University of Edinburgh joins top UK institutions in government’s drive to cultivate AI excellence

The UK Government has introduced the Spärck AI Scholarships, a fully funded master’s programme designed to accelerate training in artificial intelligence and STEM fields. The University of Edinburgh, one of the UK’s historic leaders in AI, will play a central role in the initiative, which aims to upskill at least 100 students starting in 2026.

Spärck AI Scholarships to Supercharge Future Tech Leaders
Students working on virtual reality at Edinburgh Futures Institute

A national investment in AI talent

Unveiled by Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan during London Tech Week on 9 June, the initiative will fully fund AI and STEM master’s degrees at nine of the UK’s most prestigious universities, including the University of Edinburgh.

Honouring a computing pioneer

Named in honour of Karen Spärck Jones, a pioneering British computer scientist known for her foundational work in natural language processing, the scholarships are designed to support at least 100 students from diverse backgrounds. Successful applicants will not only have tuition and living costs covered, but will also gain access to top-tier work placements, mentoring opportunities, and industry links including with the UK’s newly established AI Safety Institute.

Edinburgh’s enduring AI legacy

As one of Europe’s founding institutions in AI research, the University of Edinburgh will deliver the scholarship through the Edinburgh Futures Institute, a new hub focused on interdisciplinary innovation and enterprise.

We’re proud to be part of this forward-thinking programme and fully support the UK’s ambition to become an AI superpower.

Professor Sir Peter Mathieson Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of Edinburgh

What's next

Applications for the first intake of students will open in Spring 2026, with the inaugural cohort set to begin studies in October that year.

Other universities participating in the scheme include Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London, and the Universities of Manchester, Southampton, Newcastle, and Bristol.

The scholarship programme forms part of a broader government strategy to expand digital skills nationwide and bolster the UK’s AI capabilities.

Learn more about AI at Edinburgh

Publication date