Young people with exceptional talent in AI will receive unprecedented support to study at Britain’s top universities through a new prestigious scholarship programme 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 undergraduate 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 – furthering the Plan for Change.

By covering both tuition and living expenses, the scholarship 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.

‘Building a workforce fit for the future’

Professor Matthew Grenby, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Newcastle University said: “We’re proud to be one of the original anchor partners for this exciting scheme attracting and retaining the brightest minds in order to grow the UK as an AI superpower.

“The opportunities offered at Newcastle by our National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD) and the National Edge AI Hub, as well as our links with industrial partners and our global presence, will provide a outstanding environment to enable the Spärck AI scholars to reach their full potential, and help to drive forward the UK tech sector.”

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.”

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.

This comes as millions of people are set to be upskilled with digital and AI skills in a bold national skills drive announced by the Prime Minister at London Tech Week.

The new Spärck AI scholarships and expanded Turing Pioneer Fellowship delivers on recommendations of the AI Opportunities Action Plan and helps grow our leading AI sector – a priority industry for our upcoming Digital and Tech Sector Plan under the Industrial Strategy.

Press release adapted with thanks from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Read the original press release.