Applications for the Google Public Policy Fellowship 2026 are open now. This fellowship is a fully funded summer program for students who want to work on technology policy issues like AI regulation, privacy, cybersecurity, internet freedom and digital rights. You spend the summer from June to August 2026 at a top public interest group or think tank in Washington DC. There you do real policy research, advocacy and work with experts. You get a stipend up to $12000. The program is open to students from any country who can legally work in the U.S. Also see the NYU Stern Fellowship 2026 in USA (Fully Funded).
Google Policy Fellowship Overview
| Country | United States |
| Location | Washington D.C. (host organizations) |
| Stipend | $12,000 full-time or $6,000 part-time |
| Eligible For | Students enrolled in or accepted to a university (any discipline) |
| Number of Fellows | Varies (competitive) |
| Deadline | 9 April 2026 |
| Work Mode | Mostly in-person (some remote options) |
What is the Google Public Policy Fellowship Summer 2026?
This fellowship lets students work on big tech policy topics with top organizations in Washington D.C. You help research, write reports, attend meetings and support advocacy on issues like AI governance, data privacy, online speech, broadband access and competition in tech. You get a mentor and work closely with senior policy experts. It is a great way to build skills for jobs in policy, government, NGOs or tech companies. You also get to explore careers in digital regulation and innovation.
Fellowship Benefits
You get money and real experience.
- Stipend $12,000 (full-time) or $6,000 (part-time).
- Mentorship from policy experts.
- Hands-on work on tech policy projects.
- Chance to attend meetings, conferences and events.
- Network with policymakers, think tanks and advocacy groups.
- Payments come from your host organization.
Also see: Harvard Rowland Fellowship in USA 2026
Fellowship Duration
The Google Public Policy Fellowship program runs from June to August 2026. You can work full time 40 hours each week or part time 20 hours each week.
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be at least 18 years old by January 1 2026.
- You need to be enrolled in or accepted to a university or college program.
- You must stay enrolled through August 30 2026.
- You must be able to legally work in the United States.
- You should show interest in technology policy internet governance or digital innovation.
- Students from any field can apply.
- Previous Google Public Policy Fellows cannot apply again.
- Strong applicants usually have good grades research writing skills and activities outside class.
Host Organizations for Summer 2026
Google Public Policy Fellows may be placed with top policy and technology groups in Washington DC. These include
- Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT)
- TechNet
- Foundation for American Innovation (FAI)
- NetChoice
- The Cato Institute
- Engine Advocacy
- Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF)
- R Street Institute
- Public Knowledge
- Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)
- Open Technology Institute (New America)
- Progressive Policy Institute (PPI)
Required Documents
You need these for the application.
- Personal information and education details.
- References (contact info only no letters needed).
- Resume upload.
- Host organization preferences (up to two).
- Personal statement about your interest.
How to Apply for Google Public Policy Fellowship
- Go to the official application portal.
- Fill in your personal and education details.
- Add your references (name email phone).
- Upload your resume.
- Pick up to two host organizations from the list.
- Write your personal statement.
- Review and submit before deadline.
- They review on a rolling basis.
- If selected you get offer and plan start.
Fellowship Dates / Deadline
- Applications are open now.
- Deadline is 9 April 2026 at 12:00 PM ET.
- Fellowship runs June to August 2026.
- Apply early because they review on rolling basis.
Official Link
