The AWS AI & ML Scholars programme 2026, in partnership with Udacity, offers a fantastic opportunity to gain in-demand AI skills — completely free for thousands of participants.
AWS is providing up to 100,000 learners worldwide with foundational AI training, and the top 4,500 performers will receive a fully funded Udacity Nanodegree scholarship. No prior experience in AI, machine learning, or programming is required.
About the AWS AI & ML Scholars Programme
This initiative aims to make AI education accessible and help build a more diverse tech workforce. The programme has two phases:
- Phase 1: Challenge Phase — A self-paced foundational course in AI and Agentic AI using real AWS services.
- Phase 2: Udacity Nanodegree — Advanced, project-based learning for the highest-performing participants.
Participants will explore core AI concepts, generative AI, natural language processing, computer vision, responsible AI practices, and hands-on tools such as Amazon PartyRock and Amazon Bedrock.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)
- Anyone aged 18 years and older
- No previous AI, ML, coding, or technical experience needed
- Open to students, early-career professionals, and motivated career switchers worldwide
- The programme is fully online and self-paced
Key Benefits
- Free access to high-quality AI training powered by AWS
- Earn a Certificate of Completion for the Challenge Phase
- Three months of additional AWS Skill Builder access after completing the Challenge Phase
- Top 4,500 learners receive a fully funded Udacity Nanodegree (worth thousands) with project-based learning and job-ready portfolios
- Specialised training aligned with real in-demand AI roles
Available Nanodegree Tracks (for the top 4,500)
Successful applicants can choose one of these three career-focused tracks:
- Future AWS AI Programmer — Master Python, data analysis, PyTorch, neural networks, and machine learning model training.
- Future AWS Agentic AI Business Professional — Build AI agents and business intelligence solutions using Amazon QuickSight and related tools.
- Future AWS Agent Developer — Develop single and multi-agent AI systems with Amazon Bedrock, prompting strategies, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and more.
Important Dates for 2026
- Applications Open & Challenge Phase: 24 March 2026 – 24 June 2026 (or until 100,000 places are filled)
- Assessment sent via email: 5 July 2026
- Assessment deadline: 13 July 2026
- Nanodegree recipients announced: 27 July 2026
- Udacity Nanodegree Programme: 4 August 2026 – 4 November 2026
How to Apply for the AWS AI & ML Scholarship 2026 (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the official scholarship page: Here.
- Create a free Udacity account or log in if you already have one.
- Enrol in the AWS AI & ML Scholars Challenge Phase during the open application window (24 March – 24 June 2026).
- Complete the self-paced AWS Artificial Intelligence Practitioner learning plan and any required projects.
- Submit the assessment when sent by email (deadline: 13 July 2026).
- Wait for results — the top 4,500 performers will be selected and notified by 27 July 2026.
- If selected, choose your preferred Nanodegree track and begin the programme on 4 August 2026.