Application Deadline
February 15, 2026
The Institute for AI Policy and Strategy (IAPS) is accepting applications for the AI Policy Fellowship 2026, a fully funded, three-month programme designed for professionals seeking to build practical skills in AI policy and governance. The fellowship supports individuals from diverse academic, professional, and geographic backgrounds who are committed to shaping a positive future in a world increasingly influenced by powerful artificial intelligence systems. Fellowship Overview Programme duration: 1 June – 21 August 2026 Application deadline: 2 February 2026, 23:59 Pacific Time Format: Hybrid (in-person in Washington, D.C. or fully remote) Mandatory residency: 1–12 June 2026, Washington, D.C. Cohort: Summer 2026 Applicants may choose to participate either fully in person in Washington, D.C., or remotely from eligible countries. All selected fellows, regardless of track, are required to attend the two-week in-person residency at the start of the programme. Financial Support Senior Fellows: USD 22,000 stipend Fellows: USD 15,000 stipend Duration: Full-time engagement over three months Part-time option: Available for exceptional candidates Additional support: Limited financial assistance for post-fellowship career transitions in select cases The stipend is intended to enable fellows to fully dedicate their time to fellowship activities. Fellowship Experience During the programme, fellows work independently on applied AI policy projects under the guidance of leading experts in the field. The fellowship emphasises practical outputs that directly influence national and global AI policy discussions. Day-to-Day Activities Drafting policy briefs, memos, and reports Briefing government officials and senior stakeholders Organising policy convenings and expert roundtables Participating in weekly mentor meetings and progress reviews Presenting final outputs during the concluding week of the fellowship Each fellow is supported by: A dedicated subject-matter mentor Weekly one-on-one coaching with an IAPS Fellowship Coordinator Ongoing feedback from IAPS researchers and policy staff Areas of Focus Fellowship projects address real-world challenges at the intersection of AI, governance, and security. Key policy domains include: National security implications of advanced AI Government acquisition and procurement of AI systems CBRN risks and AI model capabilities Export controls and international governance frameworks AI evaluations and risk assessment Geopolitics of AI and strategic competition Hardware-enabled governance mechanisms Jurisdiction-specific policy analysis (e.g. US, UK, EU) Projects are tailored to each fellow’s expertise and interests and may take multiple formats, including: Policy briefs and memos Government briefings and presentations Research reports and working papers International conferences and convenings Op-eds and public commentary Strategic advisory support to policy institutions Who Should Apply The fellowship welcomes applicants at various career stages, including: Undergraduate and postgraduate students Early-career and mid-career professionals Senior experts with extensive policy or technical experience Ideal candidates demonstrate: Strong subject-matter knowledge in AI, policy, or related fields Interest in AI governance, safety, and strategic risk Capacity for independent research and policy analysis Motivation to contribute to high-impact policy outcomes Both policy specialists seeking deeper AI exposure and technical experts seeking policy experience are encouraged to apply. Residency and Remote Participation All fellows begin with a two-week in-person residency in Washington, D.C. Activities include: Policy briefings and trainings Project workshops Networking events and expert roundtables Fellows based in D.C. may access office space and in-person programming throughout the fellowship Remote fellows receive a support budget for approved in-person engagements, such as conferences or expert meetings IAPS operates as a remote-first organisation and can legally engage fellows in many countries, subject to administrative and legal requirements. Career Pathways and Alumni Outcomes The fellowship is designed as a bridge into long-term careers in AI policy. Alumni have progressed into roles across: Government institutions Think tanks and research organisations Industry policy teams Academia and civil society Past fellows have joined organisations such as RAND, Institute for Progress, Center for Health Security, and IAPS itself, while others have founded new initiatives or pursued advanced research degrees. About IAPS The Institute for AI Policy and Strategy is a nonpartisan think tank focused on the governance of advanced AI systems. IAPS produces rigorous policy research to help decision-makers navigate high-impact risks and opportunities related to AI, national security, and geopolitics, while supporting innovation and global stability. Key Dates Application deadline: 2 February 2026 Fellowship start: 1 June 2026 Mandatory residency: 1–12 June 2026 Programme end: 21 August 2026 VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the fellowship organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
Category
fellowship
Type
online
Organization / Source
globalsouthopportunities.com
Posted
January 16, 2026
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