Are you passionate about artificial intelligence, policy development, and real-world impact? The Institute for AI Policy and Strategy (IAPS) is inviting applications for its AI Policy Fellowship 2026, a fully funded opportunity to deepen your expertise and influence how AI is governed around the world.
Whether you’re just starting your career or already an experienced professional, this fellowship offers a rare chance to work at the intersection of technology, governance, and strategic decision-making.
🧠What Is the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship?
The AI Policy Fellowship is a three-month professional programme designed to equip individuals from diverse backgrounds with practical skills in AI policy, strategy, and governance. Over the course of the fellowship, selected participants will work on meaningful, hands-on projects that directly contribute to debates and decision-making in government, industry, and research institutions.
The programme supports candidates ranging from students and early career professionals to seasoned experts, all driven to shape national and global AI policy.
📅 Key Dates & Participation Options
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Fellowship Duration: 1 June – 21 August 2026
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Kick-off Residency: 1–12 June 2026 (in Washington, D.C.)
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Participation Modes:
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Fully in-person in Washington, D.C.
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Hybrid or remote option with a mandatory start-of-program residency in D.C.
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All participants — whether based in the U.S. or joining remotely — are required to attend the initial in-person sessions in Washington.
💼 Financial Support — Fully Funded!
This is a fully funded fellowship, meaning IAPS covers substantial financial support for participants:
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💵 Senior Fellows: USD 22,000 stipend
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💵 Fellows: USD 15,000 stipend
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📆 Duration: Three months, full-time
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⏱️ Part-time arrangements may be considered for exceptional candidates
Remote participants also receive a support budget for activities such as in-person expert meetings or conferences.
🧩 What You'll Do
As a fellow, you’ll collaborate closely with experienced mentors and professionals in the AI policy space. Your activities may include:
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Writing policy briefs, memos, and research reports
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Advising government officials or industry leaders
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Organizing policy forums or international workshops
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Delivering strategic recommendations on AI governance
Weekly mentorship sessions and progress meetings will guide your work, leading up to a final presentation of your project at the end of the fellowship.
🎯 Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is ideal for motivated individuals with interests in AI governance, strategy, national security, or public policy, regardless of professional background. Applicants from the government, tech industry, research institutions, think tanks, and nonprofit sectors are all welcome.
There’s no strict experience requirement; what matters most is your commitment to producing impactful, policy-relevant work.
📌 Focus Areas You Might Explore
Projects can dive into a wide range of policy topics, such as:
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Policy frameworks in different jurisdictions (e.g., U.S., E.U., U.K.)
Every project is shaped collaboratively between fellows and their mentors, allowing you to pursue a project that aligns with your interests while addressing critical policy challenges.
🚀 Beyond the Fellowship: Career Growth
IAPS is committed to helping fellows grow professionally even after the program ends. Participants benefit from:
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One-on-one career coaching
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Ongoing mentorship and feedback
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Access to a global network of AI policy professionals
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Networking at events and during the D.C. residency
Graduates of past cohorts have gone on to hold influential roles in governments, research institutions, and leading think tanks worldwide.
📅 Application Deadline
⏰ Apply by 2 February 2026 (11:59 PM Pacific Time). Don’t miss this chance to be part of a growing movement shaping AI’s global impact.
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