Apply for CFDE Foundation, October 2026 cohort
Applications are open. Enrolment closes Monday 5 October 2026. The cohort commences Monday 19 October 2026 and runs for 18 weeks. There is no application fee.
Programme
CFDE Foundation (CFDE-F)
Cohort code
2026-C3-CFDE-F
Commences
19 October 2026
Enrolment closes
5 October 2026, 23:59 UK
Duration
18 weeks
Commitment
Approximately 8 hours per week
Course fee
£1,099
Scholarship
AIU Access Scholarship, limited awards
Application fee
None
Apply now →Who can apply
The CFDE Foundation course is open to anyone. Working proficiency in Python, Git, Docker and at least one cloud platform is expected; these tools are used throughout and are not taught from scratch. Applications are assessed against the eligibility criteria on this page.
We are unable to accept applications where UK sanctions, export control, or anti-money-laundering law prohibits us from supplying our services. All applicants are screened against the UK OFSI consolidated list and applicable UK regimes.
Fees
Course fee: £1,099. Fees are in pounds sterling and are payable in full on application. Invoices and receipts are issued by Artificial Intelligence Uni Ltd.
There is no application fee. The programme fee is payable on application, after your scholarship band (if applicable) has been confirmed, and is refunded in full if your application is not accepted.
AIU Access Scholarship
A limited number of scholarship places reduce the course fee.
You are eligible if you are a national of an economy classified by the World Bank as low income or lower-middle income, or if you are currently between roles. Nationals of eligible economies living elsewhere may apply by certifying current financial hardship or unemployment. The reduction is the same whichever basis applies. Your fee band is confirmed before any payment is requested. As part of a scholarship application you will be asked to describe your circumstances briefly and to sign a declaration; documentary proof may be requested.
| Application submitted | Scholarship fee |
|---|---|
| 19 August to 6 September 2026 | £549 (50% reduction, tier 1) |
| 7 September to 20 September 2026 | £769 (30% reduction, tier 2) |
| From 21 September 2026 | Standard fee £1,099 |
Your tier is fixed by the date and time you submit your application (23:59 UK time on the closing day). Eligibility is confirmed before you are asked to pay. Awards are limited and are not guaranteed. The scholarship applies to the course fee only.
How the application works
Step 1
Apply
Complete the application at apply.aiu.ac. Indicate whether you are applying for the AIU Access Scholarship.
Step 2
Fee band confirmed
We confirm your fee band, normally within 2 working days, and send you a secure payment link. The link is valid for 7 days, and payment must in any case be received by 5 October 2026.
Step 3
Pay and hold a provisional place
Pay the fee. You receive a provisional place immediately, with a receipt and your application reference.
Step 4
Verification
We verify your application, including an identity check, within 5 working days.
Step 5
Confirmed
On confirmation you receive your admission letter with your roll number and section. If we are unable to confirm your place, your fee is refunded in full within 5 working days.
Before the cohort
Course access
No course access or materials are provided before the commencement date of 19 October 2026.
Employer sponsorship
We issue a sponsorship letter and a pro-forma invoice on request before payment. Your employer may pay directly, or you may pay and be reimbursed against an invoice issued in your name. Refunds are always issued to the original payer. Contact admissions@aiu.ac.
Refunds
There is no application fee. The programme fee is refunded in full if your application is not accepted, or if you cancel within 14 days of payment. Cancellations after 14 days and before 19 October 2026 are refunded less a £77 administration fee. No refunds are made from the commencement date. In cases of hardship, deferral to a later cohort may be requested by the end of week 4, subject to availability. Full details are in the Refund Policy.
Dates
| Applications open | 19 August 2026 |
| Scholarship tier 1 closes | 6 September 2026, 23:59 UK |
| Scholarship tier 2 closes | 20 September 2026, 23:59 UK |
| Enrolment closes | 5 October 2026, 23:59 UK |
| Cohort commences | 19 October 2026 |
Apply
Before you apply, please read the Terms and Conditions, the Refund Policy, the Privacy Policy, and the Non-Discrimination Policy. You will be asked to confirm that you have read and accept them.
Your application is timestamped in UK time on submission. That timestamp fixes your scholarship tier.
Applications take about ten minutes. There is no application fee.
Admissions FAQs
How do I apply?+
Applications are made online at apply.aiu.ac and take about ten minutes. There is no application fee; any scholarship band is confirmed before payment is requested.
Is there an application fee?+
No. The programme fee is payable on application, after your scholarship band (if applicable) has been confirmed, and is refunded in full if your application is not accepted.
Is a scholarship available?+
Yes. The AIU Access Scholarship offers a limited number of fee reductions for nationals of economies classified by the World Bank as low income or lower-middle income, and for applicants currently between roles. Tiers, dates and eligibility are set out on this page.
When does the cohort start?+
The October 2026 cohort of CFDE Foundation commences on Monday 19 October 2026. Applications are open now; enrolment closes Monday 5 October 2026.
What happens if I apply after enrolment closes?+
Applications received too late to be banded and paid by 5 October 2026 are considered for the February 2027 cohort.
Can my employer fund this programme?+
Yes. We issue a sponsorship letter and a pro-forma invoice on request before payment. Employers may pay directly or reimburse the applicant. Contact admissions@aiu.ac.
What is your refund policy?+
Applications that are not accepted are refunded in full. Cancellations within 14 days of payment are refunded in full. Cancellations after 14 days and before the cohort commences are refunded less a £77 administration fee. No refunds are made from the commencement date. In cases of hardship, deferral to a later cohort may be requested by the end of week 4, subject to availability. Full details are in the Refund Policy.
What information do you ask for?+
The application asks for your contact details, country of residence, LinkedIn profile, and professional background. If you apply for the AIU Access Scholarship, you will also be asked for your country of nationality, a brief statement of your circumstances, and a signed declaration; documentary proof may be requested. We do not ask for date of birth, photograph, marital status, religion or health information. See the Privacy Policy for how your data is used and retained.
How are decisions made?+
Applications are assessed against the published eligibility criteria on this page. Any decision to decline an application or revoke a place is made or confirmed by a member of the AIU admissions team. You may ask for a human review and contest a decision by emailing admissions@aiu.ac. Our Non-Discrimination Policy applies to every admissions and scholarship decision.
CFDE Foundation, October 2026 cohort
Applications are open. Enrolment closes Monday 5 October 2026. There is no application fee.
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