Google and ITU announce 100,000 digital and AI skills scholarships

Google’s announcement highlights access to practical digital and AI skills training. Image: Google.

Google and the International Telecommunication Union have announced 100,000 certificate scholarships to support digital and AI skills training across more than 80 countries. The initiative was outlined in a joint announcement on 22 September 2026.

The scholarships will be delivered through the ITU’s AI Skills Coalition and complement its catalogue of more than 200 courses. The initiative also supports Giga, the ITU–UNICEF programme helping governments connect schools to the internet.

Local leaders and national ministries will be able to tailor training to their priorities. Intended participants include teachers, students, job seekers, entrepreneurs and public-sector workers, with an emphasis on practical skills and recognised certificates.

The announcement describes delivery through participating countries and partners; it does not set out a universal application route or confirm eligibility for every school or educator.

Read Google and ITU’s announcement