University of Southampton to lead new AI scholarship

The University of Southampton has been chosen by the UK government to lead a new training programme aimed at cementing Britain’s reputation as an AI powerhouse.

Young people with exceptional talent in artificial intelligence will be able to enrol onto a new scholarship which has been launched by Number 10.

The Spärck AI scholarships – named after pioneering British computer scientist Karen Spärck Jones – will provide full funding for master’s degrees.

Southampton is one of nine UK universities chosen to lead the programme thanks to its global reputation as a leader in AI research and development.

Professor Mark Spearing , the University’s Vice-President for Research and Enterprise, said: “We are excited to be a founding partner in the Spärck AI Scholarship programme.

“We view this as a nationally significant opportunity to attract talented students to the UK to take advantage of our world leading expertise and education in artificial intelligence.”

At least 100 master’s students who enrol onto the Spärck AI programme will get access to industry partnerships, work placements and mentoring including at the UK’s AI Security Institute.

The government hopes it will drive forward AI innovation to grow the UK economy and give young people a direct route into highly skilled jobs in the UK’s tech sector.

MP Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, 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.”

Applications for the scholarships open in spring next year with the first cohort beginning their studies in October 2026.

Read more about how the University of Southampton is developing AI at www.southampton.ac.uk/campaigns/ai-southampton .