Fulbright Scholar Zujaja Baig from Pakistan Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master's at Georgetown University, United States

I am Zujaja Baig, originally from Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. During my undergrad, I had multiple opportunities, through internships and volunteering, to work with vulnerable groups in the local community. Since then, I have been passionate about understanding the root causes of underdevelopment and how local narratives and individual capabilities could be used to shape economic development policies. This led me to pursue a master’s degree in International Development Policy at Georgetown University.

Fulbright Scholarship Details

I received the fully-funded Fulbright Scholarship to pursue my master's at Georgetown. The scholarship covered my tuition, living expenses, visa fees, and air ticket to and from my home country.

Educational Background

I did my undergraduate in Development Studies from Bahria University, Islamabad, with a CGPA of 3.84. While I carefully chose my electives based on my interests, I’d say a combination of both my studies and experiences added to my application being strong. I tried my best to ensure that the courses I took and the work I did were truly what I am passionate about, which helped me build my case. I explored areas like sociology, philosophy, statistical analysis, development economics, and rural and community development. In addition, I had long-standing volunteering experience, which really shaped my career aspirations.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Georgetown University?

How Did You Find Information About Fulbright Scholarship and Georgetown University?

I had done my research on scholarship opportunities during my undergrad. My aim was to get a fully-funded scholarship, which made Fulbright one of my top priorities. Then, I did my research on the universities that offered my desired degree program and the courses they offered. This helped me greatly in filling out my application.

Another useful tip that I practiced for my application was to use my social media for it. I joined online forums to remain updated on any news. In addition, I used platforms like Twitter (now X) to reach out to alumni in similar fields who were willing to review essays. There are plenty of people out there willing to help you (free of cost)!

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

I took the GRE and TOEFL and scored 313 and 118, respectively. I took help from online sources, particularly mobile applications like Magoosh and practice tests.

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

I believe that it took me a long time to apply for the scholarship because I doubted myself, so that’s one thing I wouldn’t have done.

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

Be true to yourself and make sure your application demonstrates authenticity and your passion. Be consistent in your efforts and confident in your abilities.