PhD Civil Engineering Student Mohsin Ali from Pakistan Shares His Journey of Studying at Swansea University, UK

My name is Mohsin Ali, and I come from Dadu, a small district in the Sindh province of Pakistan. Growing up in an underprivileged and climate‑vulnerable region made me very aware of how strongly infrastructure and the environment affect people’s lives. This inspired me to study Civil Engineering, and I completed my BE and ME with distinction from Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET), Jamshoro. During these degrees, I became deeply interested in sustainable construction, especially reducing CO₂ emissions from cement by using alternative materials in concrete. This passion led me to pursue a PhD focused on AI‑based cement replacement material selection for sustainable concrete, so that I can contribute to climate‑resilient infrastructure in Pakistan and globally.

Commonwealth Scholarship Details

I received the Commonwealth Scholarship (through HEC Pakistan/CSC) to pursue a three‑year PhD in Civil Engineering in the UK. My primary host institution is Swansea University, where I am working under the supervision of Professor Chenfeng Li on “AI‑Based Cement Replacement Material Selection for Sustainable Concrete.” The scholarship is fully funded: it covers university tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend and other allowances, allowing me to focus completely on my research and training.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Yes, I was offered multiple other scholarships in addition to the Commonwealth Scholarship. I received:

• • A CSC China scholarship offer for PhD study in China.
  • A Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship offer to study in Hungary.
  • An Open Doors scholarship offer to study in Russia.
  • Despite having these options, I chose the UK and the Commonwealth Scholarship because Swansea University and my supervisor's research group matched my PhD topic perfectly and offered the best environment for AI-based sustainable concrete research.

Educational Background

I completed my BE in Civil Engineering from Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, with a distinction, and later completed my ME in Civil Engineering from the same university with an A grade. Throughout both degrees, I focused on sustainable construction and cement replacement materials, working on topics such as green building techniques and the use of fly ash, Indus River sand, and metakaolin in innovative concretes. I published research papers on sustainable concrete materials and received several academic awards, including a university distinction certificate and a best research paper award at an international conference. This strong foundation in concrete technology, materials, and sustainability prepared me very well for a PhD at the intersection of civil engineering and artificial intelligence.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Swansea University?

How Did You Find Information About the Commonwealth Scholarship and Swansea University?

I started by defining my research niche: AI‑based material selection for sustainable concrete and cement replacement materials. Then I searched for universities and supervisors whose research aligned closely with these topics, focusing on strong civil engineering and materials research groups in the UK. I shortlisted Swansea University, the University of Leeds, and the University of Edinburgh based on their facilities, active research in sustainable construction, and potential supervisors. I contacted Professor Chenfeng Li at Swansea University, discussed potential research topics with him, and his positive response and willingness to supervise my proposal played a major role in finalizing my choices

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

Yes, I took the IELTS. I prepared for the test in just about 15 days, mainly by using free YouTube resources and official‑style practice tests to understand the format and timing. I focused on practicing under timed conditions for listening, reading, and writing, and on refining my speaking skills by simulating interview‑style responses. With this short but focused preparation, I achieved an overall band score of 7.5, which satisfied both the university’s and the scholarship’s English language requirements and helped me secure admission at Swansea University

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Commonwealth Scholarship?

For the Commonwealth Scholarship, I treated the application like a complete research and impact portfolio, not just a form. I clearly linked my proposed PhD topic, AI‑based cement replacement material selection for sustainable concrete, to CSC themes such as Science and Technology for Development, Climate Action, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and Affordable and Clean Energy. I wrote a detailed research plan with a problem statement, objectives, methodology, three‑year timeline (literature review and AI framework in Year 1, experiments and case studies in Year 2, and evaluation and thesis in Year 3), and the software/tools I would use (Python, TensorFlow, MATLAB, SimaPro, GaBi, etc.). I also prepared strong development impact sections, explaining how my research would reduce CO₂ emissions in the construction sector and benefit Pakistan at local, national, and global levels. Finally, I highlighted my teaching, lab work, publications, awards, and volunteer experience to show that I had both the technical and leadership skills to deliver the proposed work.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Several factors made my application stand out:

• A clear, high‑impact research topic that directly targets climate change by reducing CO₂ emissions from cement through AI‑based material selection.
• A strong academic record, with a distinction in BE, an A grade in ME, and publications and awards related to sustainable concrete.
• A convincing development impact narrative linked to specific SDGs and to Pakistan’s real needs at global, national, and local levels.
• Relevant professional experience as a lecturer, lab engineer, and teaching assistant, showing I can teach, manage labs, and conduct research.
• Significant volunteer and leadership experience, from helping with work during COVID and floods to teaching English in Baku through AIESEC and captaining my university cricket team.
• Prior contact and strong alignment with a supervisor at Swansea University, plus a realistic, structured three‑year research plan.

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

If I were going through the process again, I would start preparation even earlier. I would contact potential supervisors 9–12 months before deadlines to refine my proposal further with their feedback and draft multiple versions of my personal statement and development impact sections for review by mentors or past scholars. I would also maintain a simple tracking sheet for all applications, deadlines, and documents, and apply to a few more competitive scholarships in parallel while still keeping my focus on building one or two very strong, well‑aligned applications.

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

I would advise future applicants to start early and be strategic rather than just applying randomly. Build a clear, focused research idea that directly matches the priorities of the scholarship and the host institution, and actively contact potential supervisors to align your proposal with their ongoing work. Take standardized tests like IELTS seriously, even if you have limited time; with disciplined practice (for example, using free online resources and timed tests), you can get a competitive score that strengthens your application. Use your personal statement and development impact sections to show not only what you want to study, but also how your work will benefit your home country at local, national, and global levels. Finally, highlight your full profile, academics, research, teaching, leadership, and volunteering because committees look for well‑rounded candidates who can deliver the project and contribute positively to their communities during and after the scholarship.