How a Pakistani Scholar Earned the £50K Commonwealth Shared Scholarship for a Master’s in Development Studies at LSE

My name is Saadia Sabir, and I am from Booni, Chitral, in the northern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. In 2018, I completed my Master’s in Development Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). With an undergraduate degree in Gender Studies, I pursued further education to broaden my theoretical understanding of global development challenges and strengthen my ability to contribute to inclusive and sustainable change.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in Development Studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). The scholarship covered full tuition fees, return airfare to and from my home country, a thesis grant, warm clothing allowance, and living expenses in London, with the total support amounting to approximately £50,000.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Yes, I was also offered a scholarship and Graduate Teaching Assistantship from the University of South Florida for their Master’s Program in Gender and Women’s Studies, spanning two years. The assistantship included:

• An 80% tuition waiver,
• In-state tuition rates for the remaining cost,
• A stipend of $2,750 per semester, and
• Free student health insurance.

In addition, I was awarded the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship for the same program on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis, covering 20% of the tuition and living costs.

I withdrew from both these scholarships upon receiving the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship.

During my undergraduate studies, I received funding from the Foundation to Support Students Worldwide, a US-based 501(c)(3) organization, which covered tuition and living costs during my junior and senior years, amounting to $2,000 USD over two years.

I am also the 2011–2012 recipient of the Near East and South Asia (NESA) Undergraduate Exchange Program Award by the American Councils, which was a fully funded one-year exchange program to study Women’s Studies at St. Catherine University, Minnesota. It covered tuition, living expenses, visa fees, return airfare, and a settling-in allowance in the U.S

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

I always aspired to pursue my Master’s degree abroad, and I knew scholarships would be the only way to make that dream a reality. In my senior year of undergraduate studies, I began researching international scholarship opportunities and the standardized tests required for various programs.

After graduation, I dedicated the first two years to preparing for these applications, investing both time and the money I earned into exam preparation and application fees.

I took the GRE for the Fulbright Scholarship (though I was not selected), the TOEFL for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship (for which I was selected, but funding was withdrawn at the last minute), and the IELTS for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, which I ultimately received.

For all these tests, I prepared independently using official prep books, online resources, and mock exams.

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

By the time I was selected for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, I had gained significant experience in preparing scholarship applications. Over the years, I had refined my personal statement, which evolved depending on the degree or scholarship I was applying for, but the core of my story, one of resilience and purpose, remained consistent.

I regularly sought feedback from mentors who helped strengthen my writing, and I secured strong recommendation letters from professors and lecturers. To stay organized, I created a detailed schedule with application deadlines and dedicated 2–3 hours each evening after work to test preparation or writing personal statements. I also ensured that all my documents were attested and ready in advance, and I maintained digital copies for quick and easy access.

This systematic approach made the application process less overwhelming and more manageable, allowing me to focus on tailoring each application to the specific scholarship requirements.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Looking back, I am not entirely sure what made the final difference, but what I do know is that, in the scholarship applications I was selected for, I made a conscious effort to keep it real. I focused on telling my story with honesty and authenticity, and let my hard work speak through the experiences I shared.

I believe what resonated most was the genuineness of my responses, especially when it came to questions about my personal background and post-award goals. Rather than trying to fit into a mold, I focused on being true to my journey and aspirations.

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

Honestly, nothing. I gave it everything I had and did it the best way I could with the resources and knowledge available to me at the time, and that is what matters most. Every step, including the setbacks, was part of the learning process that eventually led to success.

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

My biggest advice: TELL YOUR OWN STORY! I often have aspiring applicants reach out asking for my personal statement, and I always tell them that I am happy to review their statement and offer feedback, but it is crucial that the story comes from their own experiences. Authenticity matters. Don’t try to copy what you think "works"; instead, focus on what drives you, what you have overcome, and what you hope to achieve.

That said, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having mentors, friends, and alumni of the scholarship in your corner. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether it is reviewing your application, providing feedback, or simply encouraging you through the process. A strong support system can make all the difference.

Also, be prepared to work hard. Do your research, invest your time and energy, and don’t look for shortcuts. Strong applications take effort, reflection, and persistence, but it is absolutely worth it.