Studying at the top universities of the world may remain a dream for many. However, for some individuals, this dream did not remain just a dream; instead, they accelerated towards it with immense confidence and vigour. 

One such individual is Md Mazhar Uddin Bhuiyan. Freshly enrolled at the University of Dhaka, Mazhar knew since his first year that he should have a goal, a goal few dare to manifest or even dream of, and today he is living his dream at Oxford University, steadfast in his goal of cementing his place in one of the top educational institutions in the world.

Building the foundation

Mazhar’s academic achievements began during his school days. As a recipient of government scholarships for his outstanding results in his days at Notre Dame College, he had purpose, a purpose that led to him being fully committed to his studies.

His achievements at the University of Dhaka stood out, as he scored a remarkable 3.98 out of 4.00, the highest in the history of the Department of Political Science.

“That was a proud and emotional moment for me,” he said. “My teachers told me it was the highest anyone had ever achieved. It made me realise that I could aim higher.”

Encouraged by his grades and having had the blessings of his well-wishers, Mazhar set his sights on the Ivy Leagues of the world. However, upon realising the current strains affecting foreign students studying in the US, Mazhar decided to focus on the UK.

His grit told him to apply only to two of the most widely known historical institutions, Oxford and Cambridge.

“I was very determined. I told myself I would apply only to Oxford and Cambridge. If I got in, great; if not, I would try again later,” Mazhar said.

Mazhar also realised the capabilities and achievements he needed to have and display for such prestigious institutions to accept him. Therefore, he prepared beforehand by already having four research papers published during his undergraduate days.

But Mazhar was never content with academic success alone. From his very first year, he began taking part in research and youth initiatives.

“I got involved with the Microgovernance Research Initiative and later the Applied Democracy Lab,” he shared. “Those experiences gave me hands-on exposure to how policies are designed and implemented.”

Through these platforms, Mazhar collaborated with international organisations such as FCDO, USAID, IFES, META, The Asia Foundation, and International IDEA.

“Working with them helped me see policymaking up close, not just in theory, but in practice.”

Studying abroad had always been a dream, but the path to Oxford seemed distant at first.

“I am the first person from my department to be admitted there,” he said proudly. “In the beginning, it felt almost impossible. But as I gained more exposure to international research, I started believing it could happen.”

The application marathon

“I began researching the programmes. I found that Public Policy at Oxford and Politics and International Studies at Cambridge matched best with my interests.”

Having made up his mind, Mazhar started rigorous research, research about the professors and faculties involved in these programmes, their work, and which of them matched his interests.

“I spent a lot of time, literally nights and nights, reading about the faculty members and their research areas. I even made an Excel sheet to organise everything, like which professors’ work matched my own interests.”

While everything was going on, Mazhar was in his final semester, so it was not like he had much free time.

“I was in my eighth semester at Dhaka University, and my final exams were going on while I was preparing all the documents for my applications. It was very hard to manage both at the same time. I used to study for my exams during the day and then work on my application essays and forms late at night, sometimes until morning.”

All the hard work paid off when, in February, he received an acceptance letter from Cambridge, and Oxford followed through in March. He described these subsequent months as “one of the happiest moments of my life!”

Reading this far, one might ask, is all this obsessive effort necessary? According to Mazhar’s experience, there is no alternative to this level of effort.

When writing the SOPs, Mazhar mentioned an important factor that may have separated him from the rest.

“One important part was explaining why I chose that specific programme and university. I mentioned how the courses and the faculty members’ work matched my interests and how their expertise could help me reach my goals.”

If Mazhar had not dedicated the nights to learn about the programmes in detail and immerse himself in the professors’ work, this could not have been an appealing SOP at all.

“Overall, I tried to make sure my SOP told a complete story about who I am, what I have done, and where I want to go next.”

Both universities required an above-average IELTS score, at least 7 in each module, but for Mazhar, this was not something that proved to be a roadblock.

“I had been working with different international organisations where English is used every day. It was not too difficult for me. I was able to do well without much extra preparation.”

However, he recognises the need for proper preparation for anyone who may not be comfortable with the English language.

Ensuring the finances

“From the very beginning, I knew I had to go through scholarships, and that was my only option,” Mazhar expressed.

He applied for several funding opportunities, including Chevening and Oxford’s central scholarships.

“I was shortlisted for Chevening but couldn’t be selected because my bachelor’s wasn’t yet complete,” he said. “Then I was shortlisted for two of Oxford’s scholarships and finally received the Felix Scholarship, which covers tuition, living expenses, accommodation, and airfare. It changed everything. Without it, studying here wouldn’t have been possible.”

He also advises, “Keep track of different scholarship opportunities and their requirements. Many of them look for a clear sense of purpose. They want to see that you know what you want to study and why it matters. And finally, don’t get discouraged. Getting a scholarship is competitive, but if you stay consistent, build your skills, and keep improving your application step by step, it’s absolutely possible.”

Life at Oxford

Mazhar describes his experience at Oxford as transformative. “Academically, it’s intense,” he said. “We have to read a lot before class; otherwise, it’s hard to keep up. But the discussions are incredible. People come from every corner of the world, bringing completely different perspectives.”

He also appreciates the university’s approach to education. “In Bangladesh, the focus was often on what to think. At Oxford, it’s about how to think,” he reflected. “You’re encouraged to question everything, to develop your own arguments and ideas.”

Life after Oxford

Mazhar’s long-term goal is clear: to return to Bangladesh and work in academia. “I have always wanted to teach and do research,” he said. “At Dhaka University, we study with the tax money of ordinary people like farmers, workers, and the middle class. I believe it’s our responsibility to give something back.”

His story is one of steady effort and self-belief. His journey shows that even when the path seems distant, consistency, clarity, and courage can turn a dream into a destination.