Pakistani National Secures Full Presidential Scholarship to Study Data and Decision Analytics at University of Southampton

Hi! I’m Marwa Ashfaq, originally from Karachi, Pakistan, and currently pursuing an MSc in Data and Decision Analytics at the University of Southampton, UK. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from NED University and spent three years working across both South Asian and Middle Eastern industries, gaining diverse experience in the energy, AI, and data consulting sectors.

Over the years, I led several impactful data projects from optimising energy usage to building data models for smarter services and realised that data-driven decision-making was the space I wanted to fully grow in. Pursuing this degree was a deliberate and long-standing personal goal, rooted in my ambition to build global expertise in analytics, statistics, and machine learning.

Leaving a well-paying job to pursue a master’s abroad was not an easy decision, but I believed it was the right time to take this strategic career risk. I wanted to step into the European market, expand my horizons, and push myself outside of my comfort zone and I’m proud to be doing just that today.

University of Southampton Presidential International Scholarship Details

I was awarded the University of Southampton Presidential International Scholarship, which covers 100% of my tuition fees for the MSc in Data and Decision Analytics. Only a few students receive this scholarship each year, making it one of the most competitive awards offered by the university. It is awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and alignment with the university’s vision of innovation and sustainable goals chose this program and scholarship because it offers a rare interdisciplinary blend of applied statistics, machine learning, and decision strategy, a combination I found missing in most other programs. It aligns perfectly with my goal to become a decision scientist who not only builds models but also drives real-world business and policy decisions.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Yes, I was fortunate to be offered multiple scholarships and admissions to top-tier programs across Europe:

• EIT Digital Master School Scholarship for Data Science, with a mobility program (Full Tuition, Year 1 in the University of Twente, Netherlands, Year 2 in Aalto University, Finland).
• Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for the CYBERMACS joint master’s program in applied cybersecurity.
• Tuition Fee Scholarship at Tampere University – awarded 50% tuition funding for a related analytics-focused master’s program in Finland.
• I was also shortlisted for the Chevening Scholarship’s interview Stage, the UK’s prestigious government award, but I chose not to pursue it further due to constraints on professional choices post-study.

Despite these offers, I ultimately chose the University of Southampton because the course structure perfectly merged two of my key interests, analytical modelling and organisational decision-making. I saw it not just as a degree, but as a strategic stepping stone to rebrand myself as a high-impact analyst in the European market.

Educational Background

I graduated with a BEng in Electrical Engineering from NED University of Engineering & Technology, earning a high CGPA and academic distinction. For my final year research project, my team and I were awarded a Gold Medal by IEEE Pakistan for publishing an outstanding research paper. Our project was also selected for funding under the National Grassroots ICT Research Initiative (NGIRI), supported by Ignite, Pakistan’s national technology fund.

Throughout my undergraduate studies, I was naturally drawn to mathematical modelling, data-driven problem-solving, and system-level thinking, which laid the foundation for my transition into analytics. The program equipped me with solid fundamentals in programming, critical thinking, and quantitative analysis, skills that have become central to my postgraduate coursework in statistics, machine learning, and optimisation.

Were Standardized Tests Required? How did you prepare for the IELTS?

I took the IELTS and scored an overall 8.5, with strong individual scores across all four sections. I didn’t take any other standardised tests, as they weren’t required for my selected programs.

What’s unique about my IELTS journey is that I prepared for it in just 20 days. I started with a self-made study plan where I first attempted a few mock tests to benchmark my performance. I carefully tracked my scores section-wise, identified weak areas, and focused my efforts there. Over the next three weeks, I solved over 50 full-length mock tests, timing myself strictly and simulating real test conditions.

Through consistent practice and targeted improvement, I was able to strengthen my listening and reading speed, refine my writing structure. My advice to others would be: practice smart, not just hard know where you lose marks and work precisely on that and watch videos of people who scored band 9.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Presidential International Scholarship?

My scholarship application was strongly aligned with my master’s application. I treated them as one narrative. I focused on crafting a personal statement that had clarity, flow, and purpose, connecting my past experiences, present initiatives, and future aspirations into a cohesive story. I ensured each paragraph conveyed a single central idea, ended on a strong note, and wasn’t too short or too long. I wanted the essay to feel intentional; every line had a reason to be there.

Beyond the personal statement, I also worked on supporting materials:

• For my CV, I consistently ran it through ATS scoring tools and made iterative improvements until it was top tier.
• I got my reference/recommendation letters from my professors and employers on time.
• I prepared a personal introduction video with a focus on clear communication, confidence, and storytelling, especially reflecting my career shift from engineering to data science.
• I also practised common interview questions, focusing not just on answers but on non-verbal cues, concise structure, and language that was clear and jargon-free.
• I also got in touch with a lot of alumni on LinkedIn for each of the scholarship offers that I secured and asked about their experiences through specific questions. This part was especially helpful and clarified a lot of concerns regarding the programs.

Throughout, I aimed to highlight:

• My career transition from engineering into the world of data and analytics.
• Real-world leadership experiences – such as leading a batch of 24 interns during my undergrad internship at PEL, being the Project Group Lead in the Amal Career Prep Fellowship, directing volunteer blood donation drives, and serving as Director of R&D at IEEE PES Karachi.
• My long-term vision to apply data analytics in public sector innovation, helping organisations make fairer and more evidence-based decisions.
• And lastly, my consistent academic performance and awards, which reflect my ability to deliver excellence across different stages of my career.

This holistic preparation gave me confidence that I wasn’t just meeting requirements, I was telling a story that reflected who I am, where I’ve come from, and where I’m heading.

How was Your Experience at the University of Southampton?

Southampton has truly been a transformative experience for me. Even before my degree officially started, I had the opportunity to win the Boeing Case Study Challenge during Week 0, which set the tone for what was to come. Since then, I’ve participated in multiple hands-on experiences like the IBM Easter Innovation Challenge and a month-long Student Innovation Project, where I worked on a real-world challenge for a local charity, and I was also part of the student mentorship programme.

I also completed an International Student Leadership course, a joint initiative between Southampton and a partner university in Hong Kong, which gave me global perspectives on student engagement and cross-cultural collaboration.

On campus, I’ve taken on several leadership roles:

• Course Representative for a cohort of 100+ students, actively raising student concerns and collaborating with faculty through Student-Staff Liaison Meetings.
• Student Ambassador, helping with Open Days, campus tours, and guiding prospective students with program selection and transition tips.
• Selected for a Summer Internship with the university’s IT & Business Information team, working on real data projects to enhance internal decision-making.

Beyond academics, I’ve been shortlisted by 6 different industries for dissertation projects ranging from healthcare and emergency services to operational research, reflecting how well the course and my background resonate with employers.

The university also offers a constant stream of career insight days, networking events, and one-to-one coaching through the Careers & Employability service, which I’ve actively used to refine my job search strategy.

The institution doesn't just provide you with knowledge; it empowers you to lead, experiment, and grow.

How Do You Rate the University of Southampton Academically and Why?

I’d confidently give the University of Southampton a 9.5/10. The faculty are not only research-active and well-published, but also very approachable and invested in student success. The teaching style encourages critical thinking and application, and the curriculum is highly aligned with real-world industry practices.

We’ve worked on projects using tools like R for forecasting, AMPL for optimisation, and Python for machine learning all of which reflect the technical expectations of data-centric roles in the job market. The university is also ranked among the top 100 globally (QS World Rankings), which speaks to its academic standing and global reputation.

There’s plenty of flexibility across different faculties, allowing students to choose from a diverse range of modules and electives depending on their career interests. The programs are well-structured, with a great balance of theory and practice.

What stands out to me most is the number of opportunities available outside the classroom, from innovation challenges and industry-led dissertation projects to internships, student leadership programs, and career support workshops. It’s a place where ambition is not just welcomed, it’s actively nurtured.

How Does the University of Southampton Support International Students?

The support for international students at the University of Southampton is truly exceptional. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and supported in every aspect of settling into life in a new country.

The university offers comprehensive services ranging from:

• Academic writing support and English language assistance
• Career development workshops, CV reviews, and mock interviews
• Mental health and well-being resources, with access to counselling and support groups
• Visa and immigration guidance, which is especially useful during renewals or job search periods
• Budgeting help and practical tips for meal-prepping through the university’s international student social media pages
• Transport and travel advice for exploring the city and surrounding areas affordably

What I’ve loved most is the effort to create a truly inclusive and global community. The university and SUSU (Students’ Union) regularly organise international cultural events and themed festivities, celebrating occasions like Eid, Diwali, Chinese New Year, and more, making everyone feel at home, no matter where they’re from.

They also offer free language classes, which encourage cultural exchange and community building. These small touches make a huge difference, especially when you're adapting to a new environment.

All in all, Southampton doesn’t just welcome international students; it truly gives the best student experience.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe three key factors helped my application stand out:

1. A clear and cohesive narrative of career transition. I didn’t just list my roles; I explained why I shifted from electrical engineering to data. I connected my technical foundation with my growing interest in data-driven decision-making, showing that this was a strategic move, not a random switch.
2. Quantifiable achievements: From reducing energy inefficiencies at my workplace to receiving a national research grant and gold medal during my undergrad, I made sure to include measurable outcomes that demonstrated real impact. These helped validate my skills beyond academic grades.
3. Leadership and contribution: I highlighted experiences that reflected initiative and influence, such as:

• Mentoring a batch of 24 interns at PEL
• Leading my project group in the Amal Career Prep Fellowship
• Organising blood donation drives as a volunteer leader
• Serving as Director of R&D for IEEE PES Karachi

Most importantly, I backed every claim with evidence, whether it was projects, specific outcomes, or certifications. I wanted the reviewers to not just believe in my potential but see it through the work I had already done.

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

If I could go through the process again, I would start earlier, especially with document verifications and attestations required when applying from my home country. Some of those processes, like getting academic transcripts stamped or securing official reference letters, took longer than expected and created unnecessary stress.

Starting early gives you the buffer to polish your application materials, seek feedback, and take advantage of every opportunity without being rushed.

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

My advice would be:

• Don’t just focus on grades, show impact. Committees are looking for well-rounded individuals who can apply their knowledge and drive change.
• Highlight the practical application of your skills. Whether it’s something you built, a project you led, or a challenge you solved, bring those examples to life in your application.
• Align your career goals with what the university or scholarship stands for. Show them why you're a good fit, not just academically, but in terms of values and long-term vision.
• Get feedback on your personal statement from multiple perspectives, academic mentors, professional colleagues, and friends who know you well. Each can help refine your message and ensure clarity.
• Maintain a digital folder of your achievements, certificates, reports, screenshots, and project summaries. These become a lifesaver when deadlines are tight or when you're asked to provide evidence at short notice.