Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1: Dear Mr Abidi, I am currently in my final year of BSc Electrical Engineering from NUST, Islamabad. I am interested in studying Robotics in Japan. What is the procedure for applying, and are there scholarships available for Pakistani students? (Usman Ali, Islamabad).

Ans: Dear Usman, Japan is a global leader in Robotics and offers several scholarships for international students. The MEXT Scholarship is the most well-known for fully funded studies. Universities like the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University are leading institutions in this field. Learning some basic Japanese is recommended, even if your programme is in English. Start preparing early, as Japanese universities have a unique application process that includes submitting research proposals.

Q2: Dear Sir, I am studying BS Environmental Science from the University of Balochistan. I want to pursue a master’s degree in Climate Change from a European university. Which countries are best for this field, and what is the application process? (Samina Baloch, Quetta)

Ans: Dear Samina, countries like Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands are leading in Climate Change studies. Universities such as the University of Gothenburg in Sweden and the Technical University of Munich in Germany offer excellent programmes. The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is a great option for fully funded education. Focus on highlighting your research interests in your application, as climate studies are often research-intensive.

Q3: Dear Sir, I am a third-year student of BS Chemistry at GC University, Lahore. I am interested in pursuing a master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the UK. What universities should I consider, and are there any specific scholarship opportunities for this field? (Ali Nawaz, Lahore)

Ans: Dear Ali, The UK has top programmes in Pharmaceutical Sciences at universities like the University of Nottingham, University College London (UCL), and the University of Manchester. Scholarships like the Chevening Scholarship and Commonwealth Scholarship are applicable to this field. Additionally, many UK universities offer departmental scholarships based on academic merit.

Q4: Dear Mr Abidi, I am currently studying BS Psychology at Islamia College, Peshawar. I am interested in doing an MSc in Clinical Psychology from Australia. Could you guide me on the admission process and scholarship opportunities? (Rida Khan, Charsadda)

Ans: Dear Rida, Australia offers strong programmes in Clinical Psychology at universities like the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney. Admission typically requires a high GPA, relevant experience, and good IELTS scores. Scholarships like the Australia Awards and specific university grants are available. Additionally, gaining relevant experience through internships or volunteer work will enhance your application.

(Syed Azhar Husnain Abidi is a renowned educationist in Pakistan, with more than 20 years of experience as provider of education counselling services. He has represented Pakistan in over 100 national and international seminars, conferences and fora. He is a recipient of the most coveted civil award Tamgha-i-Imtiaz).