The Accelerator Fellowship Programme 2026 at Oxford University, hosted by Institute for Ethics in AI offers an exceptional opportunity for academics, researchers, and professionals to shape the future of responsible artificial intelligence. This prestigious fellowship is designed to bridge philosophical inquiry, real-world application, and cross-sector collaboration. Fellows receive a monthly £2,000 stipend, access to Oxford’s vibrant research network, and the flexibility to work remotely or through in-person visits.

The programme focuses on emerging ethical challenges in AI across four core themes: AI and Creativity, AI in Care and Mental Health, AI and Humanity, and AI, Law and Policy. With tailored mentorship, policy-driven engagement, and visibility through seminars and public events, the fellowship empowers participants to develop impactful work at the intersection of technology and ethics.

Students and professionals eager to expand their influence in AI ethics, policy, and societal impact will find this fellowship an ideal platform for growth.

About the University of Oxford

The University of Oxford (UK) is one of the most influential academic institutions globally, ranked among the top universities worldwide:

• QS World University Rankings 2025: Top 5 globally
• Times Higher Education (THE) 2025: World Rank #1
• Renowned for interdisciplinary research excellence in AI, ethics, philosophy, and public policy
• Home to leading research centers including the Institute for Ethics in AI, Oxford Internet Institute, and Future of Humanity Institute

Oxford’s long-standing academic heritage, combined with world-class faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, makes it an ideal environment for impactful research in artificial intelligence and ethics.

Overview of Accelerator Fellowship 2026 at Oxford University

Feature	Details
Fellowship Name	Accelerator Fellowship Programme 2026
Host Institution	University of Oxford – Institute for Ethics in AI
Type	Professional/Academic Fellowship
Themes	AI & Creativity, AI in Care & Mental Health, AI & Humanity, AI Law & Policy
Stipend	£2,000 per month
Duration	6 or 12 months
Mode	Remote or in-person (up to 6 months at a time)
Eligibility	Master’s degree OR 5+ years professional experience
Global Applicants	Accepted
Application Opens	18 Nov 2025
Deadline	10 Jan 2026
Application Link	Included above
Host Country	United Kingdom

Key Fellowship Benefits

• Monthly stipend of £2,000 to support accommodation, travel, food, and living expenses
• Special funding (case-by-case) for workshops, exhibitions, seminars, public events, and project activities
• Association with the Oxford Institute for Ethics in AI for 6 or 12 months
• Flexible participation: remote work or in-person stay in Oxford
• Access to one of the world’s strongest academic networks in AI ethics
• Opportunities to collaborate with researchers, policy experts, and industry leaders
• Visibility through seminars, public talks, and collaborative events
• Intellectual mentorship from Oxford scholars
• Cross-sector engagement with academia, government, industry, and civil society
• Opportunity to shape real-world impact through policy, creativity, healthcare, and governance

Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible to apply if:

• You hold a Master’s degree OR have 5+ years of professional experience in a relevant field
• You are a practicing professional or academic with an ongoing role in university, research, industry, or policy
• Your project aligns with the mission of ethical and responsible AI
• You have strong interest in interdisciplinary collaboration
• You have proficiency in English
• Your work falls under one of the programme’s themes

Theme-specific guidance (numbered)

1. AI & Creativity: Applicants from creative industries or researchers working on the intersection of AI and human creativity
2. AI in Care & Mental Health: Professionals in healthcare, social care, mental health, or AI’s impact on wellbeing
3. AI & Humanity: Scholars from humanities or computer scientists studying AI’s societal effects
4. AI, Law & Policy: Professionals in governance, public policy, civil society, legal sectors, or regulatory domains

Application Process of Oxford Accelerator Fellowship 2026

• Step 1: Online Application: Complete the form on the official portal (link provided above).
• Step 2: Email Supporting Documents: Send a single PDF (max 10 MB) titled Surname_Name_Month_Year_AFP application to:
  [email protected]
  • Include:
  • One-page project statement
  • Motivation letter
  • Two-page CV
  • Copy of your passport
  • (Optional) Project proposal for workshops, exhibitions, or seminars
• Step 3: Review & Selection: Applications are reviewed for quality, alignment, and potential impact
  • Competitive intake based on Oxford’s research portfolio
• Step 4: Outcome Notification: Results are emailed to applicants
  • Fellows will begin planning their residency in alignment with Oxford’s academic calendar

Comparison of Oxford Accelerator Fellowship 2026 with Similar Fellowships

Feature	Accelerator fellowship 2026 at Oxford University	Harvard Berkman Klein Fellowship	ETH Zurich AI Center Fellowship
Stipend	£2,000/month	Fully funded (varies)	Fully funded
Duration	6–12 months	10 months	12 months
Mode	Remote or in-person	In-person	In-person
Focus Area	Ethical AI; AI & society	Digital governance & society	AI research & engineering
Eligibility	Master’s or 5 yrs experience	Open to academics & practitioners	Primarily PhD-level
Flexibility	Very flexible	Moderate	Limited
Funding for Events	Yes	Limited	Limited
Global Applicants	Yes	Yes	Yes

FAQs about Accelerator Fellowship 2026 at Oxford University

1. Who can apply for the Accelerator Fellowship Programme? Anyone with a Master’s degree or 5+ years of experience in fields related to AI, ethics, humanities, policy, healthcare, or creativity.
2. Does the fellowship require relocation to Oxford? No. You may complete it remotely, with optional visits to Oxford for up to six months.
3. Is this an employed position at the University of Oxford? No, fellows are not employees. The fellowship provides stipends and research engagement, not employment contracts.
4. What is the monthly stipend amount? Fellows receive £2,000 per month.
5. Are international applicants eligible for accelerator fellowship 2026 at Oxford University? Yes, applicants from all countries are welcome.
6. Can project funding be provided? Yes, Oxford may support workshops, seminars, or public events depending on your project proposal.
7. What is the duration of the fellowship? Fellowships last 6 or 12 months, starting from February 2026.
8. What documents are required? A project statement, CV, motivation letter, passport copy, and optional project-proposal attachments.
9. When is the deadline for accelerator fellowship 2026 at Oxford University? The deadline for the 2025/2026 cycle is 10 January 2026.
10. Will I need a visa for in-person visits? Only if your nationality requires a UK visa. Applicants are advised to apply six months in advance.

If you are passionate about shaping the future of ethical artificial intelligence and want to contribute to real-world solutions, the Oxford Accelerator Fellowship Programme 2026 offers an ideal platform to elevate your work. With world-class mentorship, a flexible structure, and support for personal and academic growth, this opportunity can significantly accelerate your impact in AI and society. APPLY NOW. Follow the complete details on the official website.

Stay updated on global scholarships, fellowships, and research opportunities by subscribing to our platform. Explore more fully funded programs to advance your academic and professional journey worldwide.