AWS AI & ML Scholars is open for 2026: Get started on your AI learning journey

The AWS AI & ML Scholars program powered by AWS Skill Builder expands access to foundational AI education and upskilling for students and aspiring technologists who may have had limited access to this kind of training. Delivered in collaboration with AWS Training Partner Udacity, AWS AI & ML Scholars aims to provide 100,000 learners globally with generative AI skills and hands-on experience with AWS tools like PartyRock, Amazon Quick, and Amazon Bedrock.

Applications are open through June 24, 2026, for learners 18 years or older who want to build a career in AI through project-based learning. No prior experience is required, just your curiosity and commitment to build on AWS.

“Growing up, I saw firsthand how access to education can change the trajectory of someone’s life. That belief has stayed with me throughout my career,” said Swami Sivasubramanian, VP, AWS Agentic AI. “That’s why the AWS AI & ML Scholars program is personally important to me. It removes barriers and gives people a real path to upskill in AI, regardless of their background. I can’t wait to see what this year’s learners build.”

In 2025, AWS AI & ML Scholars served more than 50,000 learners from 170+ countries. This year, we aim to provide this training to even more people, helping learners around the world build AI applications, prepare for AWS Certifications, and launch new careers in technology.

The program has two phases: Challenge and Udacity Nanodegree. The Challenge phase runs March 24 to June 24, 2026, and provides training to help learners start a career in AI and achieve the AWS Certified AI Practitioner certification. Those who complete the Challenge phase will receive a certificate of completion, as well as a three-month subscription to AWS Skill Builder, which offers expert-led digital courses, hands-on labs, certification exam prep, and interactive learning environments.

The top 4,500 performers in the Challenge phase advance to a fully funded Udacity Nanodegree in one of three AWS-aligned career tracks: AI Programmer, Agentic AI Business Professional, and Agent Developer.

At AWS, we believe our cloud and AI services are powerful tools for developers and organizations working to transform the world for the better. We’re passionate about empowering learners to harness AI to address the world’s urgent and complex challenges. Whether you’re new to generative AI or looking to break into the field, AWS AI & ML Scholars helps learners globally build foundational AI skills to prepare for future careers in technology.

Apply now to AWS AI & ML Scholars and take your AI expertise to the next level!

About the authors

Jayadev Kalla is a Product Manager with the AWS Social Responsibility and Impact team, focusing on AI education. With 8+ years in education and technology, Jayadev is passionate about building products that turn access into opportunity for underserved learners worldwide. Outside of work, he is a sports enthusiast and loves to cook.

Rohini Krishnapura is a Mgr., Sr. PMT at AWS, leading the Impact Solutions team for AWS Social Responsibility and Impact. Her team empowers underserved learners, builders, and social enterprises with confidence on AWS. With 20+ years of expertise in AI, cloud computing, biometrics, and security, along with seven patents in biometrics, Rohini works at the intersection of technology and social impact.