IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications, offering a fully funded, three-month fellowship designed to prepare future leaders in artificial intelligence policy. This prestigious summer fellowship allows participants to work from Washington, DC, or remotely, with a mandatory two-week in-person residency in Washington, DC, scheduled from June 1 to June 12, 2026. During this period, fellows engage directly with policy professionals and experts shaping the future of AI governance.
Through the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026, selected fellows develop and implement real-world AI policy projects while collaborating closely with experienced practitioners. The program is open to candidates from diverse academic and professional backgrounds and focuses on building practical policy skills, improving decision-making frameworks, and addressing both the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence. This fellowship significantly strengthens participants’ AI policy experience and professional credibility.
Benefits
Fellows will receive:
- Senior Fellows: $22,000 Stipend
- Junior Fellows: $15,000 Stipend
- Fellows will cover all the expenses for the Trip to the United States from the stipend.
Eligibility Criteria
- Fellows from all around the world can apply.
- No technical AI background required.
- For the remote fellowship, everyone is welcome from around the world.
- To Work in DC for three months, only applicants with Legal work rights can apply.
- Candidates will be selected based on experience and expertise.
Objective of the Fellowship
- Tackle real-world AI policy challenges
- Develop Concrete Policy Outputs
- Address Key AI Policy Areas
- Provide Expert Mentorship
- Facilitate Career Development
Focus Areas
- National security implications of AI
- Government acquisition and procurement of AI
- CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) capabilities of AI models
- Export controls
- Evaluations of AI systems
- Geopolitics of AI
- Hardware-enabled mechanisms for AI governance
- Jurisdiction-focused policy questions (e.g., U.S., U.K., and EU)
How to Apply?
- Review the fellowship overview carefully to understand the program structure, eligibility requirements, and time commitment for the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026.
- Prepare your application materials in advance, including personal details, academic or professional background, and relevant experience related to AI, policy, or research.
- Clearly explain your interest in AI policy and describe the type of policy problem or project you would like to work on during the fellowship.
- Highlight any previous work, research, or activities that show your ability to think critically about technology governance and public policy.
- Complete the online application form accurately and make sure all required sections are filled in before submission.
- Submit your application before the official deadline, as late or incomplete applications are not considered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026 is a three-month program focused on developing future AI policy talent. It welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, offers mentorship-driven projects, flexible work options, and competitive stipends, while emphasizing judgement, policy interest, and AI fluency.
What is the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026?
The IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026 is a talent development program designed to train professionals from diverse backgrounds to work on real-world AI policy challenges. Fellows collaborate with experienced mentors to build practical skills and policy fluency focused on frontier AI and its long-term societal implications.
Do applicants need a technical AI background for the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026?
No technical background is required for the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026. The program welcomes fellows from varied academic and professional paths. What matters most is demonstrated interest, fluency in AI-related topics, and the ability to engage thoughtfully with policy questions around advanced AI systems.
Is prior policy experience required for the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026?
Policy experience is not required for the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026. The fellowship is intentionally designed to support individuals new to policy work, while also welcoming applicants with existing policy experience. The program accommodates different experience levels through mentorship and structured support.
What qualities does IAPS look for in successful fellowship candidates?
Successful IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026 candidates show strong judgement, curiosity about AI’s broader impacts, and an interest in contributing to policy careers. Research and writing skills are helpful but not essential, as fellowship projects vary and are not all research focused.
What is the selection process for the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026?
The selection process for the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026 includes three stages: an application form, a three-hour written task with a recorded interview, and a live interview with an IAPS team member. Final selections are typically completed by the end of April.
How many fellows are selected for the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026?
The IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026 expects to select around 30 fellows. The final cohort size depends on the quality and diversity of the applicant pool, ensuring selected fellows meet the program’s standards and can benefit fully from the fellowship experience.
What kind of work do fellows do during the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026?
During the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026, fellows work on projects chosen with their mentors. These may include research questions, policy analysis, or support for events. Fellows with strong project ideas can collaborate with IAPS to find an appropriate mentor match.
Can the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026 be completed part-time?
The IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026 is full-time by default, but part-time options may be available for exceptional candidates with other commitments. Part-time placements are limited, and most fellows are expected to dedicate full-time effort to the three-month program.
Who is eligible for the Washington, D.C. option of the fellowship?
Only applicants with legal authorization to work in the United States between June 1 and August 21, 2026 are eligible for the Washington, D.C. option of the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026, as the program does not provide visa sponsorship.
What stipend and benefits are offered in the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026?
Fellows in the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026 receive a stipend for the three-month program, with higher amounts for Senior Fellows based on experience. Fellows also receive healthcare access and a professional development stipend for the duration of the fellowship.
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