Marvin OnumonuYoung people with strong skills in artificial intelligence (AI) are set to get more support to study at top universities after the Government set out the Spärck AI scholarships yesterday, 9th June.
The scheme will fully fund master’s degrees at nine UK universities focused on AI and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
The scholarships will cover tuition and living costs for at least 100 students from the UK and abroad, with links to industry partners like Darktrace, Faculty and Quantexa.
Students will also get access to work placements and mentorships, including at the UK’s AI Security Institute.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “We are providing unique opportunities for talented young people to take up master’s degrees in AI, with fully funded tuition and unparalleled access to industry.
“Students will be able to go on to highly skilled jobs, building a workforce fit for the future and boosting economic growth as part of our Plan for Change.
“We are also expanding our fellowship programme to bring top talent into our leading AI sector and drive forward transformational benefits to the public like new drug discoveries.”
The scholarships aim to encourage applications from students from low-income backgrounds and help them access jobs in the UK tech sector.
The Government has also set out an expansion of its Turing AI fellowships with new pioneer fellowships.
These fellowships will support established professionals from science, humanities, academia or industry to develop AI skills and tackle specific challenges.
Fellows will receive research funding and connections to AI mentors, experts and industry leaders.
