Spärck Master’s Scholarship
The Spärck AI Scholarship offers talented students full funding for master’s degrees in artificial intelligence (AI) and related subjects.
The Spärck AI Scholarship offers talented students full funding for master’s degrees in artificial intelligence (AI) and related subjects at 9 leading UK universities. It is named after the pioneering British computer scientist Karen Spärck Jones.
About the scholarship
The Spärck AI Scholarship aims to build a diverse pipeline of future AI leaders and innovators. Scholars join a cohort that connects them with future AI talent and with professionals across research, government and industry.
The first cohort started their studies in September 2026.
The scholarship provides:
- full tuition fees
- a living costs stipend
- cohort activities, including networking sessions, workshops, mentoring and events with industry leaders
- the chance to apply for a work placement with an industry partner towards the end of the course
Participating universities
The scholarship is available on selected master’s courses at:
- University of Bristol
- University of Cambridge
- University of Edinburgh
- Imperial
- University of Manchester
- Newcastle University
- University of Oxford
- University of Southampton
- University College London (UCL)
Each university offers a range of eligible courses, all of which contain a significant AI component.
Who can apply
The scholarship is open to UK and international students applying to eligible master’s courses. We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including students without a formal background in technology or AI.
The application process looks to identify students that demonstrate leadership potential, resilience, and a clear vision for the future of AI.
You cannot hold the Spärck AI Scholarship alongside any other UK government scholarship, studentship, award or bursary.
How to apply
Application details will be made available here and on university websites when they open.
About TechFirst
TechFirst Undergraduate Scholarship is part of TechFirst, the government’s flagship tech skills programme opening pathways into the UK’s fast-growing tech sector.