The University of Bristol will welcome future technological innovators with exceptional talent in the field of AI-related matters through the prestigious new scholarship programme announced by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
Named after the pioneering British computer scientist Karen Spärck Jones, the Spärck AI Scholarship provides full funding for masters' degrees at nine major UK universities specializing in artificial intelligence and STEM subjects.
Comparable to globally recognized Rhodes, Marshall and Fulbright scholarships, the Spärck AI Scholarship Programme will ensure at least 100 talented undergraduate-level students from the UK and abroad have unparalleled access to industry partnerships, job placement and mentorship opportunities.
Professor Evelyn Welch, vice president of the University of Bristol, commented:
“Here in Bristol, there is a decades-long history of AI advancement through Bristol Supercomputing to strengthen pedigree in this field, via the Bristol Centre for AI, the PhD training centre and two national AI research hubs.
“We enjoy the opportunity to shape the next generation of global AI pioneers. We will work with our partners to explore bold new ideas, develop extraordinary talent and promote the future of this transformative technology.”
By covering both tuition and living expenses, the government says scholarships could be of interest to talented students from low-income backgrounds who might otherwise not be able to afford a university.
Rep. Peter Kyle, technology secretary, said: “We offer unique opportunities for talented young people to pursue a master's degree in AI.
“Students can go into highly skilled work, build a workforce worthy of the future and boost economic growth.
“We are expanding our fellowship programme to bring top talent to the major AI sectors and driving the benefits of transformation into the public, like new drug discoveries.”
More information
Spärck AI Scholarship: Applications will be held in spring 2026, with the first cohort beginning the study in October 2026. It was supported by government funding of £17.2 million and based on recommendations from the AI Opportunity Action Plan.
Universities participating in the Spärck AI Scholarship Program include Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL, Southampton, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Manchester and Bristol.
Companies that have signed up to participate in the scholarship program include PolyAI, Quantexa, Casualens, Flok, Beamery, Darktrace, and Faculty.
The University of Bristol will launch four new MSC programs for the 26/27 academic year.
- Artificial Intelligence MSC
- Master's degree in engineering with artificial intelligence
- Master's degree in artificial intelligence for business
- Master's degree in artificial intelligence for medicine and health
