Integration of AI in English Learning: A Case Study of People’s University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women, Sindh

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education has emerged as a transformative force, particularly in enhancing English language learning. This study investigates the role of AI in English language education at the Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women (PUMHSW), a leading public sector university in Sindh, Pakistan. Despite the increasing global adoption of AI-based tools for language acquisition, Pakistan’s public sector universities face significant challenges such as limited technological infrastructure, a lack of faculty training, and resistance to pedagogical change. The research adopts a mixed-method design, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with students and faculty to examine perceptions, effectiveness, and challenges associated with AI-assisted English learning. Quantitative analysis reveals positive student attitudes toward AI-based applications, highlighting improved vocabulary acquisition, pronunciation, and writing skills. However, infrastructural barriers and uneven digital literacy hinder full-scale adoption. The qualitative findings identify recurring themes such as motivation, personalized learning, and increased engagement, alongside concerns about cultural relevance and overreliance on technology. This paper applies a socio-constructivist theoretical framework, emphasizing the interplay between technology, learners, and instructors in shaping language learning experiences. The findings suggest that AI holds significant potential to bridge English learning gaps in public sector universities, particularly by offering personalized feedback and enhancing interactive engagement. Recommendations include integrating AI tools into existing curricula, conducting faculty training workshops, and developing localized AI-based applications tailored to Pakistan’s educational and cultural contexts. The study contributes to global discussions on AI in language education while offering localized insights relevant to Pakistan’s higher education sector. It concludes that AI can catalyze improving English language proficiency, provided challenges of infrastructure, accessibility, and training are adequately addressed.