The UK government is launching a new scholarship programme to support students studying AI and other STEM subjects at nine of the UK’s universities.

The Spärck AI scholarships, named after pioneering British computer scientist Karen Spärck Jones, will provide full funding for master’s degrees at nine leading UK universities specialising in artificial intelligence and STEM subjects – from Edinburgh to Manchester, and Newcastle to Bristol.

Set to rival the likes of globally recognised Rhodes, Marshall and Fulbright scholarships, at least 100 talented master’s level students from the UK and abroad will see access to industry partnerships, work placements and mentorship opportunities, including in the UK’s AI Security Institute as well as leading tech firms like Darktrace, Faculty and Quantexa.

This aims to only drive forward AI innovation that grows the UK economy but also gives young people a direct route into highly skilled jobs in the UK’s tech sector.

By covering both tuition and living expenses, the scholarship backed by £17.6 million in funding could also be of interest to talented students from low-income backgrounds who might otherwise be unable to afford university – spreading opportunity across the UK.

“We are providing unique opportunities for talented young people to take up master’s degrees in AI, with fully funded tuition and unparalleled access to industry,” the previous tech secretary, Peter Kyle, said.

“Students will be able to go on to highly skilled jobs, building a workforce fit for the future and boosting economic growth as part of our Plan for Change.

“We are also expanding our fellowship programme to bring top talent into our leading AI sector and drive forward transformational benefits to the public like new drug discoveries.”

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The government has also announced an expansion of its Turing AI Fellowships with new Pioneer fellowships, providing established professionals from any part of science, humanities, academia, or industry with resources to develop AI skills and knowledge to tackle a specific challenge in their fields. Fellows will receive research funding and be connected with AI mentors, experts, and industry leaders.

Applications for the scholarship will open in Spring 2026, with the first cohort beginning their studies in October 2026.

Participating universities include: Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL, Southampton, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Manchester and Bristol.