Application Deadline: Monday, 2nd March, at 5pm GMT.
LOCATION: United Kingdom
The University of Edinburgh is inviting all interested candidates to apply for the government-funded Spärck AI Scholarship programme, named after pioneering British computer scientist Karen Spärck Jones. 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.
ELIGIBILITY:
They 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, recognizing 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
Funding is available to support the following MSc programmes-
Please note that you may only receive one form of UK government funding. For example, if you apply to multiple government-funded bursary or scholarship schemes, you will only be eligible to accept one award.
The application processes for the scholarship and the programme are separate, and success in one does not guarantee success in the other. You must submit an application to an eligible programme before you apply for the scholarship.
The scholarship application process involves two stages.
Stage one is the completion of an online form that comprises four components:
Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) statement
Personal statement
Essay question
Reference
Applications are now open and close on Monday, 2nd March, at 5pm GMT.
Stage two will see a selection of shortlisted candidates invited to interview based on the strength of their application.
Interviews will take place in May 2026.
Due to the number of applications, they will not be able to provide feedback. Successful applicants will be notified in July 2026.
BENEFIT:
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.
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