Coventry University PhD Scholar and Brain Korea 21 Awardee, Umer from Pakistan, Specialised in Artificial Intelligence and Wireless Sensing Across the UK and South Korea

My name is Umer Saeed, originally from Pakistan, currently based in the United Kingdom. I have been awarded a Global Talent Visa from the UK government. I hold a PhD in Artificial Intelligence and Wireless Sensing from Coventry University, UK. My academic interest lies in the intersection of AI and healthcare, particularly in developing non-contact sensing systems for health monitoring. I pursued this field because I’ve always been fascinated by how intelligent systems can positively impact human lives and healthcare accessibility.

PhD Funding and Brain Korea 21 (BK21) Scholarship Details

I received a fully funded PhD scholarship from Coventry University, United Kingdom, valued at approximately £120,000. The funding covered tuition, research costs, and a stipend for three years.

Earlier, I also received the Brain Korea 21 (BK21) Scholarship during my MSc in Electrical Engineering at the University of Ulsan, South Korea, valued at around £50,000, along with a BK21 Conference Grant (£5,000) for international presentation support.

Other Scholarships

In total, I was awarded multiple scholarships, including:

• Coventry University PhD Scholarship, UK — £120,000
• Brain Korea 21 MSc Scholarship, University of Ulsan, South Korea — £50,000
• BK21 Conference Grant, South Korea — £5,000
• Excellent Paper Incentive, University of Ulsan — £5,000
  These opportunities helped me grow as a global researcher across three continents.

Educational Background

• PhD, Artificial Intelligence & Wireless Sensing: Coventry University, UK (2021–2024)
• MSc, Electrical Engineering: University of Ulsan, South Korea (2019–2021)
• BSc, Software Engineering: COMSATS University, Pakistan (2015–2019)

My GPA during my MSc was among the top of my cohort, and my research outputs during both MSc and PhD were published in high-impact IEEE journals. Each degree progressively built my expertise in AI, sensors, and healthcare technology.

How I Prepared to Apply

I spent considerable time researching global institutions that matched my interests in AI and health informatics. I used platforms like Jobs.ac.uk, FindAPhD, DAAD, and university scholarship pages. I also regularly read faculty profiles and directly contacted supervisors whose research aligned with mine.

For my MSc, I prepared and took the IELTS exam, focusing on self-study and practice tests to meet English proficiency requirements.

How I Prepared for the Scholarships

I tailored each application carefully, highlighting my previous research, publications, and how my work could contribute to the university’s goals. For the BK21 and Coventry scholarships, I emphasized real-world impact, persistence, and research innovation. I also asked my professors for strong recommendation letters and ensured my statement of purpose reflected both technical depth and motivation.

Experience at Ulsan and Coventry University

Both Ulsan University and Coventry University provided excellent academic environments. The labs were well-equipped, and the supervisors were supportive. At Coventry, I also worked as a Teaching Assistant and Researcher, mentoring students and contributing to £400K+ research projects.

Institutional Support for International Students

Both institutions offered orientation programs, visa support, and access to academic and psychological counseling. The international offices were highly responsive, making the transition to new countries smooth.

Language of Instruction

All my classes and research were conducted in English, so I faced no academic language barriers in either South Korea or the UK.

What Made My Application Stand Out

My research publications, clear academic goals, and passion for AI in healthcare made my application unique. I also presented a well-structured research plan that connected directly to real-world needs — improving healthcare accessibility using AI.

What I Would Do Differently

If I were to apply again, I would start preparing earlier for the scholarship application — especially the research proposal — and reach out to potential supervisors well in advance to strengthen collaborations before applying.

Advice for Future Applicants

1. Start early— give yourself time to refine your research statement and contact professors.
2. Be specific— show how your background fits the scholarship’s goals.
3. Demonstrate impact— universities value applicants who aim to create real-world change.
4. Stay persistent— rejections are part of the journey; treat them as learning opportunities.