Applications are now open for the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship 2026. This fully funded program lasts three months in Washington, DC or online. The fellowship is for people from different backgrounds who want to work on AI policy projects with experts. All fellows must go to a two week residency in DC from 1 to 12 June 2026. After that they can continue in person or online. It helps fellows learn how to manage the risks and benefits of AI build their careers and gain experience in world AI policy. The deadline to apply is 2 February 2026. Also see the InteRussia Fellowship Program 2026 in Russia.
IAPS AI Policy Fellowship Summary
| Country | USA |
| Location | Washington, DC (or remote after first two weeks) |
| Duration | 3 months |
| In-Person Dates | June 1 to 12, 2026 |
| Coverage | $15,000 (junior) or $22,000 (senior) stipend |
| Deadline | February 2, 2026 |
About the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship
The Institute for AI Policy and Strategy (IAPS) runs this fellowship. It brings people from many backgrounds to make better AI rules. You work on things like national security, AI risks, export controls and how governments buy AI. The first two weeks you meet in DC for talks and team work. After that you can stay in DC or work from home. You get mentor help and make real policy ideas. Past fellows worked on AI safety and government plans.
Fellowship Benefits
You get money and support.
- Stipend $15,000 for junior fellows or $22,000 for senior.
- Expert mentors from IAPS.
- Use the money for travel to DC, food and living.
- Network with policy people.
- Chance to publish or share your work. No extra for flights after the stipend.
Eligibility Criteria
- You should face threats like surveillance hacking doxing or attacks.
- You need to want to learn digital security (no expert needed just basic computer use).
- You must be a professional journalist blogger or citizen reporter.
- You have to speak fluent English.
- You must plan to teach others back home (some teaching experience is good).
- You must return home after to share knowledge.
- You need to commit 20-25 hours a week (no full job during the program).
- It is from countries with press problems.
- It is open to all genders and backgrounds.
Also See: Käte Hamburger Kolleg Fellowship 2026 at RWTH Aachen University
Fellowship Focus Areas
- Geopolitics of AI
- Export controls
- Evaluations of AI systems
- National security implications of AI
- Hardware-enabled mechanisms for AI governance
- Jurisdiction-focused policy questions
- Government acquisition and procurement of AI
- CBRN capabilities of AI models
Required Documents
You fill online form.
- Your CV.
- Motivation letter (why you want this).
- Research or policy idea.
- References if asked. All in English.
Fellowship Important Dates / Deadline
- Applications open: Now.
- Deadline: February 2 2026
- In-person part: June 1–12 2026
- Full program: 3 months summer 2026. Apply soon.
How to Apply For IAPS AI Policy Fellowship
The process is online and free.
- First wait for call on December 15 2025.
- Then go to RSF site and fill form.
- Next upload papers.
- Submit by deadline.
- Shortlist get video interview in March 2026.
- Winners told end March 2026.
- If yes get visa help and plan trip.
