About the opportunity
The IAPS Policy Fellowship is designed to cultivate the talent needed to ensure AI policy can meet the magnitude of challenges emerging from the frontier. Participants embed into the live AI policy field, responding to priority policy windows, and developing the skills to further their careers at leading organizations in the field. Fellows will join IAPS for a fully funded, three-month program during which they will be paired with a mentor, either from in-house or within our network, to gain experience in advancing AI policy. Two tracks are available to participants: the Research Track, which pairs you with an IAPS researcher or external supervisor to produce a substantive piece of AI policy research, and the Applied Track, which focuses on hands-on policy work closer to the practice of AI policy. The program begins with a mandatory initial two-week in-person event in Washington, D.C., from February 22 to March 5, 2027.
Salary and benefits
- Senior Fellows receive $24,000 and Fellows receive $18,000 as a stipend to work full-time during the three-month program.
- Fellows on the D.C. or London track receive an additional $3,000 stipend.
- Financial support for travel and accommodation for the two-week D.C. event.
- Access to healthcare benefits and a $500 professional development stipend for the duration of the fellowship.
- Daily lunch provided in the D.C. office and desk space with a monitor for in-person D.C. fellows.
- Weekly one-on-one coaching, ongoing support from researchers, direct project feedback, and professional network access.
Who can apply?
- Open to professionals from varied backgrounds, including policy, technical, academic, and government backgrounds, seeking to develop a career in AI policy.
- No technical background or deep technical understanding of AI systems is required.
- No prior experience in policy is required, though individuals with policy experience are encouraged to apply.
- Candidates applying for the D.C. option must have the right to work in the U.S. between February 22 and May 14, 2027.
- Remote options are available for applicants where IAPS can legally hire, though work visas for the U.S. or UK cannot be provided.
When to apply
- Applications for the Spring 2027 program close on September 27, 2026.
- Live Q&A webinar held on September 10 at 7:30 AM PT / 10:30 AM ET / 3:30 PM BST.
- Initial application response expected by mid-October 2026.
- Final selection expected to be finalized by early December 2026.
How to apply
- Submit the initial application via the online application form by September 27, 2026.
- Selected applicants will be invited to complete a written task and a short pre-recorded interview.
- Final stage consists of a live interview in November.
Additional information
- The program runs from February 22 to May 14, 2027.
- All fellows must attend the initial in-person event in D.C. from February 22 until March 5, 2027.
- Part-time options can be provided for exceptional candidates with a pro-rated stipend.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Professionals from policy, technical, or academic backgrounds interested in AI governance.
- Individuals seeking to transition into or advance their career within the AI policy field.
- Candidates who can commit to the mandatory two-week in-person event in Washington, D.C.
What should you think carefully about?
- The program is intensive and requires full-time commitment during the three-month duration.
- Applicants for the D.C. track must have existing work authorization in the U.S.
- The fellowship is highly selective, involving multiple stages including a written task and interviews.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship is a premier goal for those looking to build a network and gain hands-on experience in the rapidly evolving AI policy landscape. It provides the mentorship and professional development necessary to pivot into or accelerate a career at leading policy organizations.
Our take
This is a high-value opportunity for motivated individuals looking to make a mark in AI policy. It is less suitable for those unable to commit to the full-time schedule or the initial in-person requirement.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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