Anum Fatima’s Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Journey: From Lahore to Goldsmiths, University of London

My name is Anum Fatima, and I come from Lahore, one of Pakistan’s most vibrant and historically rich cities. I completed my undergraduate degree in Accounting and Finance from the Lahore School of Economics, where I graduated with distinction with a CGPA of 3.95 and earned a place on the Dean’s Honors List. During my junior year, I was awarded the prestigious Global UGRAD scholarship, which gave me the incredible opportunity to study at Black Hills State University in the United States and gain international exposure early in my academic journey.

One of my proudest accomplishments has been receiving the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship in 2023, which enabled me to pursue my MSc in Management of Innovation at Goldsmiths, University of London. During my time in the UK, I led a large-scale sustainability initiative that aimed to empower local communities through environmental awareness and circular practices—an experience that deepened my commitment to community-centered development.

Currently, I work as an Associate for Policy Advisory at the Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan (CERP). In this role, I contribute to monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and project implementation. I work closely with government departments, multilaterals, and NGOs to help translate evidence-based research into actionable public policy solutions. I am also passionate about financial literacy and have served as an ambassador for the National Financial Literacy Program for Youth (NFLP-Y), helping young people across Pakistan build stronger financial foundations.

Global Undergraduate Exchange Program and Commonwealth Shared Scholarship details

I have been fortunate to receive two prestigious international scholarships that have significantly shaped my academic and professional journey.

The first was the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD), funded by the U.S. Department of State. I received this scholarship during my junior year at the Lahore School of Economics, which allowed me to spend a semester at Black Hills State University in South Dakota, USA. The scholarship was fully funded and covered tuition, travel, housing, meals, health insurance, and a monthly stipend. It provided me with invaluable exposure to a new academic culture, enhanced my intercultural competence, and helped me build connections with peers from around the world.

More recently, I was awarded the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship in 2023 by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). This scholarship supported my MSc in Management of Innovation at Goldsmiths, University of London. It was a fully funded award that covered the full tuition fee, a monthly living allowance, return airfare, and other study-related expenses. This opportunity allowed me to deepen my expertise in innovation and policy while engaging with a diverse academic community committed to global development.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Yes, I was also offered a 50% merit scholarship from the University of Rochester, USA, and a 50% Academic Excellence Scholarship from the University of Liverpool, UK for my master’s studies.

Educational Background:

I began my academic journey by completing my O and A Levels with a focus on Business, Economics, and Accounting. Building on this, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the Lahore School of Economics, where I developed a deeper understanding of financial systems, markets, and economic theory.

With the goal of broadening my expertise and transitioning into the international development sector, I pursued a Master’s in Management of Innovation from Goldsmiths, University of London. This interdisciplinary program was a turning point in my academic journey, as it exposed me to innovative frameworks and practical tools that are essential for tackling complex development challenges. The program expanded my knowledge in areas such as Project Management, Design Thinking, Strategic Management, and Innovation Policy, equipping me with both creative and analytical approaches to problem-solving. These modules challenged me to think beyond traditional boundaries and strengthened my ability to design and manage impactful, innovation-driven projects.

My master’s thesis was centered on a critical and timely topic:
"The Role of Regulations in Shaping Green Innovation, Economic Growth, and Sustainable Development."

Given the pressing global challenges of climate change and sustainability, my research aimed to explore how regulatory frameworks can act as catalysts for green innovation. I conducted a comprehensive literature review to understand the theoretical linkages between regulation, innovation, and sustainable development. I then conducted two case studies—one on London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and another on Beijing’s Low Emission Zone—to compare and analyze the impact of different regulatory approaches.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to UK Institutions?

I began by shortlisting programs that aligned with both my academic background in finance and my evolving interest in innovation, sustainability, and international development. I focused on interdisciplinary programs that offered strong academic curricula, practical exposure, and diverse international cohorts.

Once I had identified my target universities, I thoroughly reviewed course structures, faculty profiles, and graduate outcomes to ensure alignment with my long-term goals. I also reached out to alumni and current students through LinkedIn and university events to gain first-hand insights into the student experience, which helped me make more informed choices.

A significant part of my preparation involved crafting a compelling personal statement. I spent considerable time reflecting on my academic journey, professional experiences, and future aspirations to articulate a narrative that would resonate with admission committees. I tailored each statement to the specific university and program, highlighting how I could contribute to and benefit from the academic environment.

In parallel, I worked on strengthening other aspects of my application—updating my CV to reflect leadership, volunteer work, and research experiences, and securing strong letters of recommendation from faculty and supervisors who were familiar with my academic capabilities and professional potential.

Finally, I kept myself organized with detailed timelines for each application, including deadlines for standardized tests (where applicable), document preparation, and submission. This structured approach helped me stay focused and reduced stress throughout the process.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for Commonwealth Scholarship?

Preparing for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship required a strategic and well-researched approach. I began by reviewing the six thematic areas under which the scholarship is offered and carefully identified the one that best aligned with my goals—Promoting Global Prosperity. My academic and professional interests in innovation, sustainability, and development fit well within this theme.

Once I had clarity on the theme, I searched for relevant master’s programs that matched both the scholarship criteria and my long-term aspirations. The MSc in Management of Innovation at Goldsmiths, University of London stood out to me because of its strong focus on project management, innovation strategy, and design thinking—skills I specifically wanted to build as I plan to work in the international development and project management space.

The Commonwealth application process places significant emphasis on written components, especially the essays. Knowing this, I started preparing my essays well in advance. I made sure to clearly articulate my academic background, professional experiences, and future goals in relation to the scholarship’s objectives. To further strengthen my application, I also developed a mini research proposal relevant to my field of interest, which demonstrated both my preparedness for postgraduate study and my commitment to addressing real-world challenges.

Overall, my preparation was focused, reflective, and aligned with both the scholarship’s mission and my personal career trajectory.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was the overall strength and consistency of my profile, even though I did not have full-time professional experience at the time of applying. Instead, I highlighted my voluntary engagements, academic achievements, and leadership in community-based initiatives to demonstrate my commitment to making a positive impact.

Having already received the Global UGRAD scholarship, I was able to show that I had successfully represented Pakistan on an international platform and could adapt to diverse academic and cultural environments. This prior international exposure added weight to my application and showed that I could make the most of the opportunity offered by the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship.

Another key element was the effort I put into writing strong, reflective, and well-aligned personal essays. I clearly articulated my motivations, long-term goals, and how the scholarship would enable me to contribute meaningfully to the international development sector, especially through project management and innovation. I also emphasized how I planned to give back to my community and country after completing my degree.

In essence, it was a combination of a strong academic background, prior international experience, volunteer-driven impact, and a clear, purpose-driven narrative that helped my application stand out.

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

If I were to go through the process again, one key thing I would do differently is apply to more universities under the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship scheme. At the time, I took a calculated risk by applying to only one university—Goldsmiths, University of London—and while I was fortunate to receive the scholarship, it was a high-stakes decision. In hindsight, applying to multiple eligible programs would have increased my chances and reduced the pressure.

Another thing I would change is to seek external feedback on my application essays. I wrote, edited, and finalized all the essays myself without getting them proofread or reviewed by anyone. While the essays were strong and well-researched, having a second pair of eyes—especially someone familiar with scholarship applications—could have helped me refine my language, spot any gaps, and present an even more polished narrative.

Overall, while I’m incredibly grateful for the outcome, these small but important adjustments could have made the process less stressful and more strategic.

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

My biggest piece of advice would be to start early and do your research thoroughly. Take the time to understand the scholarship themes, eligibility criteria, and what each program is really looking for. Make sure the course you’re applying to align with both the scholarship’s goals and your own long-term aspirations.

While it’s helpful to seek guidance and take advice from mentors or peers, don’t rely entirely on others. Own your application process—from researching universities to writing your essays and preparing documents. No one can tell your story better than you, so it’s important to be actively involved in every step.

Plan ahead, stay organized, and pay attention to all the small but important details—such as deadlines, formatting, and required documents. Most importantly, be authentic and intentional in your essays. A well-thought-out, genuine application goes a long way.

Lastly, believe in your potential. These scholarships are competitive, but with a strong narrative, focused planning, and a clear sense of purpose, you absolutely can stand out.