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IAPS AI Policy Fellowship Spring 2027: Fully Funded Three-Month Programme With $18,000–$24,000 Stipends

Muhammad Chishti
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Applications are now open for the Institute for AI Policy and Strategy AI Policy Fellowship Spring 2027, a fully funded, three-month professional programme designed for people seeking to build practical careers in artificial intelligence policy, governance and strategy.

The fellowship offers participants the opportunity to work directly on live AI policy projects, receive individual mentorship from experienced policy specialists, strengthen their professional networks and develop the practical skills needed to address the risks and opportunities associated with increasingly powerful artificial intelligence systems.

Full-time participants will receive a stipend of US$18,000 as Fellows or US$24,000 as Senior Fellows. Participants based in Washington, D.C., or London will receive an additional US$3,000. The programme will also fund travel and accommodation for the mandatory opening residency in Washington, D.C.

The Spring 2027 programme will run from February 22 to May 14, 2027. Applications must be submitted by September 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

IAPS AI Policy Fellowship Spring 2027 at a Glance

About the Institute for AI Policy and Strategy

The Institute for AI Policy and Strategy, commonly known as IAPS, is a nonpartisan think tank conducting policy research on the consequences of advanced artificial intelligence.

Its work covers the implications of today’s most advanced AI systems as well as the possibility of future artificial general intelligence and superintelligence. IAPS seeks to develop practical policy solutions that can help governments, policymakers and industry leaders protect innovation while responsibly navigating significant risks and opportunities.

The organisation’s research sits at the intersection of:

IAPS operates as a United States 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisation and describes its work as nonpartisan.

Purpose of the Spring 2027 Programme

The IAPS AI Policy Fellowship is a talent-development programme intended to expand the number of capable professionals working on important AI policy challenges.

As frontier AI systems become more powerful, governments and other institutions will need people who understand not only the technology but also its political, regulatory, economic and national-security implications.

The fellowship responds to this need by allowing participants to enter the active AI policy field rather than studying it only at a theoretical level. Fellows work on practical projects connected to current policy priorities and receive guidance from established experts.

The programme aims to help participants:

Programme Dates and Structure

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

The fellowship is divided into two main stages.

Opening Residency in Washington, D.C.

The first two weeks, from February 22 to March 5, 2027, will consist of an in-person programme in Washington, D.C.

Under the standard programme arrangement, all fellows—including those who select the London or remote options—must attend this opening event.

During the residency, participants will:

IAPS will provide financial support for travel and accommodation connected with this two-week event.

Ten-Week Project Period

Following the Washington residency, fellows will spend approximately ten weeks working with an AI policy expert on an assigned or approved project.

Projects may address policy challenges with potential national or international significance. Examples of policy areas highlighted by IAPS include:

The exact project will be determined through discussion between the fellow, IAPS and the relevant supervisor.

Research Track

The Research Track is designed for participants interested in producing a substantial piece of AI policy research.

Research Track fellows are paired with an IAPS researcher or, in some cases, an external supervisor at a partner organisation. During the first part of the programme, the fellow and supervisor define a specific research question and agree on the project’s scope.

The fellow then takes primary responsibility for:

The objective is to develop the ability to take a research project from an open policy question to a rigorous and potentially publishable final product.

Former participants have published reports and other policy outputs based on work completed during the programme.

Applied Track

The Applied Track focuses on hands-on policy work rather than requiring every participant to produce one major research paper.

Projects on the Applied Track may change in response to real-world policy developments. Participants must therefore be prepared to work flexibly and respond to changing priorities.

Applied projects may involve:

This track is particularly useful for professionals moving into AI policy from adjacent areas such as government, operations, programme management, public administration, event organisation, grantmaking or nonprofit leadership.

It may also suit researchers who want to transition from primarily academic work into more practical policy roles.

Applicants who are uncertain about the most suitable track may express interest in both. IAPS can then assess where the applicant’s professional background, interests and abilities are likely to fit best.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Fellows are expected to take considerable ownership of their work.

Depending on the project and track, regular responsibilities may include:

Fellows will have weekly meetings with their AI policy mentor and an IAPS manager. They will also present their projects during the final week of the programme.

Mentorship, Coaching and Professional Support

Every fellow will be paired with an expert mentor from IAPS or its wider professional network.

The mentorship relationship is intended to provide practical exposure to AI policy work rather than general career advice alone.

In addition to project supervision, fellows will receive:

The weekly work-in-progress sessions provide an opportunity to discuss challenges, receive feedback and learn from the work of other fellows.

How Fellows Are Matched With Mentors and Projects

After the cohort has been selected, IAPS will collect information about each fellow’s:

IAPS will use this information to identify an appropriate project and mentor. Mentors retain the final decision on whether to supervise a particular fellow.

The normal arrangement is for fellows to become embedded within an existing supervisor’s workstream. This gives participants direct experience contributing to projects with a realistic route to policy influence.

A limited number of independent projects may also be approved. Independent proposals are most likely to be considered when an applicant presents a particularly strong project idea and has the skills required to carry it forward under supervision.

Applicants may indicate their interest in pursuing an independent project in the application.

Financial Support and Benefits

The programme provides a substantial funding package to enable fellows to focus on their work.

Full-Time Stipends

The distinction between a Fellow and Senior Fellow will be determined by IAPS based on the candidate’s experience and suitability.

Additional Location Stipend

Participants based in Washington, D.C., or London for the full programme will receive an additional US$3,000 stipend.

Professional Development Support

Fellows will receive a US$500 professional development stipend for the duration of the programme.

Healthcare Benefits

The official programme information states that fellows will receive access to healthcare benefits during their participation.

Travel and Accommodation

IAPS will provide financial support for travel and accommodation for the two-week Washington, D.C., opening residency.

Part-Time Stipends

Part-time participation may be offered to a limited number of exceptional candidates with employment or other significant commitments. Any stipend offered under a part-time arrangement will be calculated on a proportional basis.

Career-Transition Assistance

Additional financial assistance may be available in selected cases to support a fellow’s transition into an AI policy career. This is discretionary and should not be treated as an automatic benefit for every participant.

Washington, D.C., Programme Option

Participants choosing the Washington, D.C., option will work from the IAPS office alongside the D.C. cohort.

They will receive:

Applicants selecting this option must already have the right to work in the United States from February 22 to May 14, 2027. IAPS cannot sponsor a United States work visa for the programme.

London Programme Option

IAPS also maintains a hub and office space in London.

UK-based participants may work from the London office and receive the additional US$3,000 location stipend. They will have access to an in-person professional community, although IAPS states that London will have less active programming than Washington, D.C.

IAPS does not provide United Kingdom work visas. Applicants should therefore have appropriate existing permission to work in the United Kingdom if they want to select this option.

Remote Programme Option

IAPS operates as a remote-first organisation and can support participants working from many countries.

However, the ability to engage a remote fellow depends on legal and administrative requirements in the fellow’s country. There may therefore be country-specific exceptions.

Applicants with questions about whether IAPS can legally engage them in their country should contact fellowship@iaps.ai.

Remote participants are still expected, under the standard programme structure, to attend the opening two-week event in Washington, D.C.

Visa Arrangements for the Washington Residency

IAPS can provide invitation letters to support the visa application process for remote and international fellows attending the Washington residency.

However:

Applicants who may need a United States visa should consider processing times before accepting an offer.

Part-Time Participation

The default arrangement is full-time participation.

IAPS may provide part-time options to exceptional candidates who have existing employment or other major commitments. The number of part-time places is normally limited, and accepted part-time fellows receive a proportionately reduced stipend.

Applicants should not assume that a part-time request will automatically be approved.

Flexibility and Possible Extensions

IAPS may allow some flexibility in the programme dates under exceptional circumstances.

A participant may be permitted to begin a few weeks after February 22. However, a delayed start may mean missing part or all of the Washington opening programme.

The standard end date is May 14, 2027. During the programme, participants may be allowed to apply for an extension. In the previous cohort, more than half of the fellows extended their participation by approximately four to twelve weeks.

An extension is not automatic and will depend on approval during the fellowship.

Expected Cohort Size

IAPS expects to select up to 45 fellows.

The final number may be lower depending on the strength of the applications, cohort composition and availability of suitable supervisors and projects.

Career Development and Alumni Outcomes

The fellowship is intended to provide a bridge into long-term AI policy careers.

Former participants have secured positions in:

Organisations where former fellows have progressed include:

Former fellows have also established new projects and organisations, published policy work and received recognition as emerging AI policy researchers.

Examples highlighted by IAPS include fellows who worked on AI integrity, international AI Safety Institute networks, democratic oversight of advanced AI and verification mechanisms for international AI agreements.

Examples of Fellowship Mentors

The IAPS network includes experts working across several specialist areas.

Featured mentors include professionals with experience in:

This range of expertise enables fellows to work on projects combining technical understanding with legal, political, regulatory and national-security considerations.

Application Structure

The current GuidedTrack application is expected to take approximately 45 minutes and contains five sections.

1. About You — Approximately Five Minutes

This section collects basic information and checks programme eligibility.

2. Your Experience — Approximately Five Minutes

Applicants provide information about:

3. Your Motivation — Approximately Ten Minutes

Applicants rank the AI policy issues that most strongly motivate them and complete two written responses:

4. Communicating With Stakeholders — Approximately Ten Minutes

Applicants prepare a written response to a policy conversation. The expected length is approximately 100–200 words.

This section appears designed to assess how effectively an applicant can understand a policy discussion and communicate appropriately with relevant stakeholders.

5. Timed Reasoning — Approximately Fifteen Minutes

The final section contains timed logic and reasoning questions.

Applicants can choose when to begin the timed section, but once it has started, they cannot return to revise earlier answers within that section.

Restrictions on Using AI and Outside Assistance

The application specifically states that certain sections must be completed without:

The form will inform applicants when a restricted section begins and will require them to agree to the relevant conditions.

Applicants should follow these rules strictly. Submitting AI-generated or externally assisted responses in a prohibited section could undermine the integrity of the application.

Saving and Revising Application Answers

Answers are saved automatically as applicants progress.

Applicants may return to earlier sections using the back arrow and revise their responses, except after beginning the timed reasoning component.

Despite the automatic-save function, the organisers recommend completing the application in one sitting to reduce the risk of technical problems.

Applicants should prepare their employment history, career information and non-restricted written material before starting.

Accommodations

Applicants who require reasonable accommodations—such as additional time for the timed reasoning section—should contact fellowship@iaps.ai before beginning the application.

Applicants should make this request early rather than waiting until the application deadline.

AI-Assisted Application Assessment and Data Processing

The application requires applicants to consent to AI-assisted processing of their application data, including written responses.

The public consent statement explains that:

Applicants should read the current transparency and privacy notices carefully before providing consent and submitting personal information.

Selection Process and Timeline

The selection process will take place in several stages.

Initial Application Review

IAPS expects to respond to initial applicants by approximately mid-October 2026.

Written Task and Pre-Recorded Interview

Candidates selected from the initial application stage will be invited to complete:

Live Interview

Applicants who progress further will participate in a live interview during November 2026.

Final Decisions

IAPS expects to finalise the Spring 2027 cohort by early December 2026.

Applicants should monitor their email regularly during the selection period, including spam or junk folders.

Live Question-and-Answer Webinar

IAPS will hold a live application webinar on September 10, 2026, at:

Prospective applicants can register through the official IAPS fellowship page.

The webinar provides an opportunity to learn more about the programme, understand the application process and raise questions directly with the organisers.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

  1. Visit the official IAPS AI Policy Fellowship page.
  2. Read the programme description and frequently asked questions.
  3. Review the Research and Applied Tracks.
  4. Consider the most suitable location option.
  5. Confirm availability for the Washington, D.C., opening residency.
  6. Check work-authorisation and visa requirements.
  7. Review the application’s AI-use restrictions.
  8. Request accommodations before starting, if necessary.
  9. Follow the official application link to GuidedTrack.
  10. Complete and submit the application before the deadline.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is:

September 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time

The exact closing time is confirmed in the official IAPS LinkedIn announcement.

International applicants should convert the deadline into their local time zone and avoid waiting until the final hours to submit.

Conclusion

The IAPS AI Policy Fellowship Spring 2027 provides a substantial opportunity for professionals who want to enter or advance within the rapidly developing field of artificial intelligence policy.

With stipends of US$18,000 for Fellows and US$24,000 for Senior Fellows, additional support for Washington and London participants, funded travel and accommodation for the opening residency, expert mentorship, weekly coaching and direct exposure to real policy projects, the programme combines financial assistance with serious professional development.

Its two-track structure makes it relevant to both research-focused candidates and professionals who want to apply existing skills to practical AI governance work. The possibility of remote participation also makes the programme internationally accessible, although applicants must carefully consider country-specific hiring restrictions and the mandatory Washington residency.

Interested candidates should review all conditions through the official IAPS fellowship page and submit their applications by September 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

For more global opportunities, click HERE.

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