Spärck AI Scholarship at University of Manchester 2026 (Fully Funded)

The Spärck AI Scholarship is a new, prestigious UK government programme designed to attract top home and global talent to study artificial intelligence (AI) and related subjects at master's level. It is named after pioneering British computer scientist Karen Spärck Jones.  

The University of Manchester is one of nine top UK universities to offer the Spärck AI Scholarship.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineApril 30, 2026
• Study LevelMasters
• SponsorUniversity of Manchester
• City to studyManchester
• School to studyUniversity of Manchester
• Course to studyArtificial Intelligence (AI) , Computer Science , Cybersecurity , Machine Learning , Robotics
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• The Scholarship will provide a full tuition fee waiver and a stipend.
• The annual maintenance stiped is equivalent to the UKVI minimum (£20,780 for 2025/26)

Requirements

The first cohort at The University of Manchester is available for these MSc courses starting in September 2026:

• MSc Artificial Intelligence  
• MSc Machine Learning  
• MSc Robotics  
• MSc Advanced Computer Science 
• MSc Cyber Security

You’ll need to: 

• Hold a First-class honours degree (70% average) from a UK university, or the overseas equivalent, in a Computer Science or related degree.
• Hold a conditional or unconditional offer to study a relevant master's course at The University of Manchester.
• Demonstrate in your application a strong motivation to contribute to the AI ecosystem in the UK, to be part of a government-funded scholarship, and a drive to make the most of the opportunity.

You'll be considered based on academic merit, the quality of your Scholarship application and interview.

Application Documents

You’ll need to include a personal statement which outlines how you meet the core attributes and a chosen essay topic related to AI. Your personal statement will need to demonstrate these core attributes:  

• Vision of AI technologies and their impact.
• Curiosity, critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Adaptability and comfort with ambiguity and change.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and leadership potential.

Check also:
Free Ongoing Fully Funded Scholarships Guide 2026 (Download Now)

Application Deadline

How To Apply

1. Apply and hold an offer for any of the following courses
   • MSc Artificial Intelligence  
   • MSc Machine Learning  
   • MSc Robotics  
   • MSc Advanced Computer Science 
   • MSc Cyber Security
2. Eligible offer-holders will then be contacted by email and invited to apply.   

For more details, visit University of Manchester Scholarship webpage