GovAI Winter Fellowship 2026

The GovAI Winter Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded, three-month in-person program hosted by the Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI)* in London, UK, for early to mid-career professionals and researchers interested in AI governance. The program fosters intellectual growth through mentorship, rigorous feedback, and a focus on producing real-world, relevant insights. Selected candidates will receive a stipend of GBP 11,000 and other benefits.

*GovAI was founded to guide humanity through the transition to advanced AI. Its 2018 research agenda helped shape the field of AI governance. The team and affiliates have expertise in AI regulation, responsible development, technical governance, threat modelling, corporate governance, US-China relations, and AI progress forecasting.

Source: governance.ai

The Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI) is offering this opportunity.

To be eligible, an applicant must:-

• be eligible for a UK visa
• have a relevant professional background in government, academia, industry, or civil society
• have a relevant academic background in political science, public policy, computer science, economics, history, sociology, philosophy, and law
• utilise their careers to study or shape the lasting implications of AI

Selected candidates will receive:-

• A stipend of GBP 11,000.
• Support for travelling to London.
• Lunch on weekdays and a desk in London office.

Eligible applicants can apply by following these steps:-
Step 1: Click on the 'Apply Now' button below.
Step 2: Click on the 'Register' button and fill in the required registration details (Note:- If already registered, log in using Gmail/Mobile number/Email ID).
Step 3: Navigate to the ‘Apply Now’ button and click it.
Step 4: Fill in the necessary details, upload the necessary documents and and click ‘Submit’.

• Valid visa/passport
• Academic transcripts
• Curriculum vitae

Candidates will be selected based on their research and writing quality, relevant expertise, and potential to contribute meaningfully to AI governance.

Application Deadline: 13 July 2025 (23:59 BST)
Fellowship Duration: 19 January - 10 April 2026

Question: Who can apply for the GovAI Winter Fellowship 2026?
Answer: The fellowship is open to early-career researchers and mid-career professionals from any country, with backgrounds in areas such as AI, public policy, law, philosophy, political science, economics, or related fields.

Question: Do I need a specific degree to be eligible?
Answer: No specific degree is required. However, applicants should have relevant academic or professional experience and strong research or analytical skills.

Question: Can candidates participate online?
Answer: Candidates can only participate in-person at London office.

Question: Is there a visa requirement? 
Answer: Yes. Fellows must be eligible for a UK visa. GovAI will support the application process for a short-term work visa.

Question: What is the last date to apply?
Answer: The last date to submit the application is 13 July 2025, as per the official notification.

• Participation is strictly in-person; remote attendance is not permitted.
• Fellows must commit to working full-time for the duration of the program in London, UK.
• Fellows must uphold a respectful and collaborative environment and keep any sensitive discussions or information shared within GovAI confidential.
• Any publications or outputs resulting from the fellowship should appropriately acknowledge support from GovAI.
• GovAI reserves the right to modify program content, structure, or schedule as necessary.