How a Pakistani Civil Engineer Earned the Fully Funded Fulbright Scholarship to Study Environmental and Water Resources Engineering at Virginia Tech

My name is Musab Waqar, and I am from Karachi, Pakistan. I completed my undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from NED University of Engineering and Technology in 2019. While the definition of a middle-class family in Pakistan is often debated, I would say that I grew up in one. My parents worked tirelessly to provide my siblings and me with a quality education and a strong foundation for personal and professional growth. Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate—there has never been a time when I wished for something and was not blessed with it.

Currently, I am pursuing a graduate degree in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering at Virginia Tech, where I work as a graduate research assistant. My research focuses on developing advanced data-driven models to enhance water resource management and promote sustainable agriculture across the Western United States.

A Spark of Inspiration

My passion for water resource management was sparked unexpectedly through a cricket match. As a fan, rain delays are often frustrating, but during a 2018 game in Cape Town, South Africa, I found myself hoping for more rain. The city was experiencing a severe multi-year drought, pushing it to the brink of "Day Zero"—a point where the municipal water supply would run dry. While Cape Town narrowly avoided that fate, the crisis left a lasting impact on me, making me reflect on the water challenges faced by my own city, Karachi.

Water shortages were not uncommon in my hometown, where an inefficient municipal system often left communities struggling for access to clean water. This was one of the driving forces behind my decision to study Civil Engineering as an undergraduate, with the goal of improving Karachi’s infrastructure. However, the thought of an entire city running out of water was an entirely new and alarming perspective. That realization strengthened my resolve to focus my efforts on securing a water-resilient future for Pakistan.

The Fulbright Journey

In 2023, I was awarded the U.S. Fulbright Scholarship, a fully funded program administered by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) and funded by the U.S. Department of State. It covers tuition, travel, health insurance, and living expenses, allowing scholars to pursue higher education in the United States.

While I applied for other scholarships, Fulbright was the one I had my heart set on from the beginning. My journey toward studying in the U.S. was shaped by the mentors and role models I encountered along the way. The earliest influence was my uncle, who pursued his master’s degree in the U.S. when I was a child. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the complexities of studying abroad, but the idea of following in his footsteps became ingrained in me.

That aspiration led me first to NED University and later to pursue graduate studies in the U.S.. Further reinforcing this ambition was my final-year project advisor, who was also a Fulbright Scholar, and my boss at the company where I worked for 3.5 years, who was an MIT graduate. Their experiences and insights not only inspired me but also solidified my belief that the U.S. was the best place for me to advance my education and research. Choosing Fulbright was, therefore, a natural decision, as it aligned perfectly with my long-standing goal of contributing meaningfully to the field of water resource management. Academic Preparation & Research Experience

At NED University, I maintained a CGPA of 3.6 while immersing myself in courses and projects that deepened my understanding of water management. My most defining academic experience was my Final Year Project, where I proposed a research study on using wastewater to generate renewable hydro-energy. It was the only project to receive departmental funding and was later published as a conference paper, validating its real-world impact.

Beyond the classroom, I actively engaged in forums and discussions focused on Pakistan’s water crisis, interacting with experts and exploring innovative indigenous solutions. However, my most profound learning experience came from my travels across Pakistan, witnessing firsthand the glaciers and mountains that serve as the primary sources of the country’s vast water network. This journey gave me a deeper appreciation of the complex socio-physical dynamics of Pakistan’s water system and reinforced my commitment to ensuring a water-secure future.

Applying to Universities and Standardized Tests

Unlike direct applications, Fulbright applicants recommend universities, and USEFP applies on their behalf. I carefully selected institutions based on their faculty expertise and research focus, ensuring alignment with my academic and professional goals. While university rankings were a consideration, my priority was finding research groups where I could contribute meaningfully. As part of the Fulbright application, I took the GRE, scoring 320 after two months of preparation using GregMat, a resource that significantly helped streamline my study process. After selection, I also took the TOEFL, scoring 115 with just one to two weeks of preparation using ETS resources.

Crafting a Strong Application

I started preparing for Fulbright early, as early as my second or third year of undergrad, keeping a Google Notes document where I recorded thoughts, experiences, and key moments to shape my personal statement. This habit helped me develop a compelling narrative when it was time to apply.

The most challenging part of the application was writing the statements—they are deeply personal, unique to each applicant, and require careful introspection. It took me about a month to craft strong, well-structured essays. I sought feedback from Fulbright alumni, whose insights were instrumental in refining my narrative.

For the Fulbright interview, I avoided excessive preparation. Instead, I outlined potential answers to common questions to have a structured narrative but remained flexible to ensure I sounded natural and authentic, rather than rehearsed.

What Made My Application Stand Out?

I believe the strongest aspect of my application was my personal statements. While a good GRE score, GPA (3.6), and strong academic background contributed to my selection, the statements and recommendation letters were the defining factors.

I was fortunate to have incredible mentors who wrote strong letters of recommendation for me.

However, the personal statement is your voice—it’s your opportunity to convince the selection committee why you deserve the scholarship. Crafting a cohesive, purpose-driven narrative that ties together your experiences, motivations, and alignment with Fulbright’s mission is critical.

Reflections & Advice for Future Applicants

Looking back, there isn’t much I would change about my approach. Perhaps taking the GRE earlier, during undergrad, would have helped manage the workload more efficiently, but overall, I executed my plan well.

For future applicants, my advice is simple:

1. Start early. A strong application takes time—don’t wait until the last month to figure things out.
2. Have a clear plan. Set a timeline, prepare in advance, and ensure everything is lined up so that the final months are just about assembling the pieces.
3. Network with past scholars. Their experiences provide invaluable insights that can refine your approach.
4. Maintain balance. A perfect GPA isn’t everything—scholarship committees look for well-rounded individuals with leadership, initiative, and real-world impact.
5. Focus on what you can control. If your GPA isn’t exceptional, write outstanding statements, improve your GRE score, and highlight your strengths. Make each aspect of your application the best version of itself, and success will follow.

Ultimately, the Fulbright journey is not just about securing a scholarship—it’s about becoming part of a global community committed to making a difference. If you prepare intentionally, let your unique story shine, and stay persistent, there is nothing stopping you from achieving your dreams.