If you’re on the hunt for fully funded, high-impact opportunities in AI, machine learning and tech, and you also want an internship or practical work placement thrown in — you’re in the good place. This blog post is designed for you: someone hungry for a big break in tech, eager to study abroad or online, and looking for scholarships that do more than just cover tuition.
We’ll cover:
- Why these kinds of scholarships are gold for 2025
- Key things to look out for (eligibility, internship component, funding, deadlines)
- A curated list of the top scholarships you should apply for right now
- A handy table to compare the opportunities at a glance
- FAQs — your questions answered
- Practical next-steps you can act on today.
Stay with me — this is about turning ambition into actionable opportunity. Let’s dive in.
Why “fully funded + internship in tech/AI” matters now
The world of AI and tech is booming — and so is competition. If you’re going to stand out, scholarships that not only pay your fees but also give you industry exposure are a double win. Here’s why:
- Huge demand: Skills like machine learning, data science and AI policy are in high demand globally.
- Cost and barrier reduction: Fully-funded means the financial barrier is minimal or zero — you don’t have to carry debt.
- Internship = real-world edge: Having a paid internship or industry project on your CV sets you apart — it means you’ve applied what you learned, not just studied theory.
- Global eligibility: Many of these scholarships accept international students — which means your location (e.g., Nigeria) might not hold you back if you apply the right way.
By targeting scholarships that combine tech/AI focus + full funding + internship, you’re playing smart.
How to pick the right scholarship — and what to check
Before you apply, make sure you evaluate each opportunity carefully. Here are the key criteria to check:
What to check
- Funding coverage: Does it cover tuition, living expenses, travel, health insurance? (Fully funded often means all of these.)
- Internship or work-placement component: Is an internship included? Paid or unpaid? Duration? Industry partner?
- Eligibility: What are the age, nationality, academic requirements, field of study requirements (AI, CS, data science)?
- Application deadlines & cycle: Is the 2025 cohort open now or closing soon? Better to mark calendars.
- Tech/AI focus: Does the scholarship emphasise AI, machine learning, data science, robotics, etc?
- Support/mentorship: Does it offer mentorship, industry networking, career support beyond just funding?
- Location & modality: Is it study abroad, remote, hybrid? Are internships virtual or in-person?
- Your fit: Does your background (GPA, experience, field, interest) align?
Why this matters
Because missing a clause (e.g., internship is unpaid) may reduce the value of the scholarship for you. Or you could apply to something that says “tech” but is barely relevant to AI. By vetting properly, you maximise your chances and avoid wasted time.
Top Scholarships You Should Consider in 2025
Here are some of the best opportunities available right now that tick all or most of the boxes (fully funded + tech/AI focus + internship or practical placement).
| Name of Scholarship | Country/Region | What’s Included (Funding + Internship) | Eligibility Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship | USA | Scholarship up to $40,000 (up to $10K/year) + offer to complete a summer paid internship at Amazon. (AFE US) | High school seniors in U.S., majoring in CS/Engineering, financial need required. |
| SMART Scholarship‑for‑Service Program | USA | Full tuition, annual stipend + employment with U.S. Department of Defense after graduation. (smartscholarship.org) | STEM majors, U.S. citizens, must commit to work for DoD after graduation. |
| ERA:AI Winter Fellowship | UK (Cambridge) | Fully funded 8-week residential program (stipend, accommodation, visa/travel covered) in AI safety/governance. (Opportunities for Youth) | Early-career researchers/practitioners worldwide interested in AI safety & governance. |
| IAPS AI Policy Fellowship | USA / remote | Fully funded 3-month programme (stipend $15,000 / $22,000) working on real-world AI policy projects. (Institute for AI Policy and Strategy) | Professionals from diverse backgrounds (tech or non-tech) looking to enter AI policy space. |
| INSAIT Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) | Bulgaria (Sofia) | 8–12 weeks research programme, accommodation, travel, stipend (1500 EUR/month) for undergraduates in STEM. (INSAIT) | Undergraduate STEM students globally, must attend on-site in Sofia. |
| Google DeepMind AI Masters Scholarships | UK & international | Scholarships for Masters in AI & adjacent fields, mentorship from DeepMind, full funding via partner universities. (Google DeepMind) | Applicants to specified AI-Masters programmes; check university/region eligibility. |
Why these stand out
- They are fully funded or near-fully funded (tuition + stipend + travel/accommodation where applicable).
- They include industry or research internship/placement or real project work (e.g., Amazon internship, policy fellowship, research programme).
- They cover AI/tech, not just general scholarships — thereby aligning with your interest.
- They are open in/around 2025 or clearly labelled for upcoming cycles (important!).
Deep Dive: What Each Scholarship Offers & How to Prepare
Let’s go deeper into what each offers and how you can prepare your application so you maximise your chances.
Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship
- Up to $40,000 scholarship (up to $10K/year for up to four years) for undergraduate CS/engineering. (AFE US)
- Includes offer to complete a paid summer internship at Amazon after your freshman year: you’ll work on real tech projects. (AFE US)
- How to prepare:
- Ensure you meet eligibility: U.S. citizen/permanent resident/employment authorised; high school senior in U.S.; planning a BS in CS/engineering.
- Demonstrate financial need (they adjust award based on unmet need).
- Show strong interest/experience in CS/engineering (even if minimal).
- Have a good GPA (minimum mentioned: 2.3 on 4.0) and relevant coursework.
- Build a standout application: highlight problem-solving, coding projects, community involvement.
- Apply early and get recommendations ready.
SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program
- Fully funded STEM programme covering tuition + annual stipend. (smartscholarship.org)
- After graduation, you commit to employment with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for a period (service element).
- How to prepare:
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Be in/entering a STEM major (engineering, CS, etc).
- Be willing to commit to DoD service; evaluate whether you’re okay with that.
- Gather strong academic record, extracurriculars in STEM.
- Be ready to articulate why you want to support defense-related STEM work.
ERA:AI Winter Fellowship
- 8-week fully funded residential programme at University of Cambridge in UK, working in AI safety/governance. (Opportunities for Youth)
- Covers all costs (stipend, accommodation, meals, travel/visa) so you can focus fully on research.
- Open to early-career researchers/practitioners worldwide (multidisciplinary).
- How to prepare:
- Develop a short research proposal in one of the tracks (technical AI safety, governance, technical AI governance) as described.
- Emphasise interdisciplinary background (CS, law, philosophy, policy) if you have it.
- Show motivation to contribute to “safe and responsible AI”.
- Get recommendations from academics/professionals.
- Apply by the deadline (check October 30, 2025 for this cycle).
IAPS AI Policy Fellowship
- A 3-month fully funded programme (stipend $15K or $22K depending on level) working on real AI policy projects in Washington D.C. (or remote) from September to November. (Institute for AI Policy and Strategy)
- Ideal for professionals or advanced students who want to pivot into AI policy from tech/government/industry backgrounds.
- How to prepare:
- Show you have some relevant experience (in tech, policy, government, or research).
- Prepare a clear statement of interest: why AI policy, what project you’d like to work on, what impact you’ll deliver.
- Make sure you meet eligibility (e.g., right to work in U.S. if doing the D.C. residency).
- Be ready to engage in a remote-first environment if needed.
INSAIT Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
- 8–12 week on-site programme in Sofia, Bulgaria: research in AI/CS labs, monthly stipend (1500 EUR), accommodation provided, travel & visa assistance. (INSAIT)
- How to prepare:
- You must be an undergraduate in a STEM major.
- Good academic record (minimum GPA 3.5/4.0 or equivalent) is required.
- Be ready to relocate to Bulgaria for summer and commit fully.
- Prepare CV, one-page motivation letter, transcript.
- Choose some research areas in AI/ML you are genuinely interested in.
Google DeepMind AI Masters Scholarships
- Scholarship funding to universities that partner with DeepMind; full funding for Masters in AI/adjacent fields; scholars get mentoring from DeepMind researchers. (Google DeepMind)
- How to prepare:
- Identify Masters programmes eligible under this initiative (check partner universities/universities outside UK etc).
- Ensure your background aligns with AI/CS/data science.
- Show past achievements, research potential, and fit with AI/ML advanced study.
- Apply both to the university programme and the scholarship when applicable.
Comparison Table: Key Features at a Glance
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the six scholarships mentioned:
| Scholarship | Funding Coverage | Intern/Work Component | Field / Focus | Eligibility Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Future Engineer | Up to $40K + paid internship at Amazon | Yes: Paid summer internship at Amazon | CS & Engineering | U.S. high school senior, financial need |
| SMART Scholarship | Full tuition + stipend + job after graduation | Employment commitment (DoD) | STEM broadly | U.S. citizen, STEM major |
| ERA:AI Winter Fellowship | Fully funded residential (8 weeks) | Research project/intern-style | AI safety/governance | Global, early-career researchers/practitioners |
| IAPS AI Policy Fellowship | Fully funded 3-months + stipend | Real-world policy project | AI policy/governance | Professionals/Advanced students, global (with U.S. work eligibility for D.C. option) |
| INSAIT SURF | Stipend + accommodation + travel | Research internship (8-12 weeks) | AI/CS research | Undergrads STEM, global |
| Google DeepMind AI Masters Scholarships | Full funding for Masters + mentorship | Masters study (industry-adjacent) | AI/ML/data science | Master’s applicants, partner universities |
Additional Tips to Maximise Your Chance
- Start early: Some deadlines might be in 2025 or late 2024 for 2025 intake — mark them on your calendar.
- Tailor your personal statement: Don’t reuse a generic application. Show clear alignment with the scholarship’s mission (e.g., AI safety, policy, engineering).
- Highlight practical experience: Even a small project, hackathon, volunteer coding club, or self-study topic in AI/ML can make a difference.
- Get strong references: Choose people who know your technical or academic work well and can vouch for your interest in AI/tech.
- Show your “why”: Why this field (AI/tech)? Why this scholarship / programme? Why now?
- Understand the “internship” element: If they say ‘offer to complete paid internship’ or ‘work placement’, check length, paid/unpaid status, work location.
- Check global eligibility: If you’re in Nigeria (or another country), ensure the scholarship accepts international applicants or has a category for you.
- Prepare needed documents: Transcripts, CV, motivation letter, sometimes language requirements, proof of financial need (if required).
- Budget for costs if needed: Even fully funded programmes may expect you to have some contingency.
- Network & connect: If possible, reach out to past scholars or alumni to get insights.
Why You Should Act Now
- Many scholarships are highly competitive — fewer than 100 spots sometimes.
- Scholarships that include internships accelerate your career: you’ll gain contacts, experience, and have a concrete industry edge.
- With AI and tech evolving fast, starting now gives you time to build your profile, submit strong applications, and potentially secure something for 2025.
- The “fully funded + internship” combo is still relatively rare — so if you manage to secure one, you’ll be ahead of the curve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I apply from Nigeria / Africa / outside U.S./Europe?
A: Yes — some scholarships explicitly accept international applicants (e.g., INSAIT SURF, ERA:AI). Others (like Amazon Future Engineer, SMART) are U.S.-specific, so check eligibility carefully.
Q2: What does “fully funded” actually cover?
A: It can vary — typically it includes tuition, living stipend, travel/visa costs, accommodation. Some cover all, others cover major parts. Always check the “what’s included” section.
Q3: Do I need to have prior AI/ML experience?
A: While advanced experience helps, many scholarships accept bright, motivated candidates with foundational skills and clear interest. For example, INSAIT expects strong STEM background but not necessarily deep ML work. (INSAIT)
Q4: Is the internship always paid?
A: Not always; you must check wording like “paid summer internship” (Amazon uses “offer to complete a paid summer internship”). (AFE US)
Q5: How competitive are these scholarships?
A: Very competitive. Expect many applicants worldwide. That means your application must stand out.
Q6: If I miss the 2025 deadline, what then?
A: Many programs repeat annually. Start building now (skills, projects, CV) so you’re ready for the next cycle. Use the time productively.
Q7: What’s the benefit of the internship component?
A: It gives you real-world experience, helps you build your network, makes your CV stronger, and often leads to job opportunities or further funding.
Your Action Plan (What YOU should do this week)
- Select 2-3 scholarships from the list above that you’re eligible for (or almost eligible).
- Check the application deadlines, requirements, eligibility details and mark them clearly.
- Gather documents: current CV, transcript, list of projects or achievements, references.
- Brainstorm your motivation letter/personal statement: why AI/tech, why this scholarship, what you hope to achieve.
- Start or refine a project: e.g., build a small ML model, contribute to open-source, join a hackathon — this will strengthen your profile.
- Ask for recommendations: Approach one or two people (teachers, mentors, supervisors) now so they have time.
- Keep track of deadlines: Use a spreadsheet or calendar with reminders at 2-3 weeks ahead.
- Prepare contingency applications: Even if you apply for the “big one”, select one or two smaller scholarships or internships as backups.
Conclusion
You’re at a moment of opportunity. If you want to study tech/AI in 2025, gain practical experience through internships, and do it without financial burden, then the scholarships listed above are your ticket.
Remember:
- Focus on fully funded + internship because that gives you both education + experience.
- Tailor your application for tech/AI relevance.
- Act early, prepare deeply, and give yourself the best shot.
You’ve got what it takes — now it’s about taking action and applying smart. Let this blog post be your launchpad into a transformative opportunity for 2025.
If you like, I can compile an extended list of 10-15 such scholarships (including lesser known ones) with deadlines, country eligibility, and application links — would you like that?
