AI talent receives boost as scholarships announced
Edinburgh is among the top universities across the UK to be part of a pivotal scholarship scheme specialising in AI and STEM.
The Spärck AI scholarships will enable students with exceptional talent to receive funding to study at the University.
New opportunities
Announced by the UK Government’s Technology Secretary on Monday, 9 June, the Spärck AI scholarships will enable undergraduate students with exceptional talent to receive new funding to study at the University, providing unparalleled access to industry partnerships, work placements and mentorship opportunities.
Named after pioneering British computer scientist Karen Spärck Jones, the Spärck scholarships will provide full funding for master’s degrees at nine leading UK universities.
Opening doors
At least 100 students will receive access to learning, industry partnerships, work placements and mentorship opportunities as part of the scheme, including with the UK’s AI Security Institute as well as leading tech firms.
The scholarships will cover both tuition fees and living expenses, helping to widen access for students from all backgrounds.
The programme was announced as part of a drive for millions across the UK to be up-skilled with digital and AI training in a national skills initiative announced by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at London Tech Week.
As one of the UK’s original and consistently leading AI universities, we are pleased to be part of the proposed Spärck Scholarships Scheme. We look forward to working with the UK Government on the precise details and we fully support the potential of the UK to become an AI superpower.
Professor Sir Peter Mathieson
Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh
Coming soon
Applications for the scholarship programme will open in Spring 2026, with the first cohort of students beginning their studies in October 2026.
Other Universities participating in the programme include Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL, Southampton, Newcastle, Manchester and Bristol.
The University of Edinburgh has been a world-leader in AI for the past 60 years, often cited as the birthplace of AI research and learning in Europe.
The new scholarship will be based in the University’s Edinburgh Futures Institute, its most recent innovation hub driving interdisciplinary research, teaching and entrepreneurship across sectors.
