CFDE Foundation Admissions

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.

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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.

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AIU Access Scholarship

A limited number of scholarship places reduce the course fee. The scholarship reduces the fee; it is not full funding and carries no stipend.

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.

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.

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How the application works

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Employer-funded places

Many learners have their place funded by an employer. We provide a sponsorship letter and a pro-forma invoice addressed to the employer on request, and the fee can be paid directly by corporate card through the learner’s payment link. The case writes itself: Deloitte alone plans to hire, train and certify forward deployed engineers through fiscal year 2027, and the engineers who can take AI from pilot to production are the scarcest people in the market. To arrange employer funding, email admissions@aiu.ac with the application reference.

Refunds are always issued to the original payer.

If you need to ask your manager, use our employer funding letter.

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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 14 December 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.

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Dates

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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.

Apply now →

Applications take about ten minutes. There is no application fee.

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October 2026 cohort (2026-C3)

The October 2026 cohort (2026-C3-CFDE-F) reached capacity and closed to new applications on Monday 5 October 2026; it commences Monday 19 October 2026. Applications received from 7 October are for the December 2026 cohort.

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Admissions FAQs