Newcastle University is pleased to offer 10 Spärck AI Scholarships, a UK government-funded scholarship programme named after pioneering British computer scientist Karen Spärck Jones.
Selected scholars will join a dynamic, world-class cohort of ambitious, 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, mentorship, and structured cohort activities, you’ll gain the skills and networks needed to shape responsible, high-impact AI development across research, government, and industry.
Table of Content
Summary
- Application DeadlineApril 17, 2026
- Study LevelMasters
- SponsorNewcastle University
- City to studyNewcastle upon Tyne
- School to studyNewcastle University
- Course to studyArtificial Intelligence & Data Science , Artificial Intelligence (AI) , Data Science
- Eligible CountryAlgeria , Australia , Azerbaijan , Bahrain , Bangladesh , Brazil , Canada , Colombia , Egypt , Hong Kong , India , Indonesia , Japan , Jordan , Kazakhstan , Kenya , Korea , Kuwait , Malaysia , Mexico , Morocco , Myanmar , Nepal , Norway , Peru , Philippines , Saudi Arabia , Singapore , South Africa , Sri Lanka , Switzerland , Taiwan , Thailand , Turkey , Ukraine , United Arab Emirates , United Kingdom , United States , Uzbekistan , Vietnam , Zimbabwe
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Benefits
- The awards cover full tuition fees and includes a living allowance.
- The living allowance is set in accordance with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) rates and is currently £20,780.
- This amount will be adjusted to align with the UKRI minimum rate for the 2026/27 academic year.
Requirements
To be eligible for the Spärck AI Scholarship, applicants must:
- be domiciled in one of the following countries at the time of application:
- Algeria, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, Ukraine, United Kingdom, USA, Uzbekistan, Vietnam or Zimbabwe
- hold an offer of admission for one of the following eligible postgraduate taught programmes at Newcastle University:
- demonstrate evidence of the knowledge, skills, and motivation to contribute to the field of AI, including academic accomplishments, practical experience, personal projects, or other indicators of leadership and innovation
- not be in receipt of another Newcastle University scholarship or award that covers full tuition fees
- adhere to the scholarship conditions imposed by DSIT
Newcastle University are committed to equity of opportunity and to attracting talented students from a wide range of backgrounds.
In addition to the assessment of merit, and where applicants are of equivalent merit, they will take contextual factors into account and look favourably on applicants who are:
- from an ethnic group that is under-represented at Newcastle University
- applicants who have experienced being in care as a young person
- women
- applicants with a disability, including, but not limited to, those with sensory and/or mobility impairments, long-term mental health conditions, neurodivergences, long-term illnesses, and Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs)
- first-generation students (whose parents or immediate caregivers did not go to university)
- an estranged person, who no longer has the support of your family
- a refugee, seeking asylum in the United Kingdom or under humanitarian protection
- a parent/carer with children under the age of 17 or a recognised carer
Selection Process
Newcastle University are looking to recruit candidates from a broad range of backgrounds who can demonstrate how they meet some of the following characteristics. Upon receipt of your scholarship application, assessors will consider these qualities as part of the selection process, recognising that candidates may demonstrate them in different ways and through varied experiences:
Strengths:
- Curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving
- Comfort with ambiguity and change
- Strong communication
- Entrepreneurial mindset and leadership potential
- Teamwork
Motivations:
- What it means to be part of a government-funded scholarship and how you
would leverage this opportunity
- Why you want to be part of a cohort-based programme
- Your motivation to contribute to the AI ecosystem in the UK
Check also:
Free Ongoing Fully Funded Scholarships Guide 2026 (Download Now)
Application Deadline
April 17, 2026How To Apply
- Apply and hold an offer of admission for one of the following eligible postgraduate taught programmes at Newcastle University:
- Scholarship applications must be submitted through the University’s?Apply to Newcastle Portal?under the ‘scholarship applications’ section.?As part of the application, you will need to complete two questions that are 300 words each.
For more details, visit Newcastle University Scholarship webpage
