Applications are open for the AI Policy Fellowship Spring 2027, a fully funded three-month programme organised by the Institute for AI Policy and Strategy (IAPS) for professionals interested in developing careers in AI policy.

The Fellowship is designed for people from a wide range of backgrounds, including policy, government, public service, technology, law, academia, research and related fields. It provides practical experience, expert mentorship and access to a professional network focused on the policy challenges created by increasingly powerful AI systems.

About the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship

The IAPS AI Policy Fellowship places participants directly in the AI policy field, allowing them to work on projects connected to real-world policy priorities. Fellows are paired with experienced AI policy experts who provide guidance throughout the programme.

The Fellowship offers two tracks:

Research Track

The Research Track is suited to participants who want to develop strong AI policy research skills. Fellows work with an IAPS researcher or external supervisor to investigate a policy question, conduct analysis and produce a substantive research output.

Participants take ownership of their projects while receiving regular feedback on research methods, policy relevance and writing. Previous Fellows have produced reports that were later published.

Applied Track

The Applied Track focuses on practical policy work rather than one major research project. It is particularly suitable for professionals transitioning into AI policy from areas such as government, programme management, operations, event organising, grantmaking or other related fields.

Projects can involve policy workshops, grant evaluation, policy memoranda and other work that responds to changing developments in the AI policy environment.

What Fellows Will Do

During the first two weeks, Fellows will participate in an in-person programme in Washington, D.C., where they will engage with IAPS staff, researchers and experts from the wider AI policy community.

The programme includes training, project workshops, roundtables, policy briefings and networking activities.

For the remaining 10 weeks, Fellows will work with an AI policy expert on projects that may contribute to national or international policy discussions. Potential areas include:

• AI policy and governance
• Chip export controls
• Verification technologies
• AI-enabled cyberattacks
• National security and AI
• Geopolitics and artificial intelligence
• Emerging AI policy challenges

Fellows will also have weekly meetings with their expert mentor and an IAPS Fellowship Coordinator.

Location and Programme Format

The Spring 2027 Fellowship will run from February 22 to May 14, 2027.

Participants can choose between:

• Washington, D.C.
• London
• Remote participation

Regardless of the selected track, all Fellows must attend the initial in-person programme in Washington, D.C., from February 22 to March 5, 2027.

Participants based in D.C. for the rest of the Fellowship can work from the IAPS office and engage with other Fellows and visiting AI policy experts. UK-based Fellows can work from the London office, while IAPS also supports remote participation in many countries.

IAPS notes that it cannot provide work visas for the United States or United Kingdom.

Career Development

The Fellowship is structured to help participants transition into long-term AI policy careers. Through practical project experience, mentorship and professional networking, Fellows can build the skills needed to pursue roles in government, think tanks, industry and research organisations.

Previous Fellows have progressed to positions at organisations including the AI Futures Project, Future of Life Institute, RAND, Institute for Progress, Center for Health Security, Future Society and IAPS.

Fellowship Details

Programme: IAPS AI Policy Fellowship Spring 2027
Host: Institute for AI Policy and Strategy (IAPS)
Duration: Three months
Dates: February 22 – May 14, 2027
Location: Washington, D.C., London or Remote
Initial in-person period: February 22 – March 5, 2027
Fellow stipend: $18,000
Senior Fellow stipend: $24,000
Additional D.C./London stipend: $3,000
Application deadline: September 27, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time

Applicants who want to learn more about the programme can also attend the live Q&A webinar scheduled for September 10, 2026, at 7:30 AM PT / 10:30 AM ET / 3:30 PM BST.

Register for the IAPS Fellowship Q&A Webinar

Applications for the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship Spring 2027 must be submitted by September 27, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity.