The Mila AI Policy Fellowship is one of the most forward-thinking international fellowship programs designed to bridge the critical gap between artificial intelligence (AI) research and policymaking. Hosted by Mila – Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, this program is tailored for professionals and researchers who want to influence how AI is governed globally.
As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms industries, economies, and societies, policymakers often struggle to keep pace with technical advancements. This fellowship directly addresses that challenge by empowering participants to produce evidence-based, real-world policy solutions that shape the future of AI governance.
What Is the Mila AI Policy Fellowship?
The Mila AI Policy Fellowship is a six-month, part-time, fully funded international fellowship that brings together interdisciplinary experts to collaborate on AI policy challenges.
Participants (known as fellows) work closely with Mila researchers and advisors to:
- Develop impactful policy briefs
- Organize policy roundtables and stakeholder events
- Contribute to global AI governance discussions
- Strengthen their ability to translate research into policy action
The fellowship emphasizes a socio-technical approach, combining insights from AI with disciplines such as law, sociology, economics, ethics, and public policy.
Fellowship Duration, Structure and Commitment
- Duration: 6 months (typically September to February)
- Time Commitment: 10–15 hours per week (part-time)
- Format: Hybrid (virtual + optional in-person activities in Montreal, Canada)
- Compensation: Approximately CAD 40/hour (up to 15 hours per week)
This structure makes it ideal for professionals who want to participate without leaving their current jobs or academic roles.
Key Benefits of the Mila AI Policy Fellowship
1. Financial Support
- Fellows are paid hourly for their contributions
- Travel costs for in-person components are covered (up to 14 days)
2. Global Exposure
- Engage with international policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders
- Participate in high-level discussions on AI governance
3. Mentorship and Collaboration
- Work directly with Mila AI Advisors and experts
- Gain access to one of the world’s leading AI research ecosystems
4. Career Advancement
- Build a strong portfolio in AI policy
- Publish policy briefs and research outputs
Fellowship Thematic Areas (Areas of Research Focus)
Applicants must align their project with one or more of the fellowship’s thematic areas:
• AI Safety and Governance – Focuses on regulating AI systems responsibly and mitigating risks.
• AI Adoption and Productivity – Explores how AI can be adopted equitably across sectors.
• AI, Media, and Democracy – Addresses issues like misinformation, deepfakes, and AI in journalism.
• Substantive Equality in AI – Examines fairness, inclusion, and bias in AI systems.
• AI and Climate – Looks at AI’s environmental impact and its role in sustainability.
• Indigenous AI – Focuses on data sovereignty, rights, and inclusion of Indigenous communities.
Deliverables: What Fellows Are Expected to Produce
By the end of the program, fellows must complete:
- A 6–8 page policy brief
- A policy roundtable or stakeholder event
- A community engagement activity
- A dissemination strategy
- A 10-page internal research summary report
These outputs are designed to ensure real-world policy impact, not just academic work.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
Required Qualifications
To qualify for the Mila AI Policy Fellowship, applicants must:
- Hold a graduate degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as:
- Public policy
- Law
- Artificial intelligence
- Sociology
- Economics
- Ethics or related disciplines
- Have at least 3 years of professional or academic experience
- Demonstrate ability to work on interdisciplinary or multi-stakeholder projects
- Submit a strong, original, and feasible project proposal
Eligible Countries and Regions
Global Opportunity – Open to All Countries
- Applicants from any country worldwide can apply
- No requirement to reside in Canada
- Visa support is provided if selected for in-person participation
This makes the fellowship especially valuable for candidates from:
- Africa
- Asia
- Europe
- North America
- South America
- Oceania
Target Audience: Who Should Apply?
This fellowship is ideal for:
- Policy professionals
- Researchers in social sciences or AI
- Government officials
- Civil society leaders
- Academics and think-tank researchers
- Private sector professionals interested in AI governance
Applicants can be junior or senior professionals, as long as they meet the experience and education requirements.
Application Requirements
To successfully apply, candidates must submit:
- Completed application form
- Project proposal (max. 1,000 words)
- Writing sample (policy or academic work)
- Two references
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Project Proposal Must Include:
- Clear research or policy question
- Methodology and approach
- Feasibility within six months
- Alignment with fellowship themes
Why This Fellowship Matters in 2026 and Beyond
Artificial intelligence is no longer just a technical field—it is a global governance issue affecting:
- Democracy
- Economic systems
- Human rights
- Climate sustainability
The Mila AI Policy Fellowship positions participants at the forefront of these discussions, enabling them to:
- Influence global AI regulations
- Shape ethical AI deployment
- Address inequalities in emerging technologies
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official Mila website:
- Create an account
- Complete the application form
- Upload all required documents
Because the fellowship is highly competitive, applicants are encouraged to:
- Start preparing early
- Develop a strong, policy-relevant project idea
- Highlight interdisciplinary experience
Deadline
16th April 2026
The Mila AI Policy Fellowship stands out as a high-impact, fully funded global fellowship for individuals committed to shaping the future of artificial intelligence through policy and governance. With its combination of financial support, global exposure, expert mentorship, and real-world policy impact, it represents a rare opportunity for professionals seeking to lead in the rapidly evolving field of AI policy.
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