PhD Electrical Engineering Student Shehryar Jafar from Pakistan Shares His Journey of Studying at the University of Texas at Dallas as a Fulbright Scholar

My name is Shehryar Jafar, and I’m from Karachi, Pakistan. I’m currently a PhD student in Electrical Engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). My research focuses on Quantum Optical Communication, especially understanding and modeling how real-world effects like atmospheric turbulence in free-space optical links impact quantum communication performance.

I decided to pursue further education in this field because it combines rigorous engineering with meaningful, long-term impact. Secure and resilient communication technologies are becoming increasingly important, and I’m motivated to contribute to research that can translate into practical, real-world systems.

Fulbright Scholarship Details

I received the Fulbright Scholarship to pursue my PhD at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). It is fully funded, covering tuition, a living stipend, health insurance, and related support that allows me to focus on my studies and research.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Yes. For my master’s degree, I received a fully funded scholarship from the Government of Pakistan to study at The University of Manchester (UK) (covering tuition and major study-related expenses).

Educational Background

• Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), 2015 — CGPA: 3.98/4.00
• Master's in Reliability Engineering and Asset Management, The University of Manchester (UK), 2020 – CGPA 4.00/4.00

My bachelor’s degree built a strong foundation in engineering fundamentals and analytical problem-solving, which helped me succeed in advanced coursework and research. My master’s further strengthened my ability to work with complex systems, structured methodologies, and research-driven thinking skills that have been valuable in PhD-level research and technical writing.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Texas at Dallas?

I focused on identifying universities with strong research output and faculty expertise aligned with my interests. I chose UTD because of its strong research background and the kind of work being done in my area. I did not email professors before applying; instead, I relied on careful program research and making sure my application clearly communicated my academic direction and goals.

How Did You Find Information About the Fulbright Scholarship and the University of Texas at Dallas?

I used the official scholarship website (United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan) and university resources (program websites, department pages, and published research information), and I compared program strengths based on research focus, faculty areas, and opportunities available to graduate students.

Standardized Tests + Preparation

I took the GRE and TOEFL as part of the application process. Because I had limited time alongside my job, I used a highly focused approach to prepare efficiently:

• GRE preparation: about 1 month of targeted practice with emphasis on high-impact topics and timed sections
• TOEFL preparation: about 4 days, focusing on format familiarity, common question types, and timed practice to build speed and confidence

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Fulbright Scholarship?

I treated the scholarship application as a complete narrative: aligning my academic background, my research goals, and the reason the scholarship was essential for achieving them. I focused on making my statements clear, structured, and outcome-oriented, showing not only what I want to study, but why it matters and how I plan to contribute through research.

How Is Your Experience at the University of Texas at Dallas?

My experience at UTD has been highly enriching. The research environment is strong and has pushed me to grow academically and professionally. A major part of my learning has come from engaging with the broader research community, attending and participating in conferences, presenting ideas, and learning from other researchers’ work. These experiences have improved my understanding of the field and helped me think more clearly about research direction and impact.

What Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because it presented a clear academic direction, a strong engineering foundation, and a focused research interest with real-world relevance. I worked to communicate my goals in a structured and practical way, showing what I want to contribute through research and why this path is important.

Advice for Others Applying for a Similar Scholarship

Be intentional and clear. Start by understanding what the scholarship values, then build an application that connects your past preparation to a specific future goal. Keep your writing simple and structured, and focus on alignment: your academic background, your direction, and why the scholarship is essential for achieving your objectives.