The Institute for AI Policy and Strategy (IAPS) is accepting applications for its Spring 2027 AI Policy Fellowship — a fully-funded, three-month program for professionals from any background who want to build practical AI policy skills. No technical or policy experience is required. Applications close September 27, 2026, and the program runs February 22 to May 14, 2027, with fellows earning an $18,000–$24,000 stipend.
At a glance
| Deadline | September 27, 2026 |
| Eligibility | Open to professionals of any background; no technical or policy experience required. U.S. work authorization required for the D.C. track; no visa sponsorship for U.S. or U.K. |
| Benefit | $18,000 (Fellow) or $24,000 (Senior Fellow) stipend, plus $3,000 for D.C./London-based fellows, healthcare benefits, and a $500 professional development stipend |
| Geography | Washington, D.C.; London; or remote (globally, subject to country restrictions) |
| Program dates | February 22 – May 14, 2027 (12 weeks), with a mandatory two-week in-person residency in Washington, D.C. from February 22 – March 5 |
| How to apply | Apply through IAPS’ GuidedTrack portal (link below) |
| Official link | iaps.ai/fellowship |
Who’s eligible for the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship?
IAPS states explicitly that no technical background and no prior policy experience are required — the program is built for professionals “from varied backgrounds” who want to pivot into AI policy work. What the program does look for: demonstrated interest in AI policy topics and good judgment; strong research and writing skills are described as helpful but not mandatory.
Track-specific and location-specific rules apply. For the Washington, D.C. track, applicants must have the legal right to work in the U.S. for the duration of the program. IAPS does not sponsor visas for fellows based in the U.S. or U.K., so applicants relying on sponsorship should plan around the remote track or confirm their own work authorization first.
What you get
The fellowship is fully funded. According to IAPS, compensation is structured as:
- Fellows: $18,000 stipend for the three-month program
- Senior Fellows: $24,000 stipend
- D.C. or London-based fellows: an additional $3,000, plus travel and accommodation covered for the mandatory D.C. residency
- All fellows: healthcare benefits and a $500 professional development stipend
Part-time participation is available with pro-rated compensation, and IAPS notes that more than half of recent cohorts extended their fellowship an additional 4–12 weeks beyond the base three months.
Fellows choose between two tracks: a Research Track, producing a substantive AI policy paper aimed at publication under mentor supervision, or an Applied Track, doing hands-on policy work — briefings, convenings, legislative review, technical guidelines — aimed at professionals moving in from adjacent fields. IAPS matches each fellow with a mentor based on interests, career goals, and skills, and provides weekly one-on-one coaching from a Fellowship Coordinator throughout the program.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through IAPS’ application portal on GuidedTrack, not through a general jobs board or third-party listing:
- Review the full program details and track descriptions on the official IAPS Fellowship page.
- Submit your application via the GuidedTrack application portal before the deadline.
- If selected after the initial screening, complete a written task and interview.
- Final-round candidates interview again in November, with selections finalized in early December.
IAPS is also holding an informational webinar on September 10, 2026 (7:30 AM PT / 10:30 AM ET / 3:30 PM BST) for prospective applicants — registration details are on the official fellowship page.
Key dates
| Applications open | Now |
| Informational webinar | September 10, 2026 |
| Application deadline | September 27, 2026 |
| Initial decisions | Mid-October 2026 |
| Written task & interviews | Following initial notification |
| Final interviews | November 2026 |
| Selections finalized | Early December 2026 |
| Program dates | February 22 – May 14, 2027 |
FAQ
Is the IAPS AI Policy Fellowship open to applicants with no policy background?
Yes. IAPS states no technical background or prior policy experience is required — the program is designed for career-changers and professionals from any field with a demonstrated interest in AI policy.
Do I have to relocate to Washington, D.C.?
Only for two weeks. All fellows attend a mandatory in-person component in D.C. from February 22 to March 5, 2027, regardless of track, with travel and accommodation covered. Outside that window, fellows can be based in D.C., London, or remote (with some country restrictions).
Can international applicants apply?
Yes, remotely, but IAPS does not sponsor visas for the U.S. or U.K. Applicants choosing the D.C. track must already have the legal right to work in the U.S. for the program’s duration.
What’s the difference between the Research and Applied tracks?
The Research Track produces a mentor-supervised policy paper aimed at publication. The Applied Track is hands-on — briefings, convenings, legislative review, and technical guidance work — and is described by IAPS as a fit for professionals transitioning from adjacent fields.
Is there a fee to apply?
No fee is mentioned anywhere in IAPS’ published program materials; the fellowship itself is fully funded, with fellows paid a stipend rather than paying to participate.
Last updated: September 9, 2026, ahead of the September 27, 2026 application deadline. Impact DOTS is not affiliated with IAPS; all program details above are sourced directly from IAPS’ official fellowship page and should be confirmed there before applying.
