What does the Google DeepMind Scholarship cover?

The scholarship covers everything: flights to and from South Africa, tuition, accommodation, living expenses, medical insurance, and costs for running AI experiments and doing research. There are also opportunities to connect with Google DeepMind’s researchers and engineers for mentoring and support.

I’m now in the fourth year of my degree, which will only finish later in 2026. What should I do?

Please apply with your third-year transcripts, and the transcripts that you already have from your current year of study.

Your program runs on the “northern hemisphere” academic year. I’m in the southern hemisphere and my university runs from January to December. What should I do?

Apply now, before 11:59 PM on 6 March! There is only one application window.

The fourth edition of the AI for Science Master’s will commence in September 2026. If your undergraduate program runs on a January to December cycle and we are confident that you would be able to succeed if you start with the review courses block, your start date can be deferred to January 2027. The modules in the program are fairly free-standing.

Note that if you start in January, you will complete the foundational courses block after your dissertation. You will then be part of a smaller January intake specifically for South African students.

Why don’t you ask for recommendation letters from lecturers in the application process?

There is a lot of variability in letters of recommendation, and asking for them puts applicants who are connected to experienced recommendation letter writers at an advantage. We try our best to select on motivation, merit and talent, and not on who you’ve met.

Why do you require a four-year degree as a prerequisite?

This is a requirement to enrol in an accredited Masters program in South Africa. We know that it is different in other parts of the world!

I am displaced by war. What should I do?

Please apply! If you are displaced by war you don’t have to be resident in Africa at time of application.

Who will teach the courses?

A combination of South African and international academics and researchers will teach the courses. Please see the 2023/4, 2024/5 and 2025/6 course pages to see who has lectured for the AI for Science program in the past.