The University of Manchester is part of a new government scholarship programme that will see young people with exceptional talent in AI receiving unprecedented support to study at Britain's top universities.
Announced by the Technology Secretary today (Monday 9 June), 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 undergraduates level students from the UK and abroad will see unparalleled 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 will not 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 could also be of interest to talent students from low-income backgrounds who might otherwise be unable to afford university - spreading opportunity across the UK.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: "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.
"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."
Spärck AI scholarships: Applications will open in Spring 2026, with the first cohort beginning their studies in October 2026.
Universities participating in the Spärck AI scholarship programme include: Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL, Southampton, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Manchester and Bristol, who will co-design and co-fund the initiative.
Companies signed up to participate in the scholarship programme include PolyAI, Quantexa, CausaLens, Flok, Beamery, Darktrace and Faculty.
