Spärck AI Scholarship programme

Thank you for your interest in applying for the government funded Spärck AI Scholarship programme, named after pioneering British computer scientist Karen Spärck Jones. This will provide full funding (tuition fees and stipend) for each chosen scholar to undertake a master’s course paired to the programme at one of the nine partnered universities.

If selected, you will join a dynamic world-class cohort of high-achieving and adaptable individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, resilience, and a clear vision for the future of AI. You’ll be empowered to drive innovation and contribute meaningfully to the UK’s AI ecosystem—emerging as part of the next generation of AI leaders. Through industry exposure and structured cohort activities, you’ll gain the skills and networks needed to shape responsible, high-impact AI development across research, government, and industry.

Throughout the year, you’ll take part in a range of activities designed to build connections within your cohort and with professionals across the AI landscape, acting as a prestigious community of future AI leaders. Towards the end of your master’s course, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a work placement with one of our industry partners in an AI-related field.

Scholarship Criteria

We are looking to recruit candidates from a broad range of backgrounds, who can demonstrate how they meet some of the following characteristics. Upon receipt of your application, assessors will consider these qualities as part of the selection process, recognising that candidates may demonstrate them in different ways and through varied experiences.

Strengths

• Curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving
• Comfort with ambiguity and change
• Strong communication skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset and leadership potential
• Teamwork

Motivations

• What it means to be part of a government-funded scholarship and how you would make the most of this opportunity
• Your motivation to contribute to the AI ecosystem in the UK

Eligibility

 To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• High academic achievement
• UK student from Black and marginalized ethnic minority groups
• Students who have experienced being in care as young people
• Identify as women
• Students from low-income backgrounds
• Disabled students, including those with sensory and/or mobility impairments, long-term mental health conditions, autism, long-term illnesses, and Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs)
• First-generation students (whose parents or immediate caregivers did not attend university)
• Students who attended schools and colleges with performance below the national average

Candidates will be ranked based on how many of these criteria are met.