The Cambridge ERA AI Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded, prestigious 8-week research program in Cambridge, UK, designed for global researchers, practitioners, and early-career professionals dedicated to advancing the safe development and governance of artificial intelligence. Applications are now open, with a final deadline of November 3, 2025.
Basic Scholarship Information
- Program Name: Cambridge ERA AI Fellowship 2026
- Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Duration: 8 weeks (February 2 – March 27, 2026)
- Application Deadline: November 3, 2025
- Language: English
- Website: ERA Fellowship official site
University/Institution Details
- Host: University of Cambridge
- Physical Site: Dedicated research office and living spaces in Cambridge
- Affiliation: Collaborative community engagement within Cambridge’s vibrant academic ecosystem
Study Areas (Program Tracks)
The program features three specialized tracks:
- AI Governance: Policy, global regulation, and responsible AI rollout
- Technical AI Governance: Sociotechnical challenges bridging technical and regulatory frameworks
- Technical AI Safety: Design and safeguards for advanced AI systems to prevent harm and unpredictability
Cambridge ERA AI Fellowship Benefits
- Stipend: Prorated salary equivalent to £34,125/year (approx. $4,400 USD for 8 weeks)
- Accommodation: Free, in Cambridge
- Meals: Provided during working hours
- Visa Support: Full assistance and fee coverage
- Travel Expenses: Return airfare tickets covered
- Mentorship: Expert support and project matching
- Work Space: Dedicated research environment
- Expert mentorship: Personalized mentor pairing
- Research support: Guidance to publish in top journals (e.g., NeurIPS)
- Community: Cohort living, social events, and networking opportunities
- Career support: Help with skills, connections, and impactful career transitions
Benefits Not Included
- Personal entertainment costs
- Shopping, recreation, and travel outside the program scope
- Family or dependents’ support (program is for individuals only)
- Private health insurance the (UK’s NHS may cover emergencies)
- Expenses for additional research beyond the provided project funding
Eligibility Criteria for Cambridge ERA AI Fellowship
- Age: 18+ (global applicants welcome!)
- Background: No formal degree or discipline restriction; talent-first selection
- Target Group: PhD students, early-career researchers, policy/tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and those with unique AI risk perspectives
- Passion for AI safety and governance
- English proficiency for research
- Visa Note
- Must have at least one blank passport page
- Passport valid until May 2026 or later
Required Documents
- Online application form (with short essay answers)
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- Academic transcripts (if applicable)
- Passport scan
- Reference details (provided after initial review)
- Project proposal or statement of interest (optional but recommended)
Cambridge ERA AI Fellowship Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Visit official site (https://erafellowship.org) and sign up for updates
- Prepare documents: CV, transcripts, project proposal, passport scan
- Complete written application (short essays, approx. 2 hours)
- Submit application online before November 3, 2025
- Interview invitations: Top ~20% are selected for Stage 1 interview
- Second interview: Short, 15-min session and reference check
- Final decision & offer: Selected fellows matched with mentors and projects
- Onboarding: Support with visa, travel, and accommodation arrangements
- Short essay questions (approx. 2 hours)
- Two interview rounds
- Results by mid-November
- Rolling evaluation: Apply early for best chance
- Eligibility: Open to early-career researchers, PhD students, and professionals (law, engineering, CS, etc.)
- Integrity: Responses must be entirely your own — no AI or outside help
Tips for a Successful Application
- Clearly demonstrate commitment to AI safety/governance
- Share concrete research or career aspirations
- Prepare thoughtful, original answers for essay questions
- Highlight interdisciplinary curiosity and collaboration experience
- Secure strong references familiar with your work
- Communicate availability for interviews, and review ERA’s mission
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)
| Expense Type | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Housing (included) | $0 |
| Meals (working hours) | $0 |
| Food (off-hours) | $200 |
| Transportation | $70 |
| Health/emergencies | $40 |
| Personal/recreation | $100 |
| Miscellaneous | $90 |
| Total | $500 |
Note: Accommodation, meals during working hours, and travel are fully covered by the fellowship, making Cambridge affordable for ERA fellows.
Why Choose This Scholarship? (5+ Reasons)
- Fully funded with generous stipend and living support
- Prestige of University of Cambridge and global research network
- Expert mentorship, hands-on projects, and research publication potential
- Focus on the world’s most responsible frontier in AI development
- Personalized career support and networking with AI safety leaders
- International, interdisciplinary cohort for rich collaboration
- Opportunity to make impactful contributions to safe AI governance
Frequently Asked Questions
Application Deadline
- Final Deadline: November 3, 2025. Applications must be submitted online by this date for the 2026 fellowship cohort.
Official Link:
Apply Link:
The Cambridge ERA AI Fellowship 2026 is an unmissable opportunity for anyone passionate about pioneering safe and ethical advances in artificial intelligence, offering unparalleled funding, mentorship, and global networking in one of the world’s greatest academic hubs.
