Funded by the Fulbright Scholarship, Khalid, a Pakistani Student, Pursues his Master's Degree at Vanderbilt University in the United States

I’m Khalid, I did my undergraduate degree in Social Sciences and Liberal Arts from IBA Karachi. After graduating with a concentration in political science, I worked in nonprofits in Pakistan, spearheading several impactful projects focused on improving the lives of the marginalized population in Pakistan. I also briefly worked in a research and innovation role at a power company, gathering important experience in the strategy function, before moving to the US for graduate school.

Fulbright Scholarship Details

Fulbright Scholarship
Vanderbilt University
Full Tuition + Monthly Stipend

Educational Background

My GPA in the undergraduate degree was 3.19, and I had extensive co-curricular and leadership experience. The courses I took as an undergrad enabled me to have that mindset that allows one to aim for a graduate degree. I explored several areas while I was still a student; from history and philosophy to urban studies and community development, and at last, opted for education policy as it allowed me to combine my academic and professional training with my career aspirations.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Fulbright Scholarships and Vanderbilt University?

I wouldn’t lie and say that it was easy. The entire process of getting into grad school took me around 3-4 years, including COVID interruptions. From exploring schools to finalizing programs, I really had to do my research, talk to mentors, explore career outcomes, and navigate specific visa situations in each country. I also had to prepare for the GRE and TOEFL as a requirement for the Fulbright scholarship, and scored 310 and 117 in those, respectively. The good and bad thing about preparing for these exams was an abundance of resources. The key was to pick the right one and stick to it till you are confident in your ability to crack these tests, which I think I was able to do after a lot of trial and error.

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

I think I would convince myself to dream even bigger. There were instances where I felt that the scholarship and this opportunity were a blessing for me and I should be grateful for whatever I have, but I have learned in life that these opportunities are a product of our hard work and dedication, and we should never shy away from dreaming the next big thing and taking that leap of faith will bring you even closer to your dreams.

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

I would always advise students to look for a diverse range of options and then plan accordingly. In our world, visa and immigration issues play a huge role in our future career path, and with policies rapidly changing, for example, in Canada, one should carefully evaluate what their future will look like in the country of their choice.