Guljana, a Pakistani Student, Wins the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship to Pursue her Master's in the UK

My name is Guljana Mahboob, and I am from Pakistan. I am currently a Commonwealth Shared Scholar, pursuing an MA in Gender and International Development at the University of Warwick in the UK. Over the past three years, I have worked with international organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Save the Children International, where I developed skills in communication, project management, and research. My work in these roles inspired me to further my education, particularly in gender development, as I saw the need to create meaningful, sustainable changes in underserved communities.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, a UK-based program aimed at students from developing countries interested in contributing to the development of their home nations. This scholarship, offered by UK universities and funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, covers my tuition fees and provides a stipend to support living expenses. The scholarship is designed for skilled professionals who would not otherwise have the opportunity to study in the UK, and it aims to equip recipients with the knowledge and leadership skills to drive development initiatives in their home countries. This award has allowed me to pursue my passion for gender equality and international development without the financial barriers that would have otherwise held me back.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor's in Social Sciences at Bahria University, Pakistan, graduating with a 3.9 CGPA and being awarded Summa Cum Laude honors. I was also on the Dean's Honor List for four consecutive years. My thesis, "Exploring the Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact of Tourism in Swat, Pakistan," prepared me well for advanced studies by honing my research skills. During my undergraduate years, I published papers on healthcare challenges in private and government sectors and completed training programs with UNICEF, OXFAM, and Save the Children, which provided me with practical insights into the humanitarian sector. As an Ambassador of the Year for Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital, I led campaigns that raised awareness and significant funds for cancer research, further nurturing my passion for advocacy.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships and the University of Warwick?

After completing my Bachelor's degree, I began preparing for my Master’s program, as I always had a goal to study in the UK. I spent a significant amount of time researching institutions and scholarships online, specifically focusing on development programs. To strengthen my application, I attested my documents through local authorities and prepared for the IELTS exam using past papers and online resources. I scored well (7.5 overall), which helped me meet the requirements for UK universities. Since I was not working at the time, I dedicated myself entirely to the scholarship application process, treating it as a full-time job. This involved writing and refining my personal essays, securing strong references, and ensuring every aspect of my application was polished.

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

One thing I would have done differently is to avoid seeking too many opinions from others when writing my application essays. While feedback is valuable, too many suggestions can dilute your voice and make you lose clarity in your message. If I were to go through the process again, I would trust my instincts more and focus on conveying my unique perspective.

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

For those looking to apply for a similar scholarship, my advice is to apply even if you doubt whether you're the right fit. Trust yourself, put in the effort, and leave the rest in God’s hands. The information you need is readily available online—you just need to dedicate time to research, prepare thoroughly, and refine your application materials. Lastly, perseverance is key; don't get discouraged if things don’t work out initially. Keep applying and improving with each attempt.