The AskSia Scholarship 2026 is an essay competition offering two awards of $1,500 each to students interested in exploring the boundary between using artificial intelligence and becoming dependent on it.
The scholarship is open to students from all countries and fields of study. Applicants are required to submit an original essay, and using AskSia is not a requirement for applying.
AskSia Scholarship Summary
- Host: University of Birmingham
- Country: United Kingdom
- Study Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- Eligible Countries: All countries
- Funding: Partially Funded
- Number of Awards: 2
- Deadline: December 31, 2026
Details of the AskSia Scholarship 2026
The AskSia Scholarship is designed to encourage students to think critically about the growing use of artificial intelligence in education and everyday learning.
Applicants will compete through an 800 to 1,000 word essay addressing one of the scholarship’s selected topics. Essays are evaluated based on the strength of the applicant’s argument.
Students do not need to use AskSia to participate in the competition.
The scholarship is provided by AskSia, while information about the programme is hosted on the University of Birmingham website. Successful applicants will have their awards paid directly to their educational institution.
Benefits of AskSia Scholarship 2026
- Two students will receive scholarships worth $1,500 each.
- Each award is paid in two instalments of $750.
- The funds are credited toward tuition or other eligible educational expenses.
- Payments are made directly to the recipient’s institution rather than to the student.
- If an institution cannot accept third-party payments, AskSia will work with the successful applicant to determine an alternative arrangement.
- Any tax obligations arising in the recipient’s country are the responsibility of the recipient.
Eligibility Requirements for AskSia Scholarship 2026
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled at an accredited educational institution or hold a confirmed offer of admission.
- Be at least 17 years old when applying.
- Have a cumulative average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or an equivalent recognised academic average.
- Students from any academic field can apply.
- Students from all countries are eligible.
- Applicants must not be employees of AskSia or immediate family members of AskSia employees.
- Applicants must not have submitted another application during the 2026 scholarship cycle.
- Applicants who have previously received the AskSia Scholarship are not eligible to apply again.
Essay Topics
Applicants can choose one of the listed topics:
- Where the Line Sits: Explore where the boundary lies between using AI as a learning tool and becoming dependent on it.
- What Changed in Your Own Studying: Discuss how AI has affected your approach to studying and learning.
- What Is Worth Learning Yourself: Explain which knowledge or skills students should continue developing independently despite the availability of AI tools.
Applicants may use AI for grammar and spelling checks. However, the essay’s argument and structure must be the applicant’s own work. Essays whose argument or structure was produced by an AI system, or written by another person, may result in disqualification.
How to Apply for AskSia Scholarship 2026
- Complete the AskSia AI Literacy Scholarship Application Form.
- Save the completed form as a PDF.
- Write an original 800 to 1,000 word essay based on one of the approved topics.
- Obtain a current transcript showing your academic standing.
- Request one recommendation letter from an eligible recommender.
- Follow the official submission instructions and send all four required documents in a single email.
📋 Required Documents
- Current academic transcript, either official or unofficial, showing the applicant’s full name, institution and cumulative academic standing
- The recommendation letter should be sent from the recommender’s institutional email address
- One recommendation letter from a teacher, faculty member, academic adviser, counsellor or community leader
- Completed AskSia AI Literacy Scholarship Application Form saved as a PDF
- An 800 to 1,000 word essay responding to one of the approved topics