Cluster Guide

The Best AI Governance Fellowships & How to Get In

AI governance is one of the fastest-growing policy fields in the world. Governments, think tanks, and research institutes are racing to build teams that can design sensible rules for frontier AI systems. Fellowships are the primary entry point for early-career professionals, and competition is fierce. Here are the programmes worth applying to, and how to maximise your chances.

For a broader view of the career landscape, see our AI safety and governance career guide.

1. GovAI Fellowship (Oxford)

The Centre for the Governance of AI runs one of the most prestigious fellowships in the space. Fellows spend several months at Oxford working on an independent research project under the supervision of GovAI's senior researchers. Topics range from compute governance to international AI treaties. The programme typically runs for three to six months and provides a stipend plus accommodation support. GovAI looks for candidates with strong analytical writing, a demonstrated interest in AI policy, and the ability to produce publication-quality research.

2. AI Policy Institute Fellowship

The AI Policy Institute (AIPI) places fellows in Washington, D.C., where they work directly on U.S. federal AI policy. Fellows draft policy memos, engage with Congressional staff, and contribute to AIPI's public reports on AI risk. The fellowship lasts around six months and is well-suited to candidates with a background in law, public policy, or international relations. AIPI values practical policy experience and the ability to communicate technical risks to non-technical audiences.

3. RAND Technology Policy Fellowship

RAND's technology policy programme offers fellowships focused on AI security, autonomous systems, and responsible AI deployment. Fellows work alongside RAND's established defence and technology researchers, contributing to reports that directly inform U.S. and allied government policy. Fellowships typically last six to twelve months. RAND favours candidates with quantitative skills, security-policy knowledge, and prior research or government experience.

4. Horizon Institute for Public Service Fellowship

The Horizon Institute focuses on placing technically literate fellows directly into government agencies. Unlike think-tank fellowships, Horizon fellows work inside departments such as the U.S. Department of Commerce or the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Placements typically last one year. The programme is ideal for candidates who want hands-on policy implementation experience rather than pure research. Strong communication skills and the ability to navigate bureaucratic environments are essential.

5. CSET Fellowship (Georgetown University)

The Center for Security and Emerging Technology at Georgetown runs a research fellowship programme that sits at the intersection of AI, national security, and economic policy. Fellows produce in-depth analyses on topics like semiconductor supply chains, AI talent flows, and military applications of AI. The programme lasts up to one year and is based in Washington, D.C. CSET is particularly interested in candidates who can work with data and bring quantitative rigour to policy questions.

6. Mila AI Policy Programme (Montreal)

Mila, the Quebec AI institute, offers a policy programme that connects researchers with Canadian and international policy processes. Fellows engage with AI regulation in the Canadian context, including work on the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA). The programme is especially valuable for candidates interested in the intersection of francophone and anglophone policy ecosystems. Duration varies but is typically six months.

Application tips that actually matter

  • Write a sharp research proposal. Most fellowships ask for a writing sample or project proposal. Choose a narrow, well-defined question rather than a broad theme. "How should the EU AI Office structure its enforcement capacity?" beats "AI regulation in Europe."
  • Demonstrate domain knowledge. Publish a blog post or policy brief before applying. Even a 1,000-word analysis on the EA Forum or a personal Substack shows that you can produce work independently.
  • Get specific about what you want to learn. Selection committees favour candidates who articulate clear goals and explain why this particular fellowship, at this particular time, is the right fit.
  • Build relationships early. Attend AI governance events, engage on social media with researchers at your target organisation, and reach out for informational conversations. A warm introduction makes a real difference.
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