If you’re passionate about shaping the future of artificial intelligence and want to engage in high-impact research, the 2026 Winter Fellowship at the Center for the Governance of AI (GovAI) could be your next big opportunity. This 3-month fully funded fellowship in London offers emerging researchers, professionals, and thinkers from across the globe the chance to work on independent AI governance research, network with global experts, and gain a foothold in the critical field of technology policy.

Whether you’re from public policy, computer science, philosophy, law, or any other related discipline, GovAI’s Winter Fellowship 2026 is designed for individuals ready to dedicate their careers to shaping the long-term implications of AI.

About the Center for the Governance of AI

The Center for the Governance of AI (GovAI), based in London, is a globally recognized research institution committed to addressing the long-term societal impacts of advanced AI. Through fellowships, policy advocacy, and interdisciplinary research, GovAI works at the intersection of ethics, technology, and global cooperation to ensure that transformative AI technologies benefit humanity.

GovAI Winter Fellowship 2026 Overview 

Feature	Details
Fellowship Name	Winter Fellowship 2026
Host Organization	Center for the Governance of AI
Duration	19 January – 10 April 2026 (3 months)
Location	London, United Kingdom
Type	Research Fellowship (in-person)
Funding	£11,000 stipend + travel support
Application Deadline	13 July 2025 (11:59 PM BST)
Eligibility	Global applicants, no strict degree requirement
Focus Area	AI Governance & Policy

Fellowship Benefits

This is not just a research program – it’s a gateway to a future career in AI governance.

• Full-time in-person fellowship based in London
  
• £11,000 stipend for the 3-month period
  
• Travel support to London (including visa assistance)
  
• Office space and weekday lunch provided
  
• Mentorship from leading researchers in the field
  
• Access to exclusive Q&A sessions with AI policy experts
  
• Weekly work-in-progress meetings and peer reviews
  
• Follow-on career support and networking with global AI leaders
  
• Workshops on writing, reasoning, and technical topics related to governance

Eligibility Criteria

GovAI encourages applicants from all backgrounds. You are eligible if:

• You are strongly interested in a career shaping AI governance
  
• You may be early-career or an experienced professional new to AI policy
  
• No specific degree or educational background is required
  
• Relevant fields include public policy, political science, economics, sociology, history, philosophy, computer science, and law
  
• International applicants are welcome – visas can be sponsored for 3 months

Application Process

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for the Winter Fellowship:

• Step 1: Online Application
  Submit your application through the official Airtable platform before the deadline on 13 July 2025.
• Step 2: Automated Assessment
  Shortlisted applicants will take a 20-minute automated assessment soon after the deadline.
• Step 3: Paid Work Test
  Selected candidates will then complete a remote paid work task in August 2025.
• Step 4: Remote Interview
  There will be an invitation for the finalists in September 2025.
• Step 5: Decision Notification
  Final decisions will be communicated in October 2025.

For earlier notification requests, you may email: [email protected].

Comparing Winter Fellowship to Similar Programs

Program	Host Institution	Duration	Funding	Eligibility	Location
Winter Fellowship 2026	Center for the Governance of AI (GovAI)	3 months	£11,000 + travel support	Global, no degree req.	London, UK
Summer Research Fellowship (GovAI)	Center for the Governance of AI	3 months	£11,000	Similar to Winter	London, UK
Open Phil AI Fellowship	Open Philanthropy	Multi-year	Full PhD + stipend	PhD students	US/Global
DeepMind Scholarships	Partner Universities (e.g., Oxford, UCL)	1 year+	Tuition + stipend	MSc/PhD students	UK
OpenAI Residency	OpenAI	6 months	Competitive salary	Tech/Research focus	US (San Francisco)

FAQs About Winter Fellowship 2026

1. What is the Winter Fellowship 2026 at GovAI?
   It’s a 3-month fully funded research opportunity in AI governance for early-career researchers and professionals.
2. Who is eligible for the GovAI Winter Fellowship?
   Anyone with a strong interest in AI governance, regardless of academic background or nationality.
3. Is the fellowship open to international applicants?
   Yes, and visa sponsorship for 3 months is available.
4. What kind of projects can fellows work on?
   Independent research related to AI governance, policy, ethics, and societal impact.
5. What’s the stipend amount for Winter 2026 AI governance fellowship?
   Fellows receive £11,000 for the 3-month term, plus travel and lunch support.
6. What are the qualification criteria?
   There’s no strict educational requirement, but relevant professional or academic experience is a plus.
7. Where will the fellowship be held?
   GovAI’s headquarters are in London, UK.
8. Is this a full-time, in-person program?
   Yes, the fellowship requires full-time, on-site participation.
9. Can I apply if I’m currently in a different field like law or history?
   Absolutely. Applicants from diverse fields like law, sociology, philosophy, or public policy are welcome.

If you’re someone who wants to make a lasting difference in how AI impacts society, this is your moment. The 2026 Winter Fellowship by GovAI is a rare chance to conduct meaningful research, collaborate with global leaders, and shape a career in one of the world’s most vital policy domains. APPLY NOW before July 13, 2025, and take your first step into the future of AI governance. Go to the official website for further details. 

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