How a Pakistani Scholar Secured a Fully Funded Professor-Funded Scholarship to Pursue Graduate Research in Chemistry at Brock University (Canada)

My name is Areeba Iqbal, and I am originally from Pakistan. I am currently enrolled in a graduate program in chemistry at Brock University, Canada, and my research is focused on studying the ultrafast carrier dynamics of semiconducting materials.

Professor-Funded Scholarship Details

After completing my Master’s, I started looking for scholarship opportunities abroad to gain more hands-on research experience and broader exposure. I am currently pursuing my research at Brock University and joined the lab in September 2024. I received a professor-funded scholarship, with financial support coming through the department as part of an international fellowship for international students. In addition to that, I was awarded a Research Assistantship (RA) and, together with a Teaching Assistantship (TA), my total funding amounts to around 35,000 CAD per year. I feel truly fortunate to have found a supportive supervisor and a welcoming research environment here at Brock.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

In 2024, I received four scholarship offers:

• University of Lisbon (Portugal) – funded PhD position
• Université Paris-Saclay (France) – funded graduate position
• CSC Scholarship (China) – Chinese Government Scholarship
• Brock University (Canada) – funded graduate position

After carefully considering my options, I chose to continue my studies at Brock University.

Educational Background

I have both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in physics. I graduated with a CGPA of 3.85/4.00 in my bachelor’s and 3.98/4.00 in my master’s, where I specialized in condensed matter physics. During my master’s, my research focused on magnetic materials, and I was fortunate enough to get a research paper published in an international journal with an impact factor of 5.6. It was during the final year of my master's. I was in 2^nd second-to-last year of my bachelor's when I developed a strong interest in scientific writing and science communication.

I really enjoyed the idea of taking complex scientific ideas and making them understandable for everyone through writing. That passion stayed with me. From the start of my academic journey, I knew I wanted to pursue a PhD and go into research. But when I started looking for research opportunities, it took me some time to figure out the exact field I wanted to work in. I explored several areas and eventually found myself most drawn to solar cell research, and it just made sense to me. The more I learned, the more interested I became. Since I am the first person in my family to go into research in physics, I did not have anyone close to guide me. But I did have support from a few seniors who were already pursuing their PhDs abroad, and their guidance helped me a lot in navigating the research process.

In 2024, I was lucky to receive four scholarship offers from the University of Lisbon, Paris-Saclay, a CSC scholarship offer from China, and one from Brock University, where I eventually chose to continue my studies. I believe my strong academic background definitely helped me secure these opportunities, but finding the right research focus something I genuinely connected with was just as important.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Brock University?

I started my scholarship search on my own in 2022. I joined a Facebook group called “Scholarship Network,” where current scholarship holders share opportunities, guidance sessions, and tips for prospective students. That’s where my journey began. I also spent a lot of time exploring the internet and, most importantly, using LinkedIn. I made sure my LinkedIn profile was well-organized and reflected all my academic and research-related work. That helped me connect with people in my field and find relevant opportunities. In fact, I came across the University of Lisbon opportunity on LinkedIn. A professor had posted that they were looking for students for a research project, and I applied through that.

LinkedIn also helped me find mentors in my research area who were kind enough to review my applications and offer feedback. As for standardized tests, I took the IELTS in early 2023. I noticed that the applications I submitted without an IELTS score did not get much response. But after adding my IELTS results, I started receiving interview calls and eventually, some final offers too. I prepared for the IELTS on my own, mostly by downloading practice tests, solving them regularly, and following resources on YouTube and the British Council website. It was a self-paced process, but it worked well for me.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Professor-Funded Scholarship?

Once I got a positive response from the supervisors, I began preparing my university applications and organized all the required documents. I made sure I had my support letters from the supervisor, standardized test scores, and everything else needed for the scholarship application. Having everything ready and in order really helped make the process smoother.

How Is (Was) Your Experience at Brock University?

It has been a great experience so far. I have learned a lot. Back in Pakistan, we did not get much hands-on experience, but here, I have had the chance to actually work on things myself, which has really helped me build confidence in my technical skills. Grad school is definitely challenging, but it is also exciting. This is something I chose for myself, and even with all the ups and downs, I genuinely enjoy what I am doing.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think a few things made my application stand out. Having an international research publication, a standardized test score and a relevant academic background definitely helped, along with my CGPA. But more than that, I believe my volunteer work in science communication and scientific writing really added value. It showed my interest beyond academics and gave my profile a unique edge. That kind of experience can make a big difference when it comes to standing out in a competitive pool, I think.

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

If I could go through the process again, I would definitely take the standardized tests much earlier. In the beginning, I did not realize how important they were. I thought they came later in the application process. But having them ready early on really makes a difference. I ended up delaying my applications by a whole year, and once you are out of university and juggling a full-time job, it gets a lot harder to manage everything. Looking back, I would say it is best to give your full time and energy to the application process while you are still in that student mindset. Staying consistent from the start can save you a lot of stress later on.

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

If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be to start early. By the time you are in your final year, try to have a clear idea of what you want to do next and start building your profile in the 2^nd and 3^rd year of your program. CGPA matters, but it is not everything. What really matters is knowing your direction and working towards it. If you have a gap in your studies, try to use that time wisely. Do an internship, take up a job, volunteer, or get a certification, anything that adds value to your field. At the end of the day, it all comes down to consistency and belief. If you stay focused and keep putting in the effort, things will fall into place. Just do your best, trust the process, and leave the rest to God. Somehow, you will find your way