u/Normal_Investigator9

Two days ago, I posted here — son of a security guard, admitted to IBA Math (100% bridge financing) and Habib (HU TOPS scholarship). I was stuck.

After visiting both campuses, reading every comment, and exhausting myself with analysis, I've decided.

I am choosing IBA Mathematics.

Habib offered me full funding — the most generous scholarship in Pakistan. I am genuinely grateful. But they admitted me to Computer Engineering, not Computer Science. And that's not the path I need.

I have high ambitions in AI. For that, I need math. Pure math. IBA is giving me that.

A year ago, Habib rejected me. This year, they accepted me with full funding. And now, with respect, I am rejecting them. Not because I'm bitter — because CE is not my path.

I have no financial backing. My father is a security guard. I'm walking into IBA knowing I'll have to reapply for aid every year. But I believe I can figure it out.

To everyone who commented: thank you. You took time to help a stranger. I wanted you to know where I landed.

Wish me luck. I'm going to need it.

original post : https://www.reddit.com/r/IBA/comments/1tgetav/son_of_a_security_guard_got_into_iba_math_100/

I never thought I'd be writing this post.

I'm the son of a security guard. We rent. Live paycheck to paycheck. I took a gap year that I thought was completely wasted — depression, no structure, no progress. I applied to Habib last year and got rejected.

This year, I applied again to both IBA and Habib.

Here's where things stand:

IBA:

• Accepted into BS Mathematics (Fall 2026)
• Granted 100% bridge financing for first year (tuition covered)
• Will need to reapply for FA each year + apply to external donors (formality, but still)
• Upfront admission fee: 125k PKR (family sacrificing to pay it)
• Deadline to pay: May 22

Habib:

• Accepted into CS/CE (Fall 2026)
• Scholarship decision coming via postal mail + follow-up email (they said "fee package details" incoming)
• Applied for HU TOPS (100% for 4 years) — don't know yet if I got it
• Deadline: Not yet specified, but likely soon.

I know math is the foundation — linear algebra, calculus, probability, statistics. IBA's math program is exactly that. But Habib's HU TOPS (if I get it) would be 4 years of stability, no annual reapplication, no donor hunting. That peace of mind is hard to ignore.

But Habib doesn't have a standalone math program. CS/CE is great, but I worry about tools becoming outdated. Math feels "pristine" — same 30 years ago, same 30 years from now.

I also worry about the need-based nature of IBA's aid. If I start earning or my father's situation improves, IBA will reduce my aid. Habib's HU TOPS (if merit-based) wouldn't do that.

I'm leaning toward IBA because math is my heart. But the stability of a 4-year locked scholarship at Habib is very tempting.

I need perspective from people who have been through either program. How hard is the annual FA reapplication at IBA? Is Habib's CS program actually math-heavy enough for someone aiming for AI research?

Also — if Habib offers HU TOPS (100% for 4 years) — would you still choose IBA Math?

Thank you. This is the hardest decision of my life.

I have been admitted and I have applied for financial assistance. I genuinely cannot afford to risk paying 125,000 PKR unless I know whether I will be able to continue my studies. If I am not granted FA, I will not be able to continue. What should I do in this situation?

Is there any provision for students with genuine financial constraints to delay payment or receive FA decision earlier?