How a Pakistani Attorney Won the Think Big Postgraduate Scholarship to Pursue Her Master’s in Public Health at the University of Bristol

My name is Hira Zaheer Ahmed. I am originally from Pakistan, and I did my early schooling in the UAE. I then graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from Karachi, Pakistan, and went on to practice law, becoming a licensed patent attorney. I had a chance to work directly with physicians, scientists, and healthcare organizations on health-related innovations for more than nine years, during which time I gained experience in both intellectual property and healthcare. My growing interest in better understanding and contributing to broader health systems and policies, especially after the COVID pandemic, prompted me to seek a master’s in public health.

Think Big Postgraduate Scholarship Details

UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL’S THINK BIG SCHOLARSHIP – GBP 13,000 towards tuition fee and GBP 3,000 towards living costs.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Yes, I was offered the following scholarships:

• Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship – Cardiff University – £5,000
• International Leadership Scholarship – University of Glasgow – £10,000
• Herchel Smith Scholarship – Queen Mary University of London – £29,950
• Postgraduate Scholarship – St. George’s University of London – £3,000
• Global Excellence Scholarship – University of Exeter – £3,000

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Bristol?

I researched a lot before applying. I made a list of every university in the Russell Group offering a postgraduate program in public health and ranked my applications according to tuition costs, city living expenses, and worldwide rankings. All the scholarship details were available on the university's official website. I took the IELTS Academic UKVI exam as part of the application process.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Scholarship?

Some scholarship applications were simple and automatic, and I had to simply tick a box during the admission process, while others required separate applications. To stay organized, I created a spreadsheet to track deadlines and requirements, especially since some universities offered multiple scholarships with individual application forms. For certain scholarships, I had to submit an essay highlighting my achievements and academic excellence, while others required answering simple questions as part of the evaluation process.

How was Your Experience at the University of Bristol?

I had a great time at the Univ of Bristol. I received excellent academic training, a positive and inclusive learning atmosphere, and valuable exposure to public health issues.

How Do You Rate the University of Bristol Academically and Why?

Academically, I would give the University of Bristol a very high rating. Teaching was research-driven and delivered by experts and renowned professionals in the field. The course material was well-organized and provided a good mix of theory and practical application.

How Does the University of Bristol Support International Students?

University of Bristol provides support to all of its students. It is difficult for international students to find student housing in Bristol. Bristol SU offers resources and advice to assist with housing. UoB also runs a financial aid program accessible to individuals who might want extra assistance. Every student has a personal tutor to talk about any personal or academic issues. The institution also provides cultural events, welcoming parties, and specialized support services to aid in the adjustment and integration of international students.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think my research made my application stand out. Because I didn’t just highlight my academic achievements but showed genuine interest in the program by mentioning how the research work of the course instructors and the program lead has inspired me. This obviously showed that I had thoroughly explored the modules and academic profiles of the faculty, which clearly depicts my commitment and alignment to the course.

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

If I had to go through the process all over again, I would think about applying to prestigious universities like Imperial College or Oxford Univ. At that time, I thought that such institutes might not offer scholarships and that getting in would be almost impossible. However, I have discovered that they do offer funding opportunities, so it's always worth a try.

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

I would advise them to start early, stay organized, and do detailed research about the universities and their scholarship programs. Also, carefully tailor your essays/application, highlight your academic achievements, and show a genuine interest in the course and how well it aligns with your objectives. If you have any relevant professional experience, I advise you to highlight that as well.

Thank you 😊