How a Pakistani Electrical Engineer Landed the Fully Funded Fulbright Scholarship for an MS in Robotics at Northeastern University

Hi, my name is Amina Tabassum. I am originally from Pakistan and am currently pursuing a PhD at Western University in London, Ontario, Canada. My research focuses on medical robotics, a field I am passionate about because it allows me to apply my skills to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

Fulbright Scholarship Details

Scholarship name: Fulbright Scholarship – Fully funded Institution name: Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA I applied for only one scholarship – Fulbright – and without a doubt, it was one of the best chapters of my life!

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering from Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Islamabad, in 2020. After that, I was awarded the Fulbright Scholarship and moved to Boston, MA, USA, in 2021 to pursue a Master of Science in Robotics at Northeastern University. I completed my Master’s in 2023 and returned to Pakistan for a while, where I worked as a lecturer at FAST NUCES, Lahore campus. Following this, I moved to Canada to begin my PhD.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Northeastern University?

When it comes to Fulbright, candidates do not apply directly to institutions. Instead, they submit their university preferences at the time of application. The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) then provides them with a list of four institutions and applies for admission on their behalf.

For TOEFL preparation, I used the Magoosh application and the free TOEFL iBT practice tests available on the ETS website. I also took four mock tests using the TOEFL iBT software to become familiar with the exam environment.

For the GRE, I started with a mock test available on the official website to identify my weak areas in both the verbal and quantitative sections. Here is the Google Drive link to the GRE resources I used during my preparation: GRE

Tips on Using the Above Resources

I used the Magoosh application for vocabulary, followed by studying the ETS books. Once I completed the ETS books, I moved on to the Manhattan Prep book.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe that having a clear research objective and a strong 'why' behind my desire to pursue higher education in robotics, particularly in the United States, really helped my application stand out. The clearer and stronger your 'why' is, the higher your chances of being selected.

In addition, to demonstrate that I was an ideal candidate for the scholarship, it was important to have a strong profile, both academically and in extracurricular activities. Fulbright looks not only for the brightest minds in a specific field of study but also aims to nurture future leaders. Therefore, it’s essential to focus on three key aspects: your research objectives, your leadership potential, and how your education will benefit both Pakistan and yourself in the long run.

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

I would advise those looking to apply for scholarships abroad to give it your best, hope for the best, but don’t limit yourself to just one specific scholarship. There are many other opportunities available. If you don’t receive a scholarship, look for alternative ways to reach your goal.

Networking, networking, and networking really helps! The Fulbright network is incredibly strong, so make use of platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook groups such as Fulbright Aspirants Pakistan to connect with alumni and ask for guidance.

You’re welcome to reach out to me for any kind of help at: Amina Tabassum

Good luck!