How I Secured a Fully Funded Bachelor's at the American University of Sharjah, UAE Through the Chancellor’s Scholarship

My name is Laiba Maqbool, and I’m from Dubai, UAE, where I’ve spent most of my life. I’m currently a sophomore at the American University of Sharjah, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering on a full Chancellor’s Scholarship.

I’ve always been interested in solving real-world problems, particularly those related to energy, sustainability, and resource access. I strongly believe that we’ve reached a point where awareness alone is no longer enough, and there is an urgent need to shift toward action and implementation.

I chose electrical engineering because it provides a solid technical foundation and flexibility to work across fields like renewable energy and emerging technologies. More importantly, it gives me the space to innovate and build practical solutions that can address these challenges in a meaningful way.

Chancellor’s Scholarship Details

The Chancellor’s Scholarship at the American University of Sharjah is awarded to students who have completed their secondary education in the UAE. It provides full coverage of tuition and lab fees, along with an application fee waiver, on-campus housing, and student medical insurance.

The scholarship is offered to first-time students enrolling in the fall semester and is awarded based on strong academic performance and overall achievements. It is renewable each year, provided that the recipient continues to meet the required academic standards.

Educational Background

I completed my secondary education at JSS Private School in Dubai, a CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) school in the UAE. I graduated with an aggregate percentile of 96.8%, placing me among the highest scorers in my school. My subjects, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Marketing, and English laid the basis for all principles in Engineering.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to American University of Sharjah?

I spent a significant amount of time researching universities and the application process, speaking to senior students and alumni, and going through available resources online. I applied to around 10 universities across Canada and the USA, along with the American University of Sharjah in the UAE, and was accepted into most of them.

However, AUS was the only university that offered me a scholarship, which ultimately made my decision clear.

How Did You Find Information About Chancellor’s Scholarship and American University of Sharjah?

Honestly, I had minimal guidance, and I really wish a resource like GlobalScholarships.com had been on my radar at the time. I was quite lost navigating the process, piecing together information from scattered sources with no single place to turn to. I was fortunate that AUS recognized my experience and achievements and reached out with the Chancellor's Scholarship offer, but I'd be lying if I said I had a structured strategy for finding scholarships. That's a big part of why I think platforms like this one are so important. I would have genuinely benefited from it.

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

Yes, I sat both the SAT and IELTS. For the SAT, I relied heavily on Khan Academy, which I'd recommend to anyone: it's free, adaptive, and genuinely effective. For IELTS, I used the practice materials available through the British Council's website, which gives you a strong sense of the format and the level of English expected. My advice is to start earlier than you think you need to, and practice consistently rather than cramming.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chancellor’s Scholarship?

Much the same way I prepared for the university applications: research, alumni outreach, and leaning on whatever information I could find. I didn't have a clear roadmap for scholarships specifically, but what I did have was a strong application built over years of genuine effort. The extracurriculars, the competitions, the leadership roles were all a reflection of who I already was, and I think that authenticity came through.

How is Your Experience at American University of Sharjah?

My experience at AUS has been very positive. While I had initially planned to study abroad, I found that AUS offered an environment that challenged me in similar ways. The campus is highly active, with a strong focus on student involvement, research, and extracurricular opportunities.

How Do You Rate American University of Sharjah Academically?

Exceptionally high. What sets AUS apart is that the faculty aren't just teachers; they are active researchers, deeply involved in pushing the boundaries of their respective fields. That culture of inquiry filters into the classroom in a very tangible way. Research opportunities are actively promoted, and students are encouraged to get involved early. It's an environment that rewards curiosity.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Consistency of purpose. My grades were strong, but so are a lot of applicants' grades. What I believe set me apart was that my extracurriculars weren't random; rather, they told a coherent story. Every competition I entered, every leadership role I took on, every project I worked on pointed in the same direction: creating sustainable impact through innovation. From co-developing a microalgae-based technology that earned a provisional patent, to representing the UAE at the Zayed Sustainability Prize, to winning the Global Sustainability Award among 450+ projects from 15+ countries, to serving as School Head Girl for 2,000+ students, it wasn't a laundry list of activities. It was a track record of someone who knew what they cared about and pursued it relentlessly. I think scholarship panels can tell the difference between a student who is padding a resume and one who is genuinely mission-driven. I tried to be the latter.

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

Focus on building a profile that is consistent and genuine rather than trying to do everything. Strong grades are important, but they’re often not enough on their own. What really makes a difference is having a clear direction and showing sustained effort in that area over time.

Get involved in activities that actually interest you, whether that’s research, competitions, leadership roles, or community work, and commit to them. Depth matters more than quantity. Scholarship panels can usually tell when someone is genuinely invested versus just trying to build a resume.

Also, start early. Give yourself enough time to research universities and scholarships, prepare for standardized tests, and refine your applications. If possible, reach out to current students or alumni, as their insights can be very helpful.

Finally, don’t be discouraged if the process feels uncertain or unstructured. Focus on what you can control: your effort, your consistency, and the quality of your application.