How a Pakistani Educator Secured the Fully Funded Commonwealth Shared Scholarship to Pursue a Master’s in Education and Social Justice in the UK

My name is Iqra Abid. I am from Sargodha, Pakistan. I recently completed a Master of Arts in Education, International Development, and Social Justice, a program that builds on my extensive experience working in communities where access to quality education is often limited, particularly for girls, underprivileged children, and minority groups. I chose this program due to my direct exposure to the profound impact that inequality has on educational opportunities. My commitment to advancing girls' education and promoting social justice has significantly influenced both my academic and professional pursuits, and continues to drive my dedication to creating more inclusive and equitable education systems.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship to pursue my MA at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham, London. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of around £1,650 for students in London to cover living expenses throughout the study period.

Educational Background

I hold a First Class Honours Bachelor’s degree in Education from Forman Christian College (a Chartered University) in Lahore, Pakistan. This academic foundation equipped me with a solid grounding in educational policy, curriculum design and evaluation, pedagogical theory, and research methodology. During my studies, I completed a teaching practicum that gave me valuable insights into classroom dynamics and learner-centred teaching. It also made me more aware of the barriers students face, strengthening my commitment to inclusive education.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to St. Mary’s University?

To prepare for applying to institutions, I took a careful and focused approach. I researched each program thoroughly, reviewing course content, structure, and how well it aligned with my academic and professional goals. I also explored the departments’ research focus areas and looked into the work of specific faculty members whose interests matched mine. This helped me understand how my background and aspirations could contribute meaningfully to the academic environment. I wanted to be sure I was applying to places where my commitment to inclusive education and social justice would be both supported and challenged to grow.

I prepared for the IELTS by studying at home with free online resources. I used sample tests from official IELTS sites, the British Council, and Cambridge English. I practised regularly with timed sessions to get used to the format and improve my time management.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship?

At first, I was unaware of the scholarship process. To prepare, I researched eligibility, read past essays, and watched YouTube videos with tips from previous recipients. This helped me understand the process and structure my application effectively.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My application stood out partially because of my fieldwork in Pakistan, where I worked on diverse outreach programs. I made sure to be myself in my personal statement and essay responses, focusing on clear and well-structured answers. I highlighted my research goals and explained how my experiences aligned with the scholarship's values, showing a clear direction for my future.

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

If I were going through the process again, I would consider applying to different programs at more universities to increase my options. My approach to reaching out to universities was limited compared to the thorough research I did on the programs. I would also take more calculated risks by applying to different programs that focus on expanding my knowledge and skills, even if they seem outside my immediate area of expertise, as they could offer valuable growth opportunities.

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

My advice for those looking to apply for a similar scholarship is to focus heavily on your essays. Make sure they reflect your goals, experiences, and how they align with the scholarship's mission. Don’t get discouraged by rejections. Always read the scholarship requirements and program details carefully before writing, as this will help you tailor your application to what the committee is looking for. It’s also crucial to prepare your documents well and keep applying, staying consistent throughout the process.