The Institute for AI Policy and Strategy (IAPS) AI Policy Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious, fully-funded three-month initiative designed to cultivate practical policy skills in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Open to a wide range of candidates—from high-achieving undergraduates to seasoned professionals with decades of experience—the fellowship begins with a mandatory two-week in-person residency in Washington, D.C., from June 1st to 12th, 2026. Fellows are then mentored for 10 weeks by world-class experts on high-impact projects covering national security, CBRN risks, and global AI geopolitics. Financial compensation is substantial, with Senior Fellows receiving a $22,000 stipend and Fellows receiving $15,000 for the full-time duration. The application process, which takes approximately two hours, closes on February 2, 2026.
Fully Funded IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Institute for AI Policy and Strategy (IAPS) |
| Location | Washington D.C. (Residency) + Remote |
| Stipend (Senior Fellow) | $22,000 |
| Stipend (Fellow) | $15,000 |
| Duration | 3 Months (June – August 2026) |
| Residency Dates | June 1st – June 12th, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | February 2, 2026 |
Fully Funded IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026 Details
The IAPS AI Policy Fellowship is structured to bridge the gap between theoretical AI safety and practical, implementable national and international policy.
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By bringing together a diverse cohort of technical experts and policy strategists, IAPS aims to secure a positive future in a world increasingly influenced by powerful artificial intelligence.
Benefits of the Fully Funded IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026
Tier 1: Senior Fellowship Award (Up to $22,000)
- Senior Professional Stipend: Distinguished professionals with extensive experience in government, industry, or high-level think tanks receive a $22,000 stipend to support full-time policy development.
- High-Level Policy Influence: Senior fellows lead projects that directly interface with national security frameworks and international jurisdiction questions (U.S., U.K., and E.U.).
Tier 2: Fellow Award Category ($15,000)
- Standard Fellowship Stipend: Mid-career professionals and researchers receive $15,000 for the three-month full-time commitment.
- Specialized Expert Mentorship: Fellows are embedded with IAPS researchers to work on specific domains like hardware-enabled mechanisms, export controls, and AI evaluations.
Tier 3: Academic & Part-Time Opportunities
- Student & Early Career Support: Exceptional undergraduates and early-career researchers receive the standard fellowship stipend to build foundational policy skills.
- Flexible Engagement: While primarily full-time, IAPS offers part-time options for exceptional candidates who cannot commit to a full-time schedule due to existing critical roles.
Eligibility Requirements for IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Applicants must demonstrate a solid understanding of AI policy priorities, including but not limited to safety, security, and geopolitics.
- Study Status: Open to all levels; fellows range from undergraduate students to professionals with decades of seniority.
- Visa Status/Nationality: IAPS welcomes global applicants from varied backgrounds (industry, government, think tanks). Candidates must be able to attend the D.C. residency.
- Program Admission: Candidates must possess either a technical background (AI development/safety) or a policy background (law, international relations, political science).
How to Apply for IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026 (Step by Step)
- Online Application Initiation: Access the IAPS portal and begin the application; progress is saved automatically across sessions.
- Subject Matter Assessment: Complete the detailed written components (estimated 2 hours) highlighting your expertise in IAPS priority areas.
- Review & Shortlisting: Applications are evaluated for technical depth and policy relevance; top candidates are invited for interviews.
- Notification & Residency Prep: Successful applicants receive their award offer and must prepare for the mandatory June 1st–12th D.C. residency.
Application Deadline: February 2, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the Washington D.C. residency mandatory?
Yes, all fellows must attend the in-person residency from June 1st to 12th to network and explore the AI policy landscape.
2. Can I apply if I am still an undergraduate student?
Yes, IAPS welcomes applications from high-achieving undergraduate students who demonstrate a strong understanding of AI policy.
3. What is the difference between a Fellow and a Senior Fellow?
Senior Fellows are generally individuals with more significant experience or expertise and receive a higher stipend ($22,000 vs $15,000).
4. Are international applicants eligible for the fellowship?
Yes, IAPS encourages applicants from around the world to bring diverse jurisdictional perspectives to AI policy.
5. Does the fellowship provide funding for travel?
The fellowship is “fully-funded,” and the stipends are intended to cover living and travel expenses associated with the program.
6. Can I work on the application over several days?
Yes, the application portal saves your progress automatically, allowing you to complete the 2-hour process at your own pace.
7. What research areas does the fellowship focus on?
Key fields include CBRN capabilities, national security, hardware-enabled mechanisms, export controls, and AI geopolitics.
8. Is there a part-time option available?
Part-time options are not the standard but can be provided for exceptional candidates under specific circumstances.
9. What is the common thread among successful applicants?
Successful fellows possess a deep understanding of their subject matter and alignment with IAPS’s specific AI policy priorities.
10. When will I find out if I have been selected?
Selection happens following the February 2 deadline and a subsequent interview process for shortlisted candidates.
