PhD Electrical Engineering Student Abid Afridi from Pakistan Shares His Journey of Studying at Aalto University, Finland

My name is Abid Afridi, and I am originally from the Khyber district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. I completed my bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (Telecommunications) at the University of Science and Technology Bannu, Pakistan, where I graduated with a CGPA of 3.41 and ranked among the top 5% of my class. Building on that foundation, I pursued a master’s degree at the University of Ulsan, South Korea, which broadened both my technical depth and my international academic exposure. I am currently a doctoral student at Aalto University in Finland, where my research focuses on wireless communications, particularly resource allocation and network slicing in non-terrestrial networks.

My decision to pursue further education was driven by a genuine curiosity about how next-generation communication systems can be designed to be more intelligent, efficient, and resilient. Each step in my academic journey, from Pakistan to South Korea and now to Finland, has reinforced that motivation and shaped me into the researcher I am today.

Marie Skłodowska-curie Doctoral Fellowship Details

During my bachelor’s studies, I was awarded a fully funded scholarship by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, which recognized my academic performance and supported my undergraduate education in full.

Upon completing my bachelor’s degree, I received multiple prestigious offers for postgraduate study, including the CSC Scholarship (China), the TGGS-DAAD Scholarship from the Thai-German Graduate School, and a professor-funded scholarship. After carefully evaluating these opportunities, I chose to pursue my master’s degree at the University of Ulsan, South Korea, under a professor-funded research scholarship.

For my doctoral studies, I was offered PhD positions from several renowned institutions across Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Canada, and Finland. Among these, I selected the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Fellowship, one of the most prestigious research funding programs in Europe, and joined Aalto University in Finland, where I am currently working as a Doctoral Researcher.

Educational Background

I completed my bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (Telecommunications) at the University of Science and Technology Bannu, Pakistan, with a CGPA of 3.41, placing in the top 5% of my class. I then pursued my master’s degree at the University of Ulsan, South Korea, graduating with a CGPA of 3.88, during which I published several peer-reviewed conference and journal papers that strengthened my research foundation. Currently, I am a doctoral researcher at the School of Electrical Engineering, Aalto University, Finland.

How Did You Find Information About Marie Skłodowska-curie Doctoral Fellowship and Aalto University?

My interest in studying abroad developed early, during my undergraduate years, and was driven largely by personal curiosity and ambition. I actively sought out information through a variety of channels, including dedicated scholarship websites, YouTube channels featuring guidance from students and academics, and Facebook groups where international students shared their experiences and opportunities. Over time, this self-driven exploration gave me a solid understanding of the global academic landscape, helped me identify scholarships aligned with my profile, and ultimately shaped the path that led me to where I am today.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Yes, in 2022 I took IELTS and got a 6.5 score overall, while in 2025 I got 7 bands.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Marie Skłodowska-curie Doctoral Fellowship?

My preparation approach evolved significantly between my master’s and PhD applications. For my Master's, I relied heavily on social media groups, YouTube channels, and webinars, where I learned from the experiences of seniors who had already gone through the application process. This peer knowledge was invaluable in understanding requirements, deadlines, and how to present a competitive application.

By the time I was applying for my PhD, I had accumulated sufficient knowledge and experience to approach the process more independently. I primarily used professional platforms such as LinkedIn and specialized academic job portals like Euraxess and FindAcademicPositions.com to identify and apply for suitable doctoral positions across Europe and beyond.

How Is (was) Your Experience at Aalto University?

I have been enjoying my stay and time here because of the great learning environment and perfect work-life balance.

How Does Aalto University Support International Students?

Aalto University offers strong support for international students, particularly through diverse funding opportunities available across different fields and levels of study. Prospective students can explore open positions and funded research roles directly through the university's dedicated careers portal at aalto.fi/careers, where doctoral and postdoctoral opportunities are regularly listed.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Finnish?

Yes, it’s in English.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Good academic scores, research publications and well described research CV can make a difference.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

I am satisfied with my desired goals; however, I emphasize research CV which is a game changer in this process.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My primary advice would be to invest time in doing your own thorough research. Explore different funding opportunities, institutions, and research groups, and then tailor your applications based on your personal priorities and long-term academic goals rather than applying broadly without direction.

Beyond that, focus early on building a strong research profile. Even during your bachelor's or master’s studies, aim to publish, whether at conferences or in journals, as publications significantly strengthen your application and demonstrate genuine research potential. Finally, invest in crafting a well-structured and targeted research CV that clearly highlights your skills, experience, and fit for the specific position. In a competitive applicant pool, a compelling and focused CV can make a real difference.