UCL Global Undergraduate Scholar, Muhammad Maaz from Pakistan, Shares the Story of How He Secured the Fully Funded Award to Pursue His MEng in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at University College London (UCL)

My name is Muhammad Maaz, and I'm from Karachi, Pakistan. I'm currently a third-year MEng Robotics and Artificial Intelligence student at University College London (UCL). I decided to pursue this degree because I've always been fascinated by how AI and robotics can solve real-world problems. Growing up in Pakistan, I saw how technology could transform industries and improve lives, and I wanted to be part of that innovation. The combination of mechanical systems, computer science, and AI in robotics felt like the perfect intersection of my interests in mathematics, programming, and building things that have a practical impact.

UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship Details

I received the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to only 10 international students each year across the entire university and covers full tuition fees and living costs for the duration of my degree (4 years for the MEng programme). This was crucial because studying in London is expensive, and without this scholarship, it would not have been financially possible for me to attend UCL.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Yes, I was also offered the Academic Excellence Scholarship from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) based on my 5 A* grades in A Levels. While HKUST is an excellent institution, I chose to accept the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship instead because UCL's Robotics and AI programme was a better fit for my academic interests, the curriculum aligned more closely with what I wanted to study, and the location in London offered better access to the European tech industry and research community.

Educational Background

Before UCL, I completed my Cambridge International A Levels at Cedar College in Karachi, Pakistan. I achieved 5 As in Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, and Chemistry. I was one of only two students in my graduating class of 900 to achieve 5 As, and I was the only student to achieve an A* in Further Mathematics that year.

During my O Levels at BVS Parsi High School, I was selected among the Top 50 Under-20 Mathematicians in Pakistan for intensive International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) training.

My educational background prepared me exceptionally well for Robotics and AI. The strong foundation in mathematics through both Mathematics and Further Mathematics A Levels covered advanced topics like complex numbers, matrices, vectors, differential equations, and linear algebra, which are essential for understanding robotics, kinematics, control systems, and machine learning algorithms. Computer Science A Level gave me programming fundamentals and algorithmic thinking. Physics provided an understanding of mechanics and dynamics crucial for robotics. The IMO training developed my problem-solving abilities and taught me how to approach complex mathematical problems systematically, which is valuable for tackling challenging technical problems in AI and robotics.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to University College London?

I started researching universities about 18 months before my intended start date in September 2023, so around March 2022. I made a list of criteria that mattered to me: strong engineering and computer science programmes, good research in robotics and AI, quality of teaching, career opportunities, and location.

I researched extensively online, looking at university rankings for Computer Science and Engineering, reading department websites to understand their research areas and curriculum, and watching video tours and student testimonials. I also reached out to current students from Pakistan studying in the UK through LinkedIn and social media to ask about their experiences.

UCL stood out because of its world-class Computer Science department, ranked consistently in the top 10 globally, strong research groups in AI, robotics, and machine learning, and its location in central London, which provides access to tech companies, startups, and networking opportunities.

How Did You Find Information About the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship and University College London?

I found scholarship information through several sources:

University websites: Most universities have dedicated scholarship and funding pages for international students. I systematically went through these for every university I was interested in.

UCAS: The UK university application system lists scholarships available at different institutions.

Online communities: I joined Facebook groups and Reddit communities for international students applying to UK universities. Students shared their experiences and information about scholarships they'd received or applied for.

Direct contact: I emailed UCL's admissions office and scholarship office directly with specific questions about scholarships for international students. They were very helpful and provided detailed information.

The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship was prominently featured on UCL's international student scholarship page, which is where I first learned about it. The page explained the eligibility criteria, selection process, and what the scholarship covered.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? How Did You Prepare?

Yes, I took the IELTS Academic test, which is required for international students whose first language is not English to prove English proficiency for UK universities. I achieved an Overall Band Score of 8 out of 9 (Listening: 8.5, Reading: 8.5, Writing: 7.5, Speaking: 7.5).

To prepare for IELTS, I:

• Started preparation about 3 months before my test date.
• Used official IELTS preparation materials from Cambridge and the British Council.
• Took several full-length practice tests under timed conditions to get familiar with the format and time pressure.

Since I was applying for undergraduate study in the UK, I didn't need the SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT. The A Levels served as my academic qualification and are widely recognized by UK universities.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship?

The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship is need and merit-based. You apply to it after you submit your application and receive an offer, provided you meet the eligibility criteria (international fee status, strong academic record, and applied by the early application deadline in January).

However, I knew the scholarship was highly competitive, with only 10 recipients across all disciplines, so I made sure every part of my UCAS application was as strong as possible:

Personal Statement: I spent about 3-4 months working on my UCAS personal statement. I wrote multiple drafts, starting in September, for a January application. I clearly articulated why I was passionate about Robotics and AI, not just saying I liked it but explaining specific aspects that fascinated me. I discussed relevant projects I'd done beyond the curriculum, like building small robots and experimenting with machine learning. I explained why UCL specifically was the right fit by referencing specific research groups and modules that aligned with my interests. I had my teachers, mentors, and family members review multiple drafts and incorporated their feedback.

Academic Performance: I maintained exceptional performance in my A Levels to ensure my predicted grades would be 5 A*s. I worked consistently hard throughout my A Level years, not just in the final months.

Reference Letters: I built strong relationships with my teachers so they could write compelling reference letters that spoke to my academic abilities, work ethic, and potential.

Early Application: I made sure to apply by the UCAS deadline in January.

The key was understanding that for this scholarship, academic excellence and demonstrating financial need was important, but they were also looking for students who would contribute to the UCL community and had clear goals for what they wanted to achieve.

How is Your Experience at University College London?

My experience at UCL has been excellent overall. The Robotics and AI programme is challenging and demanding, but incredibly rewarding. The teaching quality is high, with lectures delivered by faculty who are active researchers in their fields. You're learning from people who are literally writing papers and advancing knowledge in areas like machine learning, computer vision, and robotics.

The curriculum balances theoretical foundations with practical, hands-on work. We have lab sessions where we work with actual robots, programming assignments where we implement algorithms we've learned about, and group projects that teach collaboration and project management skills. This combination ensures you understand both the mathematics and theory behind AI and robotics, and how to actually build working systems.

Being in London has been valuable beyond academics. There's access to tech events, company talks from firms like Google DeepMind, startup meetups, and networking opportunities that wouldn't be available in many other cities. UCL's location in Bloomsbury puts you right in central London with easy access to everything.

The student community is diverse and international, which has been enriching. You're learning alongside people from all over the world, which brings different perspectives to discussions and group work.

How Do You Rate UCL Academically and Why?

I would rate UCL very highly academically, particularly for Computer Science, AI, and Engineering. The programme is rigorous and demanding. You're expected to work hard, think deeply about problems, and take ownership of your learning. The coursework covers everything from fundamental mathematics, algorithms, and programming to cutting-edge topics like deep learning, reinforcement learning, computer vision, and motion planning.

What I particularly appreciate is that the teaching goes beyond just theory. While we do learn the mathematical foundations rigorously, there's substantial emphasis on practical application. We have coursework where we implement algorithms, build systems, and work on real problems. The faculty are active researchers, so you're learning from people at the forefront of their fields, and often the content reflects the latest developments in AI and robotics.

The assessment is fair but challenging. They expect high standards, which push you to actually master the material rather than just memorize for exams. Many modules have both exams and coursework components, which test both your understanding and your ability to apply knowledge.

The resources available are excellent. We have access to computational resources, labs with robotics equipment, extensive libraries, and online learning materials. The university invests in ensuring students have what they need to succeed.

If I had to identify challenges, it would be that the pace is fast and the workload is heavy. You need to stay on top of things and manage your time well. But this intensity is also what prepares you well for working in demanding technical roles after graduation.

How Does UCL Support International Students?

UCL has comprehensive support systems for international students:

Pre-arrival support: Before I even arrived in London, UCL provided guidance on visa applications, finding accommodation, opening bank accounts, and registering with the NHS. They have detailed online resources and a team you can email with questions.

Orientation programmes: There were specific orientation events for international students when I arrived, helping us settle in, understand how things work in the UK, and meet other international students.

Dedicated advisers: UCL has international student advisers who can help with visa issues, immigration questions, settling in, and any challenges specific to being an international student. They understand the unique situations international students face.

Student societies: There are numerous societies for international students and students from specific countries. I'm involved with the Pakistani Society, which has been great for connecting with other Pakistani students and celebrating our culture through events.

Academic support: Beyond international-specific support, UCL has academic skills support, writing centers, and departmental support available to all students. Teaching Assistants and office hours with professors are readily accessible if you're struggling with coursework.

Career services: The careers service understands the specific challenges international students face with visa sponsorship for internships and jobs. They provide targeted advice and connect students with employers who sponsor visas.

Mental health and wellbeing: UCL has counseling services, mental health support, and wellbeing programmes available to all students.

The scholarship itself was the most crucial support. Without full funding, studying in London would have been financially impossible for my family. UCL's commitment to making its education accessible through scholarships like the Global Undergraduate Scholarship shows they genuinely value international students and want to attract talent regardless of financial background.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think several factors combined to make my application competitive:

Exceptional academic record: Achieving 5 As in A Levels, particularly being the only student in my cohort of 900 to get A in Further Mathematics, demonstrated academic capability at the highest level. This showed I could handle the rigorous demands of a top-tier university programme.

Strong mathematics foundation: Being selected for IMO training and consistently excelling in mathematics showed I had the quantitative foundations essential for Robotics and AI. The scholarship committee could see I had the mathematical maturity needed for the programme.

Genuine passion for the field: My personal statement clearly conveyed a deep interest in robotics and AI, not just superficial enthusiasm. I discussed specific technical topics that fascinated me, projects I'd worked on independently, and demonstrated understanding of what the field actually involves. This showed I wasn't just applying because it sounded impressive, but because I genuinely wanted to study this.

Clear articulation of fit with UCL: I didn't write a generic personal statement. I specifically explained why UCL was the right place for me, referencing particular research groups, modules, and aspects of the programme that aligned with my interests and goals. This showed I'd done my research and was serious about UCL specifically.

Well-rounded profile: Beyond academics, I had tutoring experience, leadership roles, and extracurricular involvement that showed I was more than just grades. I could contribute to the university community beyond the classroom.

Strong references: My teachers wrote compelling references that spoke to not just my academic performance but my curiosity, work ethic, and potential for success at the university level.

Meeting the scholarship's values: The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship is looking for outstanding students who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford UCL. My application clearly showed academic merit while also showing that financial support was necessary for me to attend.

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

Honestly, the process worked well for me overall, but if I were doing it again, I would:

Start the personal statement even earlier: I spent 3-4 months on it, but having 5-6 months would have allowed for even more refinement and reduced stress. Start in August if you're applying in January.

Reach out to current students earlier: I did contact some UCL students, but doing this 6 months earlier would have given me more insight into the programme and could have strengthened my personal statement.

Apply more strategically to a wider range of universities: I was fortunate that UCL worked out, but I should have had more backup options at different competitiveness levels. Apply to 2-3 reach universities, 2-3 target universities, and 1-2 safety universities.

Research accommodation earlier: Finding good, affordable accommodation in London is competitive. Starting that search earlier would have reduced stress.

Build more programming projects: While my application was strong, having more substantial coding projects to discuss would have further demonstrated my technical abilities and genuine interest.

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

• Start early: Begin researching universities and scholarships at least 18 months before you want to start. This gives you time to strengthen your academic record, prepare for tests, and craft strong applications.
• Focus relentlessly on academic excellence: For scholarships like the UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship, exceptional academic performance is essential. Your grades need to be genuinely outstanding, not just good. Work hard consistently throughout your studies, not just before exams.
• Write an outstanding personal statement: This is your opportunity to show who you are beyond grades. Be genuine and specific about why you're interested in your field. Don't write generic statements like "I've always been interested in computers." Instead, discuss specific problems, projects, or ideas that excite you. Explain clearly why that particular university and programme is right for you by referencing specific aspects. Get feedback from multiple people: teachers, mentors, current university students, and family. Rewrite many times. Your first draft will not be your best.
• Demonstrate genuine passion through actions: Don't just say you're interested in a field. Show it through projects you've done independently, books you've read, online courses you've taken, or problems you've tried to solve on your own. Admissions committees want to see evidence of self-directed learning and genuine curiosity.
• Understand the scholarship criteria thoroughly: Read carefully what the scholarship is looking for. UCL's scholarship looks for academic excellence and students who need financial support. Make sure your application clearly addresses these criteria.
• Don't put all your eggs in one basket: Apply to multiple universities across different countries if possible. Explore all scholarship opportunities. Having options reduces stress and increases your chances of getting funded.
• Prepare seriously for standardized tests: IELTS, SAT, TOEFL, or whatever tests are required matter significantly. Don't underestimate the preparation needed. Start preparing months in advance, use official materials, and take multiple practice tests.
• Build relationships with teachers for strong references: Your teachers' recommendations matter. Engage actively in class, show genuine interest in learning, and build respectful relationships so they can write compelling letters about your abilities and potential.
• Reach out for help when needed: Contact university admissions offices with questions. They're there to help and appreciate proactive students. Join online communities of applicants and current students to learn from their experiences.
• Research the full cost of attendance: Even with scholarships covering tuition and living costs, there are other expenses like books, travel, and personal expenses. Understand the complete financial picture before committing.
• For international students specifically: Understand visa requirements early, research what support is available for international students at each university, and consider factors like cost of living in different cities.
• Don't be discouraged by competitiveness: Yes, these scholarships are highly competitive, with hundreds or thousands of applicants for a handful of spots. But someone has to get them. If you don't apply, you definitely won't get it. Put in your absolute best effort and see what happens. Even if you don't get one scholarship, there may be others.
• Stay organized and meet all deadlines: Missing a deadline can disqualify you entirely. Use a spreadsheet to track all universities you're applying to, their deadlines, required documents, and scholarship deadlines. Set reminders well in advance.
• Be authentic in your application: Don't try to be who you think they want. Be yourself, but present your best self. Authenticity comes through in personal statements and interviews.
• Have a backup plan: Even with strong applications, outcomes can be unpredictable. Think about alternatives if you don't get your first choice. This might mean taking a gap year, applying to universities in different countries, or exploring other funding sources.