Commonwealth PhD Scholar, Muhammad Bilal Qasim from Pakistan, Pursues Doctoral Research in Biological Sciences at the University of Southampton

I am Muhammad Bilal Qasim. I am from the Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa province of Pakistan. I have a decade of experience as an academician in both public and private sector universities in Pakistan. After working for years in academia, I decided to pursue further education. I am currently pursuing my PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of Southampton via the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship.

Commonwealth PhD Scholarship Details

Commonwealth PhD Scholarship is awarded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK. It is a fully funded scholarship and covers Health Insurance, Travel allowance, warm clothes allowance, tuition fee, a monthly stipend, and some financial support for dependents (Partner, children). For more details regarding the application, deadlines, criteria, and support, visit: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/

Educational Background

I have an undergraduate degree in Biotechnology (70%) and an MPhil in Microbiology (4.0/4.0 CGPA). In order to apply for the Commonwealth PhD scholarship, an applicant needs to get a “willingness to supervise” letter from any eligible university in the UK. Also, the applicant needs to write a research proposal of 750 words, which is one of the most vital aspects of the selection criteria. Having years of experience as an academician helped me formulate a PhD-level research proposal that was both feasible, impactful, and relevant to the current trends in Science and Technology, and was also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Southampton?

When preparing to apply, I first reviewed the eligibility criteria and the research strengths of different universities. I carefully studied faculty profiles, departmental research areas, and recent publications to ensure my proposed PhD research aligned well with the expertise available. I also contacted potential supervisors to discuss my ideas and refine my proposal. Alongside this, I made sure to meet the English language requirements by preparing early for the test and submitting the scores as part of my application. I then tailored my supporting documents, including my research proposal and statement of purpose, to demonstrate a clear fit between my academic goals and the institution’s resources. My priority was to choose a university where I could receive strong mentorship, access advanced research facilities, and conduct work that would have direct relevance to challenges in my home country.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship?

In preparing for the Commonwealth Scholarship, my first step was to carefully study the official guidelines and understand the scholarship’s focus on academic excellence, leadership, and development impact. I then worked on shaping my research proposal to address a priority challenge in my home country, aligning it with both the Sustainable Development Goals and national development strategies. Alongside this, I prepared the required documents such as my personal statement, development impact essay, CV, and references, ensuring each highlighted both my academic readiness and my commitment to contribute back after my PhD. I also made sure to meet the English language requirement by taking the test well in advance. Finally, I sought feedback from mentors and previous scholars to refine my application. This systematic preparation helped me present a strong, focused application that truly reflected my goals and the mission of the scholarship

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because it combined strong academic preparation with a clear vision for impact. Academically, I had consistently good performance in my previous studies and research experience, which demonstrated that I was ready for a PhD. What made the application unique, however, was that my research proposal directly addressed a pressing issue in my home country and was aligned with both the national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, I highlighted my leadership roles, such as mentoring junior students and participating in community-based initiatives, which showed my commitment to using knowledge in practice. Finally, I tailored my personal statements carefully to reflect not only why I was a good candidate but also how the Commonwealth Scholarship would enable me to create meaningful change back home.

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

Looking back, I am satisfied with the way I prepared for the application because I invested time in aligning my proposal with national priorities and demonstrating impact. However, if I were going through the process again, I would start even earlier to allow more time for refining each section of the application. I would also reach out to more potential supervisors and previous scholars to seek additional feedback on my proposal and essays. That kind of broader input could have helped me strengthen my narrative further. Overall, this process has taught me the importance of early planning, structured preparation, and learning from others’ experiences, lessons I will continue to carry into my PhD journey.

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

My main advice would be to start preparing early and not treat the scholarship as just another application. The Commonwealth Scholarship is looking for people who combine academic excellence with a commitment to development impact and leadership. So, I would advise applicants to carefully study the scholarship’s goals, design their proposal around real challenges in their home country, and make clear how their research will contribute to solutions. I would also suggest seeking guidance from mentors or past scholars, as their feedback can make a big difference in shaping the application. Finally, I would remind them that clarity of communication is just as important as strong credentials. The ability to present your story and vision clearly can make your application stand out.