Scholarship of the month: UK government AI scholarship and visa package

The UK government has announced a £118 million skills package to boost training and development of AI research and expertise in the country. 

Some of the new initiatives announced will be for international students and researchers to come to the UK to continue their studies in AI or develop their skills and training in the field. 

The package will be used to fund a range of developments including:

• The creation of a £1 million AI Futures Grants Scheme to help AI researchers from other countries relocate to the UK to work at universities and businesses. This will be launched in 2024. 
• Fifteen new GREAT scholarships for international students to come to the UK to study science and technology courses. These scholarships are funded by the British Council and UK universities. Students can apply for up to £10,000 towards their studies. More information on the GREAT scholarships can be found here. 
• Announcing the locations and research focuses of 12 new UK Research and Innovation centres for doctoral training in AI. The aim of these institutions is to train new AI researchers in a range of areas critical to the UK, including healthcare and boosting productivity in the NHS. These 12 centres include the University of Surrey, University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Imperial College London and University of Edinburgh. 
• The “Backing Invisible Genius” (BIG) scholarship pilot, which champions high school students who have performed well in International Science Olympiads to study a science or technology course in the UK. This pilot is being led by Global Talent Lab (GTL) in partnership with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Participating universities include Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge. 
• A new dedicated visa scheme to encourage AI researchers to come to the UK on internships and placements to build their careers and businesses in the country. 

This package builds on the £8.1 million package of scholarships for postgraduate scholarships in AI and data science.

Speaking about the BIG scholarship pilot, Axel Gandy, head of the department of mathematics at Imperial College London, and Rupert Oulton, deputy head of Imperial’s department of physics for enterprise, impact and engagement, said: “We were excited by the scheme for its power to attract the best talent to Imperial and the UK without borders or financial barriers. The best way for science to take on many of the challenges of today, including artificial intelligence, global health and the climate crisis, is to make sure every capable student has the tools to thrive. We look forward to welcoming the first BIG students to Imperial in 2024.”

Colm-Cille Patrick Caulfield, head of the department of applied mathematics and theoretical physics at the University of Cambridge, said of the pilot: We are delighted to be partnering with GTL to give some of the best young mathematicians from all over the world the opportunity to study here in Cambridge, joining our outstanding cohort of undergraduate mathematicians as they continue their journeys of mathematical discovery.”