University of Bristol to Offer Fully Funded AI Scholarships for International Students in 2026
In a powerful boost for aspiring AI pioneers across the globe, the University of Bristol has officially announced its participation in the Spärck AI Scholarships—a brand-new fully funded master’s scholarship programme for talented students aiming to lead the world into the next era of artificial intelligence.
Launched by the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) on 9 June 2025, this major scholarship scheme will cover both tuition and living costs at nine top-tier UK universities, including the University of Bristol, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, and more. With £17.2 million in government funding, this initiative opens the door to at least 100 students from the UK and overseas to pursue master’s studies in AI and related STEM disciplines, starting from October 2026.
Why It’s a Game Changer?
The Spärck AI Scholarships, named after pioneering British computer scientist Karen Spärck Jones, are being hailed as the next big global tech scholarship, rivalling the prestige of Rhodes, Marshall, and Fulbright scholarships. What makes this initiative truly groundbreaking is its focus on practical innovation—offering not just academic funding, but also:
- Exclusive industry placements
- Mentorship by leading AI experts
- Hands-on experience with the UK’s AI Security Institute
- Collaborations with companies like Darktrace, Quantexa, Faculty, PolyAI, and more.
What’s Coming for 2026/27 at Bristol?
The University of Bristol will also launch four brand-new AI-themed MSc programs for the 2026–27 academic year, eligible for Spärck AI Scholarships:
- MSc in Artificial Intelligence
- MSc in Engineering with Artificial Intelligence
- MSc in Artificial Intelligence for Business
- MSc in Artificial Intelligence for Medicine and Health
Who Should Apply?
This scholarship is a dream opportunity for international and UK students with a passion for AI and limited financial means. The UK government emphasized that students from low-income backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply here https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2025/june/sparck-ai-scholarships.html.
Application Dates
Applications for the Spärck AI Scholarships will officially open in Spring 2026, with the first cohort of scholars set to begin their master’s programs in October 2026. The initiative will be hosted by nine prestigious UK institutions: the University of Bristol, Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial College London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Newcastle, and Southampton.
The program is further strengthened by collaborations with leading tech companies and AI innovators including PolyAI, Quantexa, Faculty, Darktrace, Flok, CausaLens, and Beamery, who will offer mentorship, placements, and industry exposure to selected scholar.
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