Applications are open for the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship Spring 2027. This fully funded, three-month programme supports professionals who want to build practical skills in artificial intelligence policy.
Also, the Institute for AI Policy and Strategy (IAPS) offers the fellowship in Washington, D.C., London, or remotely. Fellows receive expert mentorship, career support, and a stipend of up to $24,000. In addition, IAPS supports travel and accommodation for the first two-week event in Washington, D.C.
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What Is the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship?
The fellowship helps professionals enter or grow within the AI policy field. It focuses on the challenges and opportunities linked to powerful AI systems, national security, international governance, and technology policy.
Fellows work on real projects with AI policy experts. For example, a participant may research AI safety rules, draft a policy briefing, review proposed legislation, support a policy event, or help develop technical guidelines. Therefore, the programme gives fellows experience that can support careers in government, think tanks, technology companies, and research organisations.
IAPS AI Policy Fellowship Dates and Location
The Spring 2027 programme runs from 22 February to 14 May 2027.
Applicants can choose one of three participation options:
- Washington, D.C.
- London, United Kingdom.
- Remote participation from eligible countries.
However, every fellow must attend the first in-person programme in Washington, D.C. This two-week event runs from 22 February to 5 March 2027. During this period, fellows meet mentors, join training sessions, workshop their projects, and connect with AI policy experts.
IAPS can provide financial support for travel and accommodation for the Washington event. However, it does not provide U.S. or UK work visas.
IAPS AI Policy Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
IAPS welcomes people from a wide range of backgrounds. You do not need a technical degree or previous policy experience to apply.
The programme is a good fit if you:
- Want to build a career in AI policy.
- Care about the long-term effects of advanced AI systems.
- Show strong judgment and an ability to understand AI-related issues.
- Have strong writing, research, policy, technical, academic, government, operations, or programme skills.
- Can commit to the programme on a full-time basis.
Applicants with technical, academic, government, and policy backgrounds are strongly encouraged. However, IAPS also considers applicants from other professional backgrounds. Exceptional candidates with existing work or major commitments may request a part-time option.
Remote participation is available in many countries. Still, IAPS may face legal or administrative limits in some locations. Contact [email protected] if you need to confirm whether IAPS can hire in your country.
IAPS AI Policy Fellowship Stipend and Benefits
The programme provides financial support so fellows can focus on their work.
Selected participants receive:
- US$18,000 for Fellows who work full-time.
- US$24,000 for Senior Fellows who work full-time.
- An additional US$3,000 for fellows on the Washington, D.C., or London track.
- Financial support for travel and accommodation for the two-week Washington event.
- Weekly mentorship from an AI policy expert.
- Weekly coaching on career growth, project management, and productivity.
- Feedback from IAPS researchers and policy staff.
- Access to IAPS’s professional network.
- Healthcare benefits.
- A $500 professional-development stipend.
- Possible extra support for career transitions in selected cases.
Part-time fellows may receive a pro-rated stipend. Moreover, IAPS may offer extensions of four to 12 weeks to selected participants during the programme.
IAPS AI Policy Fellowship Research and Applied Tracks
The fellowship has two main tracks. You can indicate interest in either track or both in your application.
Research Track for AI Policy Fellows
The Research Track suits applicants who want to produce a substantial AI policy research output.
You will work with an IAPS researcher or an external supervisor. First, you will define a research question. Next, you will lead the research, analysis, and writing. Finally, you will develop an evidence-based output for a policy audience.
This track can suit researchers, analysts, and applicants who want to strengthen their policy-writing skills.
Applied Track for AI Policy Professionals
The Applied Track focuses on practical AI policy work rather than one major research paper.
You may support policy workshops, grant reviews, policy memos, events, or other live projects. Therefore, this track can suit people from government, operations, programme management, event planning, grant-making, and related fields. It can also help researchers move into policy-practice roles.
How the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship Works
The fellowship starts with the in-person Washington event. After that, fellows spend the remaining 10 weeks working with their mentor on an AI policy project.
Possible policy topics include:
- Chip export controls.
- AI verification tools.
- AI-enabled cyberattacks.
- National security.
- International AI governance.
- AI safety and security.
- Policy research and legislative review.
Each fellow meets weekly with an expert mentor and an IAPS manager. In addition, fellows share progress through work-in-progress sessions and present their projects during the final week.
IAPS AI Policy Fellowship Application Deadline
The deadline for the Spring 2027 programme is:
- 27 September 2026
IAPS expects to notify successful first-stage applicants by mid-October. Next, selected applicants will complete a written task and a short pre-recorded interview. Finalists will then attend a live interview in November. IAPS expects to finish selections by early December.
Because this is a competitive programme, submit your application early. Also, review IAPS research before you write your application, so you can clearly explain your interest in its policy work.
How to Apply for the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship
Follow these steps:
- Read the fellowship details and IAPS research areas.
- Choose whether you prefer the Research Track, Applied Track, or both.
- Consider your preferred location: Washington, London, or remote.
- Complete the official online application.
- Submit your application before 27 September 2026.
Apply through the official IAPS fellowship application portal.
You can also join the live application Q&A webinar on 10 September 2026 at 7:30 AM PT, 10:30 AM ET, or 3:30 PM BST.
Why AI Policy Fellows Should Apply
AI systems are changing how governments, companies, and societies make decisions. However, policymakers need people who can understand the technology, identify risks, and design practical rules.
The IAPS fellowship offers direct experience in this growing field. Furthermore, its alumni have moved into roles in government, industry, research, and leading think tanks. It can be a strong option if you want to turn your interest in AI into real policy work.
Explore more verified fully funded fellowships and global professional programmes on OpportunityLab.
The IAPS AI Policy Fellowship is a fully funded programme for professionals who want to shape the future of AI policy. It offers practical project work, expert mentorship, professional coaching, and a stipend of up to $24,000.
If you want to work in AI governance, national security, technology policy, or AI safety, prepare your application and apply below.
