London-based artificial intelligence (AI) research and applications organisation DeepMind is supporting postgraduate students in the fields of applied mathematics, statistics, electrical and electronic engineering and computer science at Stellenbosch University (SU).

Six scholarships are available to students who wish to pursue a two-year MSc in Applied Mathematics or Computer Science or an MEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

A further two scholarships have been made available for students who are accepted to study towards a PhD in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mathematical Statistics or Statistics.

These are additional to the scholarships already allocated this year.

SU became the first African university to be awarded these scholarships by DeepMind. DeepMind scholarships are part of a wider initiative by the company to broaden participation in science and support the wider research ecosystem, including in Africa.

“DeepMind's extension of the scholarship programme at Stellenbosch University attests to their commitment of building machine learning expertise in Africa.

"Last year, we were blown away by the massive interest from students, with over 200 applications from 31 African countries,” says SU Applied Mathematics associate professor and coordinator of the DeepMind scholarships Willie Brink.

The DeepMind scholarship programme gives talented students from groups currently underrepresented in machine learning, including women, the support they need to study at leading universities.

In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients will have opportunities to attend global conferences and industry events and learn directly from mentors within DeepMind.

Applications for the latest scholarships are available on the university's website with recipients selected by the SU to commence their courses in 2022.

“It is encouraging to learn about the talent and excitement for machine learning that exists all over the continent.

"I am inspired to continue finding opportunities for postgraduate students in Africa, and I look forward to welcoming the 2022 cohort of DeepMind scholars to SU,” he said.

MSc Computer Science postgraduate Jacobie Mouton, who was part of the first cohort of scholarship recipients, believes this opportunity will ensure a rich and well-rounded postgraduate experience, which will have a meaningful impact on her future career.

“This is an opportunity to improve my research skills and expand my knowledge of the very relevant field of machine learning.

"I also get the chance to interact with other researchers and professionals in the industry through the DeepMind mentor programme and sponsored conference attendance,” she points out.