How a Pakistani Electronics Engineer Secured Commonwealth and Young Scientist Scholarships for Advanced Wireless Communications Research

My name is Usman Memon, originally from Pakistan. From an early age, I was captivated by the technology behind telephones, intercoms, radios, and televisions, devices that connect people and make communication possible. This lifelong curiosity led me to pursue a career in electronics engineering, with a focus on understanding both wired and wireless communication systems.

Commonwealth Scholarship Details

I have been fortunate to receive two prestigious scholarships that have shaped my academic and professional journey. The first was the Commonwealth Scholarship at the University of Leeds, UK, which covered my tuition BSc (Engineering) to MSc (Engineering) program in Modern Digital and RF Wireless Communications, awarded in 2006.

Later, in 2012, I received the Young Scientist Scholarship at Chung-Ang University in Seoul, South Korea, a fully funded scholarship covering five years of tuition and living expenses for my PhD in RF and Microwave Engineering.

Educational Background

I completed my undergraduate studies with a BSc in Engineering, followed by an MSc and then a PhD. Throughout my academic journey, I consistently maintained a GPA of approximately 3.5/4.0 and above, supported by a strong foundation in mathematics, analytical thinking, and communication skills.

Preparation and Application Process

Preparation for these scholarships began with building a solid academic record and participating in extracurricular activities that showcased my skills (leadership and teamwork) and interests. I focused on securing excellent grades, especially in mathematics, and honed my English language proficiency through standardized exams like the GRE and IELTS. For the Commonwealth Scholarship, I specifically took the IELTS exam to demonstrate my English proficiency for study in the UK.

Finding information about available scholarships and the application process involved regularly checking university websites and dedicated scholarship portals. I made sure all required documentation was thoroughly prepared and tailored for each application.

Institutional Experience and Academic Support

My academic experience at both the University of Leeds and Chung-Ang University was exceptional. The School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the University of Leeds was one of the top-ranked engineering schools in the UK at the time, offering advanced coursework, research opportunities, and a collaborative environment. Both universities are supportive of international students and maintain comprehensive scholarship information on their official websites. My classes were conducted in English, everyone in the university labs spoke English, and I did not face any language barriers during my studies.

What Made My Application Stand Out

I believe my application was successful due to a combination of strong academic grades, a robust mathematics/physics background, and a high English language exam score. These achievements demonstrated my preparedness for rigorous academic work and my ability to thrive in an international academic environment.

Advice for Future Applicants

If I were to go through the process again, I would focus even more on building a diverse portfolio of extracurricular, DIY projects, and research experiences early on, as these can further distinguish an application. For prospective applicants, my advice is to maintain a strong academic record, involve yourself in projects that make you think out of the box, build analytical thinking, actively seek out information about available scholarships, and invest time in preparing for standardized exams. Tailor each application to highlight your strengths and motivations, and don’t hesitate to reach out to university scholarship offices for guidance.

Final Note

I hope that sharing my journey will inspire and guide future scholars on their own paths to academic and professional success.