Fully Funded AI Policy Fellowship 2026 for Indian Professionals and Students – AI Governance, Policy, Ethics Institute for AI Policy and Strategy in United States

The Institute for AI Policy and Strategy (IAPS) is offering a fully funded AI Policy Fellowship for 2026, specifically targeting professionals and students based in India who are interested in AI policy, governance, ethics, and technology regulation. This global opportunity is designed to provide hands-on experience in practical AI policy work, including projects on AI governance, regulation, risk analysis, and the development of policy briefs and strategic memos. The fellowship is remote-friendly, with a mandatory short in-person residency in Washington, DC from June 1–12, 2026, and the remainder of the program can be completed remotely from India.

Eligibility is broad: applicants can be working professionals, researchers, consultants, academics, or final-year students/graduates from any discipline such as AI/ML, data science, law, policy, economics, social sciences, public administration, or engineering. You do not need to be a student, and individual working professionals are fully eligible. The fellowship runs from June 1 to August 21, 2026, and visa support is typically provided for the short residency in the US.

Financial support is substantial, with Fellows receiving USD 15,000 and Senior Fellows USD 22,000 for the full 3-month period, designed to support full-time participation, including for those taking a short career break. The program includes weekly mentorship from leading experts in AI policy, such as Oliver Guest (International Strategy), Melissa Hopkins (AIxBIO, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security), and Cara Labrador (Frontier Security), and offers networking opportunities with policymakers, industry leaders, and think tanks.

Applicants must submit an updated CV/resume, a statement of interest explaining their motivation for AI policy, a writing sample (policy, research, or analytical writing), and references (which may be requested later). The application deadline is February 2, 2026 (23:59 PT), and the fellowship starts on June 1, 2026. The official application portal is https://iaps.ai/fellowship, and no agents or payment are required.

This fellowship is ideal for those seeking to transition from technology to policy, work on global AI governance, or strengthen their profiles for think tanks, international organizations, policy roles, or future PhD programs. The program is designed to equip fellows with practical policy skills, career development support, and access to a professional network, preparing them for impactful roles in government, industry, or academia. For more information, visit the IAPS website or contact [email protected].