The IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded international fellowship designed for professionals from diverse technical and policy backgrounds who want to build strong careers in AI policy and strategy. Hosted by the Institute for AI Policy and Strategy (IAPS), the program equips participants with the skills, mentorship, and professional exposure needed to address complex and emerging challenges in advanced artificial intelligence governance.
The fellowship runs for three months, combining a mandatory in-person residency in Washington, D.C. with flexible remote participation from anywhere in the world. There is no application fee, and no IELTS or language test is required.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United States of America
- Host Organization: Institute for AI Policy and Strategy (IAPS)
- Fellowship Location: Washington, D.C. | Remote
- Category: International Fellowships | Policy Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Fellowship Duration: June 1 – August 21, 2026 (3 Months)
- Reward: Up to USD 22,000 Stipend
- IELTS: Not Required
- Application Fee: None
- Deadline: February 2, 2026 (23:59 Pacific Time)
Scholarship Details
The IAPS AI Policy Fellowship is structured to support a smooth transition into careers focused on AI governance, regulation, and policy development. Fellows will participate in a mandatory in-person residency in Washington, D.C. from June 1–12, 2026, where they will receive intensive training on AI systems and policy challenges.
During the residency, fellows will take part in policy briefings, roundtable discussions, networking sessions, and expert-led trainings. After the residency, participants may complete the remainder of the fellowship either remotely or in Washington, D.C.
Throughout the program, fellows receive weekly one-on-one mentorship from a fellowship coordinator focused on productivity, project management, and career development. Participants also benefit from weekly work-in-progress sessions, expert feedback, and access to a strong international professional network. In select cases, additional financial support may be offered to assist with post-fellowship career transitions.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants for the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026 will receive:
- USD 22,000 stipend for Senior Fellows working full-time
- USD 15,000 stipend for Fellows working full-time
- Full financial support for the mandatory in-person residency (June 1–12)
- A support budget for conferences, seminars, and meetings with experts
- Weekly one-on-one career and project mentorship
- Expert feedback through structured work-in-progress sessions
- Access to a global AI policy and strategy network
- Optional access to office space and in-person events for fellows based in Washington, D.C.
- No requirement for technical AI expertise
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship in the USA 2026, applicants must:
- Be able to attend the mandatory in-person residency in Washington, D.C. (June 1–12, 2026)
- Be willing to complete the remainder of the fellowship either remotely or in person
- Come from technical or policy-related backgrounds, including government, industry, think tanks, or expert groups
- Apply as either a Fellow or Senior Fellow, depending on experience and seniority
- Not be required to have the right to work in the U.S., as international and remote participation is supported
- Be selected based on expertise, professional background, and past experience
How to Apply
To apply for the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026, interested candidates should:
- Apply through the online application form
- Enter personal and professional background information
- Upload all required documents
- Select preferred AI policy and strategy focus areas
- Answer all multiple-choice and short-answer questions as instructed
- Select relevant options related to past and current professional experience
- Complete optional questions (if applicable)
- Provide any additional requested information
- Review and agree to the terms and conditions
- Click Submit to complete the application
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
- Valid Passport
- Any other relevant supporting documents
Application Deadline
- February 2, 2026 (23:59 Pacific Time)
To apply for this scholarship, click HERE
To receive more fellowship and scholarship updates, click HERE
To join EDUSPUR WhatsApp Channel, click HERE
