World Data Science Initiative

Enabling Institutions in Emerging & Developing Nations to Achieve Affordable, Fast-Track Accreditation on Global Standards in Data Science & AI Education.

WDSI Subsidies & Grants for Institutional Growth

The World Data Science Initiative (WDSI) provides subsidies and grants to institutions to help offset the substantial costs of accreditation, procurement of advanced teaching-learning resources, and student certification on future-ready, vendor-neutral, cross-platform knowledge standards.

WDSI’s primary objective is to support universities in emerging economies in launching globally recognized degree programs in data science and AI, accelerating their path to world-class education. By facilitating an accreditation-certification framework, WDSI enables institutions to rapidly adopt international standards and provide globally recognized certifications to students at a subsidized fee.

As part of its mission, WDSI periodically identifies and invites high-potential institutions to become regional models in digital and technology-driven education and research. These selected institutions receive targeted support to achieve accreditation, enhance academic capabilities, and contribute to the global data science ecosystem.

WDSI has set a USD 300 million subsidy and grant target by 2030 to reduce the financial burden on applicant institutions. These grants are not provided as direct institutional funding but are instead allocated directly to official accrediting bodies and empaneled experts, ensuring that institutions receive cost reductions on accreditation fees, certification, content, and the development of Centers of Excellence or Data Science Schools.

WDSI Subsidies & Grants for Institutional Growth
Areas under subsidies/grants WDSI

Areas Covered Under WDSI Subsidies & Grants

The World Data Science Initiative (WDSI) provides subsidies and grants to assist institutions in the following key areas:

  • Accreditation Support – Covers services related to global accreditation for departments offering data science and AI programs.
  • Program Development – Assists in the launch of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in data science and artificial intelligence.
  • Centers of Excellence – Provides knowledge resources and advisory support for establishing Centers of Excellence in data science and AI.
  • Training & Faculty Development – Supports the creation of specialized training facilities, ensuring institutions can offer advanced AI and data science education.

Note: The initiative does not cover costs related to Construction & Infrastructure (Building costs, facilities, or real estate expenses), Personnel & Consulting Fees (Salaries for staff, fees for external consultants), and Hardware & Software (Computers, third-party software, or technology infrastructure).

Eligible Institutions for WDSI Subsidies & Grants

The World Data Science Initiative (WDSI) invites applications from institutions that fall under the following five categories:

  • 1Government & Public Institutions – National and regional governments, public universities, colleges, and publicly funded institutions.
  • 2Private Universities & Colleges – Privately funded universities and institutions recognized by their respective governments.
  • 3Technology & AI Education Consortia (Multilateral Aid-Funded) – Organizations, consortia, or special-purpose entities funded by multilateral aid bodies and charitable organizations focused on data science and AI education.
  • 4Technology & AI Education Consortia (Government-Funded) – Project organizations and special-purpose vehicles funded by national or provincial governments to promote AI, data science, and technology education.
  • 5Non-Profit-Sponsored Education Projects – Data science and AI education initiatives funded or sponsored by non-profit organizations working in employability development and social upliftment through education and training.
Eligible Institutions for WDSI Subsidies & Grants

WDSI Subsidy & Accreditation Process

The WDSI subsidy process follows a structured evaluation and approval system to ensure a fair and transparent allocation of financial assistance for accreditation.

  • 1Eligibility Assessment: Each institution’s application is carefully reviewed to determine its eligibility for the subsidy for accreditation.
  • 2Application Review: A dedicated initiative committee evaluates each subsidy or grant request on an individual basis. Institutions will receive formal communication regarding the approval or rejection of their request.
  • 3Subsidy Award & Coordination: Upon approval, the subsidy amount is confirmed by the accreditation services team, and a subsidized invoice is issued to the institution.
  • 4Commencement of the Accreditation Process: The institution pays the reduced, subsidized fee to officially initiate the accreditation process.
  • 5Non-Refund Policy for Incomplete Accreditation: The assigned accreditor reserves the right to deny any fee refunds if an institution fails to complete the accreditation process.
  • 6Subsidy Expiry Policy: If an institution does not initiate the accreditation process within three months of subsidy approval, the subsidy offer will be withdrawn.
  • 7Post-Accreditation Compliance: Once accredited, the institution must adhere to the policies and standards set by the accrediting body.

Important Information

The World Data Science Initiative offers subsidies exclusively for accreditation and Center of Excellence (CoE) setup services. Applicants should note the following key points:

  • Subsidy Nature: The initiative does not provide direct financial assistance to institutions. Subsidies are granted in the form of reduced fees for accreditation services and ongoing student certification.
  • No Contractual Relationship: This initiative does not operate on any contractual arrangement with educational or credentialing institutions. Consequently, subsidy approval is not automatic, nor is it granted based on precedent or contractual agreements.
  • Accreditation Status: Being shortlisted for a subsidy does not grant an institution the right to claim affiliation with the accreditation body. Institutions must obtain accreditation and maintain a good standing to be recognized as an associated/approved institution.
  • No Guarantee of Accreditation: The approval of a subsidy does not guarantee accreditation. Final accreditation decisions are made solely by the accrediting bodies.
  • Accreditation by Official Bodies Only: Accreditation under this initiative is granted only by the official accrediting bodies supporting this initiative.
  • Communication Restrictions: Applicant institutions are prohibited from advertising or making claims about being member of the WDSI or affiliate/ associate of the accrediting body through any external or public platforms. Any such communication deemed necessary must receive prior approval from the accreditation services and compliance team.

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