Spärck AI Scholarship
The University of Manchester is one of nine top UK universities to offer the Spärck AI Scholarship.
What is the Scholarship?
The Spärck AI Scholarship is a new, prestigious UK government programme designed to attract top home and global talent to study artificial intelligence (AI) and related subjects at master's level. It is named after pioneering British computer scientist Karen Spärck Jones.
The University has up to ten scholarships available for home and international students. The Scholarship will provide a full tuition fee waiver and a stipend. The annual maintenance stiped is equivalent to the UKVI minimum (£20,780 for 2025/26), read more on the UKRI website.
What does the Scholarship offer?
As a Spärck AI Scholar, you’ll join a dynamic world-class cohort of high-achieving and adaptable individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, resilience and a clear vision for the future of AI. You’ll be empowered to drive innovation and contribute meaningfully to the UK’s AI ecosystem – emerging as part of the next generation of AI leaders. Through industry exposure and structured cohort activities, you’ll gain the skills and networks needed to shape responsible, high-impact AI development across research, government and industry.
Throughout the year, you’ll take part in a range of activities designed to build connections within your cohort and with professionals across the AI landscape, acting as a prestigious community of future AI leaders. Towards the end of your master’s course, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a work placement with one of the industry partners of the Spärck AI Scholarship in an AI-related field.
The first cohort at The University of Manchester is available for these MSc courses starting in September 2026:
- MSc Artificial Intelligence
- MSc Machine Learning
- MSc Robotics
- MSc Advanced Computer Science
- MSc Cyber Security
You’ll need to:
- Hold a First-class honours degree (70% average) from a UK university, or the overseas equivalent, in a Computer Science or related degree.
- Hold a conditional or unconditional offer to study a relevant master's course at The University of Manchester.
- Demonstrate in your application a strong motivation to contribute to the AI ecosystem in the UK, to be part of a government-funded scholarship, and a drive to make the most of the opportunity.
You'll be considered based on academic merit, the quality of your Scholarship application and interview.
Applications for the Scholarship will be open until 30 April.
You’ll need to hold an offer for one of the five MSc programmes detailed above. Eligible offer-holders will then be contacted by email and invited to apply.
We warmly welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly from currently underrepresented groups. Our selection process focuses on academic potential and a commitment to creating a supportive community for all scholars.
Personal statement
You’ll need to include a personal statement which outlines how you meet the core attributes and a chosen essay topic related to AI. Your personal statement will need to demonstrate these core attributes:
- Vision of AI technologies and their impact.
- Curiosity, critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Adaptability and comfort with ambiguity and change.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Entrepreneurial mindset and leadership potential.
Following an application, there will be an interview process and final decisions made by the 15 June.