UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL (UK DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMME)
University of Bristol Spärck AI Scholarships
full · masters
- Full tuition coveredTuition funding
- Monthly living stipendLiving costs (~£ amount est.)
- 100+ scholarships nationallyProgramme scale
- 9 UK universitiesParticipating institutions
- 4 AI master's degreesEligible programmes at Bristol
- Industry internshipsCareer support
At a glance
full
Funding
—
Max amount
Aug 31, 2026
Deadline
All countries (open to UK and international students eligible to study in the UK)
Country
University of Bristol (UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology programme)
Provider
The Spärck AI Scholarships are a UK government programme, announced by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and named after the computer scientist Karen Spärck Jones, that funds at least 100 master's students in artificial intelligence across nine top UK universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, and the University of Bristol. At Bristol the scholarship covers full tuition fees for the entire master's programme plus a monthly living allowance, alongside mentorship from AI researchers, internship placements with top AI companies, and access to industry partners such as Darktrace, Faculty, Quantexa, and PolyAI as well as the UK's AI Safety Institute. Bristol, recently named AI University of the Year, hosts Isambard-AI, the UK's most powerful supercomputer, a Centre for Doctoral Training in AI, and 2 national AI research hubs. Four new AI master's degrees are offered for 2026/27, spanning core AI, engineering, business, and medicine and health. Applications are expected to open in spring 2026 for an October 2026 start, with the scholarship deadline confirmed closer to the date, so check the official University of Bristol page for the exact figures and timeline before applying.
What's covered
- Full tuition fees — Full coverage of tuition fees for the entire taught master's programme at the University of Bristol.
- Living allowance — A monthly living stipend to support day-to-day expenses, estimated at roughly ~£18,000 (est.) per year pending official confirmation.
- Industry internships — Internship placements with top UK AI companies including Darktrace, Faculty, Quantexa, PolyAI, and others.
- Mentorship — Mentorship from leading AI researchers and professionals throughout the master's programme.
- Industry and institute access — Access to industry partnerships and involvement with the UK's AI Safety Institute and Bristol's national AI research hubs.
How to apply
Applications are made through the University of Bristol's postgraduate admissions portal, where you select an eligible AI master's and flag your interest in the Spärck scholarship.
- Choose your AI master's — Pick one of the eligible AI-related MSc programmes, such as MSc Artificial Intelligence or MSc Artificial Intelligence for Medicine and Health.
- Prepare your application materials — Gather academic transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation that demonstrate your AI interest and ability.
- Indicate your scholarship interest — Within your application, clearly indicate your interest in the Spärck AI Scholarship so you are considered for funding.
- Submit before the deadline — Submit your completed application through the postgraduate admissions portal before the scholarship deadline.
- Attend interviews if shortlisted — Respond to any requests for interviews or additional documentation if you are shortlisted for the award.
Eligibility
QualificationHold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree in a relevant STEM field such as computer science, data science, mathematics, engineering, or a business or health discipline.
Study eligibilityMust be eligible to study in the UK; the scholarship welcomes applicants of all nationalities.
Academic meritMust demonstrate academic excellence and clear potential and interest in the field of artificial intelligence.
CommitmentMust be committed to driving innovation and the development of ethical AI.
Applicants from underrepresented or low-income backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply as part of the programme's diversity goals.
Eligible countries
All countries (open to UK and international students eligible to study in the UK)
Deadlines
2026/2027 master's intake~August 2026 (est., to be confirmed)
Selection
Candidates are selected on academic excellence, demonstrated interest and potential in artificial intelligence, the strength of the personal statement and references, and a commitment to ethical and innovative AI. As a government-backed programme with a diversity remit, the scheme also actively encourages and considers applicants from underrepresented and low-income backgrounds, with shortlisted applicants potentially invited to interview.
Verified sources
- University of Bristol Spärck AI Scholarshipsbristol.ac.ukofficial
- University of Bristol Postgraduate Taught Studybristol.ac.ukofficial
About the provider
The University of Bristol, founded in 1909, is a public research university in South West England and a member of the Russell Group. Recently named AI University of the Year, it hosts Isambard-AI, the UK's most powerful supercomputer, alongside a Centre for Doctoral Training in AI and national AI research hubs, making it a major centre for advanced AI study and research.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What are the Spärck AI Scholarships?
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They are a UK government programme run by DSIT, named after Karen Spärck Jones, funding at least 100 AI master's students across nine top UK universities, including the University of Bristol.
Is the scholarship available to international students?
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Yes. Students of all nationalities who are eligible to study in the UK are welcome to apply.
What does the scholarship cover?
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It covers full tuition fees for the master's programme plus a monthly living allowance, estimated at roughly ~£18,000 (est.) per year pending official confirmation.
Which master's programmes are eligible at Bristol?
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The MSc in Artificial Intelligence, MSc in Engineering with AI, MSc in AI for Business, and MSc in AI for Medicine and Health for 2026/27.
Do I need prior work experience in AI?
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No. Work experience is not mandatory, though relevant academic or professional experience can strengthen your application.
Is the scholarship only for Computer Science majors?
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No. Students from other STEM and applied disciplines, such as engineering, business, and health, are eligible if they show strong AI interest and capability.
What industry access does the scholarship offer?
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Internship placements with companies such as Darktrace, Faculty, Quantexa, and PolyAI, plus involvement with the UK's AI Safety Institute.
Why study AI at Bristol specifically?
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Bristol was named AI University of the Year and hosts Isambard-AI, the UK's most powerful supercomputer, a Centre for Doctoral Training in AI, and 2 national AI research hubs.
When do applications open?
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Applications are expected to open in spring 2026 for an October 2026 course start.
When is the scholarship deadline?
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The exact deadline is confirmed closer to the date (estimated around August 2026); check the official University of Bristol page for the confirmed date.
Are underrepresented applicants encouraged?
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Yes. Applicants from underrepresented or low-income backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply as part of the programme's diversity goals.
Where can I confirm the official details?
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On the official University of Bristol postgraduate page for the Spärck AI Scholarships, which will publish the stipend amount, eligible programmes, and the binding deadline.