PhD Computer Science Student Iqra Ali from Pakistan Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded PhD at Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom

My name is Iqra Ali, and I am from Pakistan. I am currently a PhD student in Computer Science at Queen Mary University of London, where I work in Natural Language Processing (NLP) under the supervision of Prof. Maria Liakata. My research focuses on multilingual NLP, large language models (LLMs), and human-centered AI, particularly in healthcare and social computing. I am especially interested in addressing the socio-technical limitations of AI systems, ensuring they are equitable, context-aware, and capable of creating meaningful real-world impact, particularly for underrepresented and low-resource communities. Before starting my PhD, I completed my Master’s in Engineering at the Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Japan, on a fully funded MEXT Scholarship. My academic journey has been driven by a strong motivation to use AI for solving real-world problems, especially in low-resource languages and mental health applications, where there is significant potential for meaningful societal impact.

MEXT and UKRI Fully Funded PhD Scholarship Details

Master’s Scholarship

• Scholarship Name: MEXT (Japanese Government Scholarship)
• Institution: Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Japan
• Degree: Master’s in Engineering
• Funding: Fully Funded (tuition, monthly stipend, international travel, and health support)

This scholarship allowed me to focus entirely on research without financial stress while gaining international academic exposure in Japan.

Conference Scholarship

• Scholarship Name: Google Conference Travel Grant
• Funding: Fully Funded (conference fee, travel, accommodation, and insurance)

This opportunity enabled me to present my research, receive feedback from experts, and build connections within the global NLP research community.

PhD Scholarship

• Scholarship Name: UKRI Fully Funded PhD Scholarship
• Institution: Queen Mary University of London, UK
• Program: PhD in Computer Science (AdSoLve Project)
• Funding: Fully Funded (tuition, stipend, research and travel support)

This scholarship supports my current research on applying large language models responsibly in healthcare and social systems.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

HEC Fully Funded Scholarship (Pakistan) – UndergraduatePGC Fully Funded Scholarship (Pakistan) – Pre-University

These scholarships played an important role in supporting my academic journey from an early stage and allowed me to focus on achieving strong academic performance.

Educational Background

PhD in Computer Science, Queen Mary University of London (2025–Present), Master’s in Engineering, NAIST, Japan, GPA: 3.7/4.0, Bachelor’s in Computer Science, UET Lahore, GPA: 3.5/4.0

During my Master’s, I focused on low-resource and multilingual NLP:

• Built the first Pashto paraphrase detection dataset, addressing a major gap in low-resource language research
• Developed Urdu machine-generated text detection benchmarks with human evaluation
• Created multilingual vision-language evaluation datasets across multiple languages

These projects led to publications in venues such as COLING and LREC and significantly strengthened my research profile for PhD applications.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Queen Mary University of London?

My preparation was highly structured and research-oriented. I carefully shortlisted programs that aligned with my research interests and long-term goals. I studied faculty research papers, lab projects, and ongoing work to ensure a strong match. I tailored my CV, Statement of Purpose, and research proposal for each application, clearly highlighting my research contributions, technical skills, and future research vision. I focused on demonstrating both depth of knowledge and the potential for impactful research.

How Did You Find Information About MEXT and UKRI Fully Funded PhD Scholarship and Queen Mary University of London?

I relied on a combination of sources:

• Official university and scholarship websites for accurate information
• LinkedIn and academic networks to learn from other scholars’ experiences
• Conferences and research communities to discover opportunities
• Direct communication with professors to understand expectations and available positions

Reaching out to professors was one of the most effective strategies in identifying suitable opportunities.

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

• IELTS: 8.0
• TOEIC: 895

My preparation involved consistent practice with mock exams, focusing on academic writing, and improving speaking and listening skills through regular practice and feedback.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the MEXT and UKRI Fully Funded PhD Scholarship?

Master’s – MEXT Scholarship (University Recommendation Track)

Step 1: Contacting Professors
I identified professors whose research aligned with my interests and contacted them with my CV and a draft research proposal tailored to their work.

Step 2: Professor Interview
I discussed my research interests, previous projects, and future goals, while demonstrating strong alignment with the lab’s research direction.

Step 3: University Nomination
After securing the professor’s support, I applied formally through the university, which then nominated me to MEXT.

Step 4: Final Selection
The final selection was made by MEXT based on the university’s recommendation and overall application strength.

PhD – UKRI Fully Funded Scholarship

Step 1: Contacting the Supervisor
I reached out to the potential supervisor with my CV, research experience, and clear interest in the AdSoLve project, demonstrating alignment with the project’s objectives.

Step 2: Initial Interview
I discussed my Master’s research, publications, and technical skills, focusing on how my experience in multilingual NLP and dataset development aligned with the project.

Step 3: Panel Interview
I participated in a formal panel interview where I was assessed on my research knowledge, problem-solving approach, and ability to apply AI to real-world challenges.

Step 4: Final Selection
The final decision was based on research alignment, interview performance, and my academic and research profile.

Experience in Japan (Master’s – MEXT Scholarship)

My experience in Japan was both academically and personally transformative. At NAIST, I was part of a highly research-intensive environment that emphasized independent thinking, technical rigor, and consistency. I worked on challenging problems in low-resource NLP, which led to strong research outputs and publications. The structured and disciplined work culture in Japan significantly improved my research habits and attention to detail. On a personal level, adapting to a new culture helped me develop resilience, independence, and cross-cultural understanding. Although there was an initial language barrier, the academic environment was supportive, and research was conducted in English.

Experience in the UK (PhD – UKRI Scholarship)

My experience at Queen Mary University of London has been equally enriching, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and real-world impact. Through the AdSoLve project, I work on addressing socio-technical challenges of large language models in healthcare and social systems. My work focuses on ensuring these systems are fair, reliable, and applicable in real-world contexts. I am actively involved in the research community:

• Organizer of CLPsych 2026 Shared Task
• Contributor to CLPsych 2025
• Lead Organizer of Data Science for Mental Health (DS4MH)

The environment encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, open discussions, and engagement with global research communities.

How Do You Rate NAIST and Queen Mary University of London Academically?

Both NAIST and Queen Mary University of London offer strong academic environments with excellent research mentorship, access to cutting-edge research, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. They encourage independent thinking while providing strong guidance and support.

How Do NAIST and Queen Mary University of London Support International Students?

Research funding and travel grants, Academic and career support services, Inclusive and diverse research communities, Opportunities for networking and collaboration

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Japanese?

Yes, all academic instruction and research activities are conducted in English, which makes it accessible for international students.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Strong alignment with supervisors and research projects. Demonstrated research experience in multilingual and low-resource NLP. Publications in recognized venues such as COLING, LREC, and CLPsych. Clear research vision with real-world impactProactive communication and early engagement with professors

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

I would have started earlier to ensure that I had more time to explore opportunities, contact professors, and refine my application materials without time pressure.

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

Start early and actively reach out to professors, as this is critical for both Master’s and PhD applications. Develop a strong and clear research proposal that aligns with your chosen field. Build a solid research profile through projects and publications. Prepare thoroughly for interviews and be confident in explaining your work. Finally, be strategic in selecting programs and application routes.

What Did You Pursue After the MEXT Scholarship?

After completing my Master’s under the MEXT Scholarship, I pursued a fully funded PhD in the UK, continuing my research in NLP and AI for social good.