Deadline 2026-04-30
Country United Kingdom
Level masters
Organization University of Manchester
Field Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, Computer Science, Cyber Security
Funding fully funded Overview
The Spärck AI Scholarship is a prestigious UK government-funded program designed to attract top home and international talent, including students from Ethiopia, to pursue Master's level studies in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related fields at the University of Manchester. Named after pioneering British computer scientist Karen Spärck Jones, this scholarship aims to develop the next generation of AI leaders who can drive innovation and contribute meaningfully to the UK’s AI ecosystem. Scholars will join a dynamic cohort, engage in structured activities, gain industry exposure, and have the opportunity for work placements with industry partners.
Coverage
This is a fully-funded scholarship. It provides a full tuition fee waiver for the Master's course. Additionally, scholars will receive an annual maintenance stipend equivalent to the UKVI minimum, which is £20,780 for the 2025/26 academic year. Towards the end of the Master's course, scholars will have the opportunity to apply for a work placement in an AI-related field with one of the scholarship's industry partners.
Eligibility
This scholarship is open to both home and international students, including those from Ethiopia. Applicants must hold a First-class honours degree (70% average) from a UK university or an overseas equivalent in a Computer Science or a related degree. Crucially, applicants must hold a conditional or unconditional offer to study one of the eligible Master's courses at The University of Manchester. Applicants should demonstrate a strong motivation to contribute to the AI ecosystem in the UK, a desire to be part of a government-funded scholarship, and a drive to maximize this opportunity. Applications are warmly welcomed from all backgrounds, particularly from currently underrepresented groups.
Requirements
To be considered for the scholarship, you must first secure an offer for one of the following MSc programs at the University of Manchester for September 2026 entry: MSc Artificial Intelligence, MSc Machine Learning, MSc Robotics, MSc Advanced Computer Science, or MSc Cyber Security. Eligible offer-holders will then be invited to apply for the scholarship. The scholarship application will require a personal statement outlining how you meet core attributes such as a vision of AI technologies and their impact, curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, strong communication and collaboration skills, and entrepreneurial mindset and leadership potential. You will also need to address a chosen essay topic related to AI.
How to apply
First, you must apply for and secure an offer for one of the five eligible MSc programs (MSc Artificial Intelligence, MSc Machine Learning, MSc Robotics, MSc Advanced Computer Science, or MSc Cyber Security) at the University of Manchester. Once you hold an offer for one of these programs, eligible offer-holders will be contacted directly by email and invited to submit their application for the Spärck AI Scholarship. The selection process will be based on academic merit, the quality of your scholarship application, and an interview.
Notes
Up to ten scholarships are available for the first cohort starting in September 2026. The scholarship is a UK government initiative. The deadline for scholarship applications is April 30, 2026.
