Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship Recipient, Zubair Mahar from Pakistan, Shares His Journey of Pursuing an MA in Educational Leadership in Practice at the University of Manchester, UK

My name is Zubair Mahar. I come from Sukkur, Sindh, Pakistan, where stories and schooling shaped me in equal measure. I grew up listening to my grandfather’s tales and later won a fully funded scholarship to university. I hold a bachelor’s in Education from Sukkur IBA University, graduating with distinction. Today, I am a Commonwealth Scholar, enrolled in the MA in Educational Leadership in Practice at the University of Manchester. I chose this degree because I want to link classroom practice with policy. I want to build teacher development systems and work in educational policy and leadership development grounded in local realities and informed by rigorous leadership practice.

Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship 2025, funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The award supports my MA in Educational Leadership in Practice at the University of Manchester as a distance learning scholar. The scholarship is a full award covering tuition and approved support as per CSC guidelines.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

N/A for degree-level scholarships. I have previously received competitive funded opportunities, such as a fully funded seat in the VIPP Global Winter School at Michigan State University and awards for short fellowships and workshops, but the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship is my primary degree scholarship.

Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor of Education from Sukkur IBA University, graduating magna cum laude with a CGPA of 3.7 and a Bronze Medal for academic merit. My undergraduate work combined curriculum study with classroom placements, which gave me practical experience in lesson design, assessment, and learner-centred pedagogy. This foundation, together with my action research on decolonial and translingual teaching, prepared me to pursue educational leadership, where pedagogical insight must meet policy and program design.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Manchester?

I began by clarifying my career aim: to design teacher training systems and policy labs for South Asia. I mapped programs that matched that aim, gathered faculty and course information, and drafted a clear statement of purpose that linked my classroom practice to long-term policy goals. I sought references from mentors who could attest to both my classroom impact and leadership work. I also refined my CV and collected evidence of projects like EduWings and Olympiad curricula to demonstrate practical impact.

How Did You Find Information About the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship and the University of Manchester?

I used multiple channels: official university websites, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission portal, academic networks, alumni groups on social media, and referrals from mentors and colleagues. I also followed online seminars and webinars where program directors spoke about course content and scholarship opportunities, and I reached out to current students and alumni to get real feedback.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

My applications relied primarily on academic transcripts, references, and professional experience. Where language or test evidence was required, I used prior degree certification and institutional requirements to demonstrate proficiency. If a standardized test had been necessary, I would have prepared through targeted practice, mock tests, and timed reading and writing drills.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship?

I prepared by aligning my application with the CSC’s priorities of leadership and impact. I framed my work in fellowships, the EduWings project, and action research on teacher subjectivities as evidence of leadership, community impact, and potential for systems change. I refined essays to be specific about intended outcomes, gathered strong referees, and prepared a realistic plan for how I would use the learning to benefit my community and country.

How is (was) Your Experience at the University of Manchester?

My early experience with the University of Manchester has been intellectually rigorous and supportive. Through the MA, I engage with international peers and faculty, and the course challenges me to translate classroom practice into policy-relevant leadership. The distance format allows me to remain embedded in my teaching context while accessing high-quality academic mentorship.

How Do You Rate the University of Manchester Academically and Why?

The University of Manchester is academically strong in leadership and policy scholarship. Its program balances theory and practice, and it offers rigorous modules that equip practitioners to craft evidence-based interventions. The faculty brings a useful mix of research and applied experience, which enriches distance learning.

How Does the University of Manchester Support International Students?

The university provides academic advisors, online library access, research supervision, and dedicated international student support. Through the Commonwealth Scholarship framework, I also access networks and peer groups, which further help with academic and practical queries.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My application combined rigorous academic performance with concrete evidence of leadership and impact. I showed measurable outcomes: re-enrollment of out-of-school children through EduWings, improved student results in Olympiad training, and action research findings on teacher practice. I paired this with a clear, realistic plan for using the MA to build teacher training modules and a policy lab for South Asia.

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

I would start the scholarship search and essay drafting earlier and build a portfolio of short, evidence-rich case studies of my projects. I would also engage mentors sooner for mock interviews and feedback on impact metrics.

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

Start early. Be specific about impact. Collect hard evidence of outcomes, not just activities. Tell a coherent story that links your past practice to plans to secure referees who can speak concretely about your leadership and potential. Finally, align your proposal with the scholarship’s stated priorities and demonstrate how learning will be translated into real-world impact.