£3,500 Fully Funded Google DeepMind AI Research Programme 2026
Imagine spending your summer conducting AI research alongside global experts—with your accommodation, travel, and a £441 weekly stipend completely covered. This is the reality for students selected for the Google DeepMind Research Ready Programme hosted by Swansea University, a fully funded residency designed to diversify the future of Artificial Intelligence. This elite scheme, supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), offers high-potential students the chance to conduct advanced research at the £32.5 million Computational Foundry. By removing financial barriers, the programme ensures that the next generation of AI innovators is drawn from the widest possible pool of talent.
Funding Breakdown and Award Value
This programme is designed to be completely cost-neutral for the participant, providing full financial coverage for the duration of the residency.
| Benefit Category | Coverage Details |
| Weekly Stipend | £441 per week (£3,528 total) |
| Accommodation | Free on-campus housing provided |
| Travel Expenses | Full coverage of travel costs to and from Swansea |
| Facility Access | Full use of the world-class Computational Foundry |
| Professional Training | Weekly data science sessions delivered by a Turing Fellow |
| Career Support | One-to-one career development and PhD mentoring |
Candidate Requirements
- Academic Level: Penultimate year undergraduate students or recent graduates in a technical field.
- Fee Eligibility: Classified as a “Home” student for tuition purposes (typically UK/Irish nationals or those with settled status).
- Legal Standing: Possession of the right to live and work in the UK for the full eight-week duration.
- Background Profile: Must meet at least one widening participation criterion (e.g., former Free School Meals recipient, care leaver, or from a low-participation area).
- Research Background: No previous experience required; selection is based on enthusiasm and potential.
Elite Specializations
Participants will undertake supervised projects at the cutting edge of modern technology. Available research pathways include:
- Core AI: Machine Learning and Deep Learning.
- Applied Robotics: Hands-on development and Natural Language Processing.
- Advanced Computing: Explainable AI (XAI) and Bioinformatics.
- Industry Collaboration: Data science challenges (Datathons) with Welsh industry partners.
Application Strategy
To succeed in this competitive selection process, focus on demonstrating “research potential” rather than just a high GPA. In your application, highlight your enthusiasm for solving complex problems and your interest in how AI can transform society. Ensure you clearly state which widening participation criteria you meet, as this is a fundamental requirement for the programme. Participation in the official webinar on February 25, 2026, is highly recommended to gain insights directly from the programme leads.
Application Deadlines and Key Dates
The window for the 2026 intake is currently active, following the initial program briefing on February 25. Candidates must submit their final applications by March 15, 2026. The eight-week residency officially begins on June 8 and concludes with a research conference on July 31, 2026.
Official Source
If you would like to view this programme on the official website and begin your application, please click here.
For further details regarding the institution, the Computational Foundry, or the Computer Science Department, you can visit the official Swansea University website at: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/