some of the key advantages of studying abroad:  

• Global Perspective: Studying in a foreign country exposes you to new cultures, languages, and perspectives. This firsthand experience can broaden your worldview and enhance your understanding of global issues.
• Academic Excellence: Many universities and colleges around the world offer high-quality education and specialized programs in various fields. Studying abroad can provide access to academic resources and faculty expertise that may not be available in your home country.
• Language Skills: Immersion in a foreign culture allows you to improve your language skills quickly. Being proficient in another language can be a valuable asset in both your academic and professional life.
• Cultural Enrichment: Living in a different culture provides opportunities to explore museums, art, history, cuisine, and traditions unique to that region. This cultural enrichment can be a life-changing experience.
• Networking: Studying abroad allows you to build a global network of friends, mentors, and colleagues. These connections can be invaluable in your future career and personal life.
• Personal Growth: Living independently in a foreign country fosters personal growth and self-reliance. It challenges you to adapt to new environments, problem-solve, and become more resilient.
• Enhanced Career Opportunities: Employers often value international experience. Studying abroad can set you apart in the job market and demonstrate qualities such as adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and independence.
• Expanded Horizons: Traveling and studying in different countries can lead to a sense of adventure and curiosity, encouraging you to explore more of the world throughout your life.
• Personal Development: Overcoming the challenges of living in a foreign culture can boost your self-confidence and self-esteem. You’ll become more adaptable and open-minded.
• Unique Experiences: You’ll have the opportunity to participate in activities and experiences that may not be available in your home country, such as outdoor adventures, festivals, and cultural events.
• Resume Building: Including international experience on your resume can make it more appealing to future employers, particularly if you’ve studied at prestigious institutions or in unique programs.
• Life Skills: Living independently in a foreign country requires strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. These skills are transferable and can benefit you throughout your life.
• Personal Satisfaction: The sense of accomplishment that comes from navigating a foreign environment, successfully completing your studies, and making lifelong memories can be immensely satisfying.

It’s important to note that the specific benefits of studying abroad can vary depending on the country, program, and individual experiences. While studying abroad can offer numerous advantages, it also comes with challenges and requires careful planning and preparation. Overall, it can be a transformative and rewarding experience for those who choose to pursue it.