Fulbright Scholarship Recipient, Maha Shoaib from Pakistan, Shares Her Journey of Pursuing a Master’s in International Education Policy at the University of Maryland, College Park

My name is Maha Shoaib, and I am from Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital city, nestled against the scenic Margalla Hills. I was honored to receive the Fulbright Scholarship to pursue my Master’s in International Education Policy in the United States.

During my program, I worked with the Global Campaign for Education–US (GCE-US), where I had the privilege of representing both the organization and my country at the United Nations, the USAID Global Education Conference, and the World Bank Annual Meetings. I also presented my research at international conferences and engaged in discussions with global leaders, students, and researchers in the education sector. These experiences not only broadened my academic perspective but also gave me invaluable global exposure.

Fulbright Scholarship Details

I applied exclusively for the Fulbright Scholarship and was selected to pursue my Master’s degree at the University of Maryland, College Park. The award covered all tuition fees, travel, health insurance, books, and a laptop, along with a monthly stipend of approximately $25,000. This support allowed me to live comfortably and travel across the U.S., enriching both my academic and cultural experiences.

Educational Background

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, graduating with a CGPA of 3.90 and receiving the Chancellor’s Silver Medal. I was also awarded a merit scholarship for academic excellence every semester.

During my undergraduate studies, I interned at the Ministry of Finance and the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE). Alongside academics, I volunteered to teach refugee children and later joined Teach For Pakistan as a teaching fellow, spending two years in a rural community. This experience, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I designed low-resource distance learning strategies, gave me firsthand insight into the challenges of Pakistan’s education system. Witnessing how education can break cycles of poverty, yet knowing Pakistan still faces one of the highest school dropout rates globally, motivated me to transition from classroom teaching to education policy.

Application Preparation

I was drawn to the Fulbright program because it offered the opportunity to study in the United States while engaging directly with leading international organizations and researchers.

To strengthen my application, I focused on excelling academically during my undergraduate degree and gaining meaningful professional experience. I also worked hard to ensure that my personal statement and study objectives genuinely reflected who I am, my motivation for pursuing higher studies, and my vision for creating impact in Pakistan.

Another key component was selecting strong references. I chose two academic referees and one professional referee, individuals who knew me well and could authentically speak to my abilities, dedication, and potential.

As part of the process, I also had to complete standardized tests. For the GRE, I prepared using Gregmat.com and the Magoosh vocabulary app, along with creating my own flashcards. After being shortlisted, USEFP sponsored my TOEFL exam, which I prepared for through free YouTube resources.

Additionally, Fulbright applicants are asked to suggest four preferred universities, while the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) applies on their behalf. I researched institutions carefully, prioritizing those whose faculty expertise and research focus aligned with my academic interests and long-term professional goals.

What Made My Application Stand Out

While strong academics, GRE scores, and references strengthened my application, what truly set it apart was a clear vision for my future. My personal statement emphasized my passion for education reform and my long-term goal of influencing policy change in Pakistan. The key to a strong application is connecting personal experiences with a broader vision for impact in one’s home country.

Advice for Future Applicants

My biggest advice is: just apply. Self-doubt can hold you back, but taking the first step can lead to life-changing opportunities. Even if your GPA is not perfect or your professional experience is limited, a compelling personal statement that reflects your vision and commitment can make your application stand out.

• Prioritize your academics during your undergraduate studies and prepare thoroughly for the GRE.
• Gain professional or volunteer opportunities to strengthen your profile.
• Connect with past Fulbright recipients to gain valuable insights and guidance.
• Ensure your essays highlight both your passion and your commitment to serving your home country.

Finally, remember your Fulbright experience is more than just earning a degree; it’s about building global networks, expanding your worldview, and equipping yourself to create lasting change when you return home.