Scottish universities can now apply for funding of around £7,000 per student towards MSc tuition fees for the 2027-28 academic year, through The Data Lab Masters Scholarship Programme.
Funded by the Scottish Funding Council, the programme provides students with employability, networking, and skills training alongside their studies, helping to develop the data and AI professionals that Scotland’s economy needs.
Key dates
- Applications close: Friday 22 January 2027 at 17:00
- Universities notified: Friday 5 February 2027
Funding available
Scholarships cover up to £7,000 per funded student towards tuition fees for The Data Lab-approved courses. The university covers any shortfall between its tuition fee and the scholarship, not the student or any other third party. All funded students join The Data Lab Academy programme.
The number of scholarships available and the scholarship amount will be finalised in May 2027, when SFC releases the University Final Funding Allocations 2027/28.
See the SAAS advice (Eligibility section) on who qualifies for a fully funded scholarship.
What students get
Since 2015-16, over 1,300 students have benefitted from the programme, and we have worked with every Scottish university offering data and AI courses. Students receive:
- 50+ hours of employability and skills training
- A completion certificate
- Networking events with industry experts
- The chance to apply for a paid industrial placement in Scotland
- An industry-sponsored residential Innovation Challenge
- A masterclass on Bias in Data and AI
- Access to The Data Lab MSc Alumni and The Data Lab Community
What we’re looking for
The programme operates at the Data and AI Professional level of our Data and AI Skills Framework. Applications should demonstrate how your course delivers the competencies at this level in data literacy, programming, machine learning, data and AI ethics, data management, cybersecurity, and meta-skills. You’ll also tell us which job roles the course prepares students for.
We will prioritise courses with a strong focus on data management and engineering, AI, software engineering, and computer science. We also welcome related courses, including data analytics, business analytics, STEM-oriented data courses, and specialist courses that drive innovation in their fields.
All applications should demonstrate innovation in course delivery, high standards in teaching data ethics, a commitment to diversity, strong industry engagement and support for the placement opportunity.
To see which courses are already part of the programme, and the kind of courses we fund, visit our scholarships page.
How selection works
The review and allocation process is unchanged from previous years. Successful universities are awarded a number of scholarships and select their best candidates, who then complete a short application form for review by The Data Lab before the scholarship is confirmed.
How to apply
Register for an account on our partner platform, Submittable, and complete the application form.
To discuss requirements or arrange a meeting, email TDL-Academy@thedatalab.com.