TechFirst Undergraduate Scholarship
Supporting students from all backgrounds, across the UK, to build the skills, experience and connections they need to start a career in technology.
About the scholarship
The TechFirst Undergraduate Scholarship is designed to support students who have the passion and potential to build a future career in the UK’s technology sector.
Whether you’re still at school, in college, or already studying at university, the scholarship is a unique opportunity to gain industry experience, develop sought-after skills and receive financial support while working towards your degree.
The scholarship offers:
- £4,000 for each year of full-time study at a UK university, for up to 4 years (excluding year in industry)
- summer development or work placements (typically around eight weeks long) in a frontier digital or technology field
- career guidance, mentoring and support to help you move into employment, research or technology-related opportunities after graduation
- regular events, including networking opportunities, conferences and skills development activities throughout your studies
Who can apply
You can be applying to, or currently studying, any degree at any UK university.
To be eligible, you must:
- have an interest in a future career in digital and technology
- be classed as a UK Home Student, meaning you qualify to pay Home (domestic) university tuition fees. Check your eligibility here
If you’re applying before university, you must:
- expect to achieve at least 120 UCAS tariff points over a maximum 2 year period before you start a degree course
- be applying for or expecting to secure a place on a full-time undergraduate degree or integrated Master’s programme at a UK university in any subject to start in September 2027
If you’re already studying at university, you must:
- be studying any full-time undergraduate degree or integrated Master’s programme at a UK university
- be on track to achieve a minimum 2:1 degree classification at the end of your degree
- have at least two years of full-time study remaining, excluding any year in industry or abroad
You do not need:
- previous industry experience
- coding knowledge
- technology qualifications beyond the entry requirements
- experience in a particular technology sector
We particularly welcome applications from those underrepresented in the technology sector, including women and students from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Semiconductor Pathway
The Semiconductor Pathway is a dedicated strand of the programme for students interested in helping shape the future of the UK’s semiconductor industry. In addition to the core TechFirst offer, students on this pathway will receive access to tailored semiconductor-focused development opportunities, industry engagement and networking designed to help prepare them for careers in this growing and strategically important sector.
To be eligible for the Semiconductor Pathway, you must meet the general TechFirst eligibility criteria and be studying, or planning to study: Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or Computer Science.
You will be able to indicate your interest in the Semiconductor Pathway within your scholarship application.
How to apply
You can now register your interest in the programme.
If you register, we will:
- tell you when applications open
- send you programme updates
- tell you about online events and support sessions, including guidance on preparing for the recruitment process
Registering your interest is not an application. When applications open in November, you will need to complete a full application. This will involve interactive learning activities, a technical aptitude assessment, and an interview - further information will be available soon.
Spärck Master’s Scholarship
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.