Scottish universities can now apply to become part of The Data Lab Masters Scholarship Programme for the Academic Year 2026-2027, providing students with scholarships to participate in a programme of employability, networking, and skills training alongside their academic studies.
The Data Lab Masters Scholarship Programme is a collaborative effort between The Data Lab and Scottish Universities, with the aim of developing talented data and AI professionals to support the Scottish economy.
Our funding call is now open to Scottish Universities that wish to apply for funding to cover MSc course tuition fees for the academic year 2026-27, up to £ 6,800 per funded student. Any shortfall between the University’s tuition fee and the £6,800 scholarship is met by the University, not by the student or any other third party.
The Data Lab Masters Scholarship students participate in a programme of employability, networking, and skills training that complements their academic studies, enhancing their opportunities and better preparing them for the fast-paced and changing world of work. The programme is funded by The Scottish Funding Council.
About the programme
The Data Lab Masters Scholarship Programme focuses on applying academic knowledge to the world of industry and on developing non-technical skills essential to becoming a data scientist. Over 1,200 students have benefitted from the programme since it started in the academic year 2015-2016, and we have worked with every university which provides data and AI courses in Scotland over that period. You can view the list of approved MSc courses for the Academic Year 2025-26 on our scholarships webpage:
Scholarships: Approved MSc courses | The Data Lab
Students on our programme have access to our highly regarded employability-enhancing, networking and skills programme which includes:
- More than 50 hours of training spread across the academic year, designed to maximise students’ employability.
- A completion certificate demonstrating students’ skills in networking,
employability, ethics, innovation, and participation in the programme. - Access to networking events with industry experts, including meet-ups and
webinars. - The opportunity to apply to undertake a paid industrial placement in
Scotland. - An industry-sponsored residential Innovation Challenge.
- A masterclass on Bias in Data and AI.
- Access to a network of expertise through The Data Lab MSc Alumni and The
Data Lab Community
Context
In 2025, The Data Lab published its Data and AI Skills Framework. This Framework explains the skills and competencies required to thrive in a data-driven world, informed by our research on the data and AI skills gap in Scotland. Its findings underpin activities across the Masters Scholarship Programme. The Framework is defined across four data and AI personas, which align with levels of data literacy in key competency areas: Data and AI Citizen; Data and AI Worker; Data and AI Professional, and Data and AI Leader.
The Masters Scholarship Programme operates at the Data and AI Professional persona level, where an advanced level of data literacy and expertise is expected in advanced analytics, machine learning, and data governance. We will be using the defined competencies for this persona to assess the suitability for masters courses to join our programme.
Apply to join
We invite existing and new academic partners to apply to join the programme. Applications should demonstrate how the masters course will deliver the defined competencies for a Data and AI Professional across the following areas: Data Literacy, Programming, Machine learning, Data and AI ethics, Data management, Cybersecurity and Meta-skills. We will ask you to indicate the competency levels that students in your course are expected to achieve by the end of the course, using the Framework. We also ask about the job roles your course prepares students for after graduation. This ensures that the courses we fund meet industry demands and support a confident, inclusive, and future-ready workforce.
We will prioritise applications for courses with a strong focus on data management and engineering, AI, software engineering and computer science. We also welcome related courses, such as data analytics, business analytics, and STEM data-oriented courses, or specialist courses that drive innovation in their field. All applications should demonstrate innovation and creativity in course delivery; high standards and the teaching of data ethics; a commitment to maximising diversity in applicants; strong industry engagement; and support of the Masters Scholarship Programme placement opportunity.
Selection criteria
The course review and allocation process will remain the same as in previous years, with successful universities awarded scholarship numbers to select the best candidates for their course.
Potential scholarship candidates identified by universities must complete a short application form for review by The Data Lab before the scholarship is confirmed with the student. This ensures that all successful applicants maximise the programme opportunity, including the placement programme.
Funding opportunities available
Overall, approximately 100 scholarships will provide £6,800 per student to cover MSc course tuition fees for The Data Lab-approved courses for the academic year 2026-27. The participating university covers any shortfall between the university’s own tuition fee and the £6,800 scholarship. All students join The Data Lab Academy programme.
Refer to this SAAS advice (Eligibility Section) for guidance on who qualifies for a fully funded scholarship.
Next steps
- Apply using the form below. To submit the form, register for an account via our partner submission platform, Submittable.
- The closing date for applications is 16 January 2026
- Universities will be notified of the success or otherwise of their application by Friday 30th January.
If you would like to discuss requirements or learn more about The Data Lab Masters Scholarship programme, please email us at TDL-Academy@thedatalab.com to schedule a meeting.