IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Program, Eligibility, Benefits & Deadline

The 2026 Institute for AI Policy and Strategy (IAPS) AI Policy Fellowship Applications are officially open! This fellowship is a prestigious, fully funded three-month program designed for professionals who want to build hands-on AI policy expertise and help shape a safe and beneficial future with advanced artificial intelligence.

Apply Here: IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Program, Eligibility, Benefits & Deadline

Program Overview

The IAPS AI Policy Fellowship brings together participants from diverse professional and academic backgrounds to develop practical policy skills at the intersection of AI, governance, and global security. The fellowship runs June 1 to August 21, 2026, and can be completed either in person in Washington, D.C., or remotely.

All selected fellows are required to attend a two-week in-person residency in Washington, D.C. (June 1–12), which serves as the official kickoff of the program.

Application Deadline: February 2, 2026

Eligibility and Background

The program welcomes applicants from both policy and technical fields, including industry, government, academia, and think tanks. Fellows range from undergraduate students to highly experienced professionals, united by a strong understanding of AI policy issues, relevant subject-matter expertise, or both.

During the initial residency, fellows gain a deep introduction to the AI policy landscape while building connections with fellow participants, IAPS researchers, and leading experts in the field.

Apply Here: IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Program, Eligibility, Benefits & Deadline

Fellowship Structure and Focus Areas

Following the residency, fellows spend 10 weeks working closely with an AI policy expert mentor on high-impact projects that inform national and international AI policy decisions. Key focus areas include, but are not limited to:

AI and national security
Government procurement and deployment of AI systems
CBRN risks associated with advanced AI models
Export controls and evaluations
Geopolitics and global governance of AI
Hardware-enabled safety mechanisms
Region-specific AI policy (e.g., U.S., U.K., EU)

Apply Here: IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Program, Eligibility, Benefits & Deadline

Project Outputs

Fellows produce tangible, career-advancing work, such as:

Writing policy briefs or internal memos
Delivering briefings to government officials
Contributing to or authoring research reports
Organizing large-scale international conferences
Publishing opinion pieces on emerging AI policy challenges
Advising think tanks on international expansion
Supporting the operations of new AI policy organizations
Designing and helping execute Track II diplomacy initiatives

These deliverables strengthen fellows’ professional profiles while contributing to real-world AI policy impact.

Benefits and Professional Development

In addition to expert mentorship, fellows receive:

Weekly one-on-one coaching focused on career growth, productivity, and project execution
Continuous feedback and guidance from IAPS researchers and policy staff
Access to a global AI policy network, with extensive networking opportunities during the D.C. residency
Additional financial support, in select cases, to assist with post-fellowship career transitions

Financial Support

Senior Fellows receive a $22,000 stipend, while Fellows receive $15,000 to support full-time participation throughout the three-month program.

Day-to-Day Experience

Fellows work independently on substantive policy projects, including research, writing, government engagement, and event coordination. They participate in weekly meetings with their mentor and an IAPS program manager, and present their final work during the closing week of the fellowship.

This fellowship is ideal for individuals seeking to advance their AI policy careers, influence global governance, and contribute meaningfully to the future of artificial intelligence.

Apply Here: IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Program, Eligibility, Benefits & Deadline

Conclusion

The IAPS AI Policy Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to gain practical, real-world experience in shaping the future of artificial intelligence governance. Through expert mentorship, hands-on policy projects, and access to a global network of AI policy leaders, fellows are equipped with the skills, credibility, and insights needed to influence national and international decision-making.