Fulbright Scholar, Ifrah Maskan from Pakistan, Shares Her Journey of Pursuing a Master of International Affairs at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), USA

My name is Ifrah Maskan, and I am from Lahore, Pakistan. I recently graduated from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) with a Master of International Affairs. I majored in Economic and Political Development, with a specialization in International Conflict Resolution.

I decided to pursue a master’s degree after working for three years in the development sector in Pakistan. During this time, I realized that further education was critical to excelling in the field and carving out a clear niche for myself. I have always been interested in the intersection of human development and security, and Columbia’s program felt like a strong fit because of its broad focus on international affairs combined with the flexibility to specialize. Studying abroad was important to me for two main reasons. First, the academic rigor and diversity of programs in this field are significantly greater in the US than in Pakistan. Second, I consider myself politically curious and vocal, and I wanted to study in an environment where that curiosity could be fully nurtured, with exposure to a truly global peer network.

Fulbright Scholarship Details

I received the Fulbright Scholarship for the 2023-2025 period. It was a fully funded award that covered tuition fees, a living stipend, books and materials, round-trip travel between Pakistan and the US, and a one-time settlement allowance upon arrival.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

I was also awarded a Columbia SIPA merit scholarship after I received the Fulbright, covering approximately 80% of my tuition. This substantially reduced the overall tuition cost, allowing Fulbright to cover the remaining tuition along with my stipend and other expenses.

Educational Background

I did my undergraduate from the Lahore School of Economics, Pakistan, where I pursued a double major in Economics and Political Science. I graduated in 2020 with a CGPA of 3.98/4. My undergrad and grad fields of study were closely aligned, which helped strengthen my grad school applications.

During my undergraduate degree, I developed strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, which provided a solid foundation for advanced coursework at Columbia, including economics and quantitative methods. I was also academically curious beyond my core requirements and read extensively on geopolitics, international affairs, law, and religious studies. This allowed me to take a diverse set of courses at SIPA and across Columbia, including in the Law School, Engineering School, and School of Arts & Sciences.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Columbia University?

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and Columbia University?

Fulbright is extremely well known in Pakistan due to its fully funded nature, so I was aware of it early on during my undergrad and had always planned to apply. I also conducted independent research on leading grad programs in international affairs, international security, and economic development in the US, focusing on programs that bridged these areas. My shortlist included Columbia, Georgetown, Stanford, George Washington University, and a few others.

Since Fulbright submits applications on behalf of candidates, they shortlisted four universities for my final applications: Columbia University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, and the University of Notre Dame. I received an offer from George Washington University first. Before hearing back from Georgetown or Notre Dame, Columbia offered me admission with a very generous scholarship. As Columbia was my top choice, Fulbright was supportive of my enrollment there.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

I took the GRE, which was required for the Fulbright application. I attended some in-person classes in Lahore, but mainly prepared using GregMat, an affordable and effective online platform offering live classes, recorded sessions, diagnostics, and practice material. I prepared while working full-time. SIPA itself did not require the GRE and instead requested a quantitative CV based on my undergraduate coursework.

I also took the TOEFL after being selected for the Fulbright. I didn’t do any formal preparation since my education has been entirely in English-medium institutions, and the test itself was fairly basic. I just watched a short YouTube video beforehand to get a sense of the test format and sections.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Fulbright Scholarship?

My undergrad university organized several in-person information sessions with former Fulbright recipients, which helped me understand the application process and expectations. Fulbright places particular emphasis on the Personal Statement and Statement of Study Objectives. I drafted both statements myself and then took feedback from seniors who had previously received the scholarship, which helped refine my arguments and clarity. The remaining application components were straightforward. I also submitted three letters of recommendation: two from professors and one from a professional supervisor.

How is (was) Your Experience at Columbia University? 

My time at Columbia was one of the most meaningful and transformative periods of my life. The experience was academically rigorous and intellectually challenging, while also offering a strong sense of community and exposure to life in New York City. Columbia pushed me to grow both personally and professionally.

Academically, I benefited greatly from classroom discussions, especially in courses taken outside SIPA, where the cross-school environment and unfamiliar content pushed me to challenge myself. Professionally, I secured internship opportunities with the UN, which significantly enriched my academic experience. Outside the classroom, New York offered unmatched cultural and social opportunities. I joined the Muslim Students Association, built lasting friendships, travelled extensively, and learned to live independently. Overall, Columbia and New York played a major role in shaping who I am today.

How Do You Rate Columbia University Academically and Why?

I cannot assign a numeric rating, as my experience depended on the specific courses I chose. However, the academic quality at Columbia and SIPA is exceptional. As a professional school, SIPA combines academic rigor with practical exposure, networking, and engagement with practitioners, which I found extremely valuable.

How Does Columbia University Support International Students?

Overall, Columbia is supportive of international students and encourages them to apply. However, after October 2023, the campus environment became more tense, and international students had to be cautious due to fears of crackdowns. While the broader support systems were strong, the administration’s response during incidents involving detentions or doxxing was disappointing. Outside of this specific period, the institutional environment was generally encouraging.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

A key strength of my Fulbright application was relevant professional experience combined with a clear sense of long-term goals. Fulbright prioritizes candidates who demonstrate how they will use their education to contribute meaningfully to their home country. I clearly articulated my professional trajectory and plans, supported by examples from my work experience.

Another important factor was being a well-rounded candidate. Alongside academics, I was deeply involved in extracurricular activities, particularly debating. I served as the Debates President at my undergraduate university, had previously been on a cultural exchange program to the US during my undergrad, participated in a national-level cricket commentary competition, and engaged in social work, among other activities. I integrated these experiences into my personal statement to present myself as a whole person, not just an academic.

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

Interestingly, this was my third attempt at applying for Fulbright, and I learned from each experience. The first time, I applied immediately after undergrad for a program requiring a two-year work experience, which I did not yet have. The second time, I reached the interview stage but did not perform well because I focused too narrowly on direct answers rather than the cultural exchange aspect of the scholarship. The third time, I presented a clear professional narrative and emphasized both long-term goals and cultural engagement, which ultimately led to my selection.

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

I strongly recommend gaining professional experience before pursuing a master’s degree. Field experience helps clarify academic interests and allows you to use graduate school more strategically. Each time I applied for Fulbright, my niche evolved. I was successful only once I had a clear sense of direction supported by real-world experience. This clarity not only strengthens applications but also enhances classroom participation and peer engagement, helping you make the most out of your time in grad school.