The Spärck AI Scholarship offers exceptional funding for full-time MSc programmes starting in 2026 at the University of Edinburgh. This scholarship provides full tuition fee coverage plus a generous stipend, along with access to industry partnerships, work placements, and mentorship opportunities.
Available Programmes
Scholarships are distributed across the following full-time MSc programmes:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Cognitive Science
- Signal Processing and Communications
- AI for Business
Number of awards: At least 6 scholarships available.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition fees covered (for the entire programme)
- Stipend of £20,780 to support living costs
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)
The scholarships are open to all applicants – regardless of nationality or fee status (Home, EU, or international students are eligible).
You must apply separately for both the MSc programme and the scholarship. Admission to the programme does not guarantee a scholarship award (and vice versa).
Selection Criteria
Applicants are considered if they meet at least one of the following:
- High academic achievement
- UK students from Black and marginalised ethnically minoritised groups
- Students who have experienced being in care as a young person
- Students who identify as women
- Students from low-income backgrounds
- Disabled students (including sensory/mobility impairments, long-term mental health conditions, autism, long-term illnesses, and Specific Learning Difficulties – SpLDs)
- First-generation students (parents or immediate caregivers did not attend university)
- Students from schools/colleges with below-national-average performance
Candidates are ranked based on how many of these criteria they meet.
How to Apply
Applications are now open.
Apply via the relevant school links below:
- School of Engineering – Apply here
- Business School – Apply here
- School of Informatics – Apply here
Deadline: 5 pm UK time on Monday, 2 March 2026. Notifications: All applicants will be informed in July 2026.