How a Pakistani Social Development Scholar Won the Fully Funded Commonwealth Shared Scholarship to Pursue His MSc in Local Economic Development at the London School of Economics and Political Science

My name is Muhammad Ashar, and I was born and raised in the vicinity commonly referred to by its historical toponym, Lalu Khet, now officially known as Liaquatabad, located in District Central, Karachi, Pakistan. A densely populated neighborhood, boasting a vibrant lower-middle-class community composed mostly of ethnic Urdu speakers in the heart of the megacity, it is among the earliest settlements where migrants from India settled after the 1947 Partition. Since then, due to a lack of planning, a sharp rise in population, and subsequent informal expansion, the area has transformed in many ways over the past five decades, largely for the worse. Congested, litter-strewn streets, overflowing drainage systems, compartmentalized and dilapidated multi-storey buildings, and a lack of green spaces are all common sights. In many ways, it exemplifies a classic case of unregulated urbanization gone haywire.

My first-hand lived experiences thus shaped both my academic and professional pursuits. With the goal of improving the conditions of my own surroundings, I pursued a Bachelor's degree in Social Development and Policy at Habib University in 2018. An interdisciplinary social sciences program, it further strengthened my passion for issues related to urban planning and economic development, especially in the context of Global South cities like Karachi. During this time, I came across the MSc Local Economic Development program at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). The program not only aligned well with my academic interests and professional goals, but was also among the few approved for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme at the institution. It offers strong specialization in regional and urban economics, along with rigorous training in research methods and GIS, supported by a solid interdisciplinary foundation.

In the long term, my goal has been to become a development professional while simultaneously pursuing an academic track. In this regard, the LED program seemed like a natural transition toward such a pursuit.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship for the 2022–23 academic year to pursue the MSc in Local Economic Development at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). The scholarship covered the full cost of the program, along with a generous living stipend. My travel, visa-related expenses, and other associated costs were also fully funded under the scholarship.

Educational Background

I completed a BSc in Social Development and Policy, graduating with a CGPA of 3.78. During my undergraduate studies, I took several courses that laid the foundation for my Master’s degree. These included Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Political Economy, Research Methods, Advanced Quantitative Methods, and Data Analytics. My capstone project in Institutional Economics was also closely aligned with my interest in regional economics. Additionally, I was involved in various research projects focused on issues of economic development, which further strengthened my academic preparation for graduate studies.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)?

To prepare my application for the Master’s in Local Economic Development, I began the process quite early. It was the only program I was keen to apply to, and I wanted to ensure that my profile was carefully curated, not only to reflect my passion for the subject but also to align with what LSE seeks in an ideal candidate.

The greatest support I received came from my professors and mentors, who advised me on how to craft a compelling and well-structured personal statement. Since other components of the application, such as transcripts and academic standing, were relatively straightforward, I dedicated most of my time and energy to developing my personal statement. For me, this statement was more than just a formal requirement and was an opportunity to narrate my life journey and explain how it shaped my motivation to pursue this field.

At the same time, I worked on the essays required for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship application. The scholarship themes of “Access, Inclusion, and Opportunity” and “Strengthening Global Peace, Security, and Governance” resonated most strongly with my personal and professional goals. I made a conscious effort to ensure that my LSE personal statement and my scholarship essays, which covered both my future aspirations and reasons for pursuing the program, were in harmony with these themes. I focused on demonstrating how both my leadership experiences and academic pursuits have been, and will continue to be, grounded in these values.

Lastly, during my undergraduate studies, I also worked on various research projects relevant to my interests as an RA with my Habib’s professors. Simultaneously, I also used my winter and summer breaks to work as a research intern at institutions such as the Pakistan Institute of Corporate Governance and the Youth Center for Research to gain field experience. These efforts boosted my profile and also reflected a commitment to my academic and field interests, which I also underlined in my personal and scholarship statements.

Thus, overall, I believe the ability of my essays, along with good academic standing and relevant work experience, in communicating that I make a competitive candidate for the scholarship was a crucial factor in my successful application.

I was required to submit my IELTS score after receiving a conditional offer from LSE. For preparation, I relied solely on the website https://ieltsonlinetests.com/. Attempting multiple practice tests to the point where I consistently scored 6.5-7+ bands proved to be more than sufficient preparation for the IELTS. In my experience, a 7+ score in these mock tests typically translates to an actual score of 8 or above on the official exam, provided one has a solid foundational proficiency in the English language. Fortunately, I had this foundation due to my prior academic training.

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

There was no dedicated preparation per se. I mostly focused on my LSE application and ensured all boxes related to scholarship application, such as the list of documents required, were checked and uploaded well before the deadline.

How is (was) Your Experience at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)?

It was great. LSE boasts a large international community, which makes navigating the time there much easier. Beyond campus life, the student accommodations where I lived were also pretty good, and I made a number of friends there too. The sense of community was strong, which really enhanced my overall experience.

How Do You Rate the LSE Academically and Why? 

LSE’s Department of Geography, which hosted my program, is ranked second in the world. Beyond this ranking, and based on my own experience, the program was (while extremely intensive) one of the most academically enriching experiences I have had.

I developed strong core competencies, both theoretical and technical, and as someone who remains actively engaged in the same field as a researcher, I strongly believe that I would not be where I am today without the rigorous training I received at LSE. 

How Does the LSE Support International Students?

There is a wide range of support services available. In my experience, I was well assisted from the moment I was nominated until the day I graduated. LSE’s Scholarship Manager, Pam, not only helped me navigate the entire process with ease but also made all the necessary arrangements I required --- from the day I arrived in London to the day I returned. Communication from LSE was far more timely and organized than what I have observed at other institutions. Pam would provide updates regarding any required documents or actions months in advance, allowing ample time to make the necessary arrangements.

Beyond administrative support, LSE also offers a wide array of student services, including access to mental health counselors and therapists, who can be easily booked for appointments if needed. My experience with these services was also very positive.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

As I mentioned, my selection was most likely the result of a combination of strong academic standing, relevant research and work experience, and well-crafted essays. Additionally, my letters of recommendation were written by professors with whom I had worked closely as a researcher. They were familiar with both my academic performance and work ethic. Therefore, the letters likely served as a strong testament to these qualities and further strengthened my application by affirming the content of my essays.

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

I was very fortunate to receive a scholarship for the only program I applied to. However, if I were to approach the process differently now, I would consider applying to a few more similar programs to increase my overall chances of admission and funding.

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

I would advise prospective applicants to clearly identify their field of interest through relevant coursework and practical experience. Similarly, start planning early and aim to prepare your application materials at least one to two months before the deadlines. This will give you ample time to review your documents or have them reviewed by mentors and peers.

Optional questions are provided to help future applicants better understand your experience, but you are not required to answer them. Please feel free to skip any questions you’re uncomfortable with, especially if they relate to difficult or personal experiences, you'd prefer not to make public.