GovAI Winter Fellowship 2026 in UK: Full Guide

GovAI’s Winter Fellowship offers a fully funded, in‑person, AI governance research program (19 Jan–10 Apr 2026) based in London. The GovAI Summer and Winter Fellowships offer early-career professionals and newcomers to AI governance a fully funded, three-month research opportunity. Fellows conduct independent projects with mentorship from leading experts, starting with an exploration of the AI governance landscape before finalizing their research focus.

The GovAI Winter Fellowship program includes weekly supervision, peer feedback, and workshops to build skills and expand knowledge. Fellows also engage in expert Q&A sessions, seminars, and networking events, with support for identifying future career opportunities in the field. Applications for the Winter Fellowship are open until 23:59 BST on Sunday, 13 July 2025.

University / Institution

• Name: Centre for the Governance of AI (GovAI)
• Place: London, United Kingdom
• Ranking: Not a university; GovAI is a leading think tank in AI governance and policy
• Programs Offered: Seasonal fellowships (Winter & Summer), Research Scholar/Research Fellow positions
• Duration: 3 months
• Duration: 19 January – 10 April 2026 (3 months)

About GovAI

• A leading research institute in AI governance
• Founded in 2018 to guide safe AI development
• Research areas: regulation, risk forecasting, corporate governance, US-China dynamics, and more
• Alumni have joined:
  • Governments (US, UK, EU)
  • AI firms (DeepMind, OpenAI, Anthropic)
  • Think tanks (CSET, RAND)
  • Universities (Oxford, Cambridge)

Study Areas

• AI governance
• Technical governance
• Policy & regulation
• Ethics and socio-political implications
• Focus spans computer science, public policy, economics, philosophy, law, sociology, etc.

GovAI Winter Fellowship Benefits

• £11,000 stipend for living costs
• Travel support to/from London
• Weekday lunches + a dedicated desk in the London office
• Visa sponsorship for a 3-month UK work visa
• May accommodate senior professionals upon request (email with subject: “senior candidate winter fellowship 2026”)
• Access to mentors, workshops, peer reviews, expert Q&As, and social/networking events

Benefits Not Included

• Accommodation costs are not covered
• Health insurance not mentioned—recommended to secure separately
• Weekend meals and personal travel within the UK are excluded

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Eligibility for GovAI Winter Fellowship

Qualifications & Selection Criteria

• Open to candidates from any country and background
• Encouraged if you’re aiming to study or shape the future of AI
• No strict degree requirements, but most successful applicants have:
  • Graduate study, research, or professional experience
• Preferred disciplines: Political science, public policy, CS, economics, sociology, law, philosophy, history

Key selection qualities:

• Quality of work: Clear, insightful, balanced writing and reasoning
• Relevant expertise: Any form of useful knowledge for AI governance
• Judgement: Ability to prioritize research and evaluate feasibility
• Team fit: Open to feedback, intellectually honest, collaborative, serious about AI governance careers

Required Documents

• CV/Resume
• Research proposal (or statement of interest) aligned with AI governance
• Writing sample demonstrating analytical and writing strength
• Possible references or recommender details
• Visa documentation (if required)

GovAI Winter Fellowship Application Process

1. Write & submit your application by 13 July 2025 (23:59 BST).
2. Automated assessment follows for shortlisted candidates.
3. Paid remote work test occurs in August.
4. Remote interview scheduled in September.
5. Outcome communicated in October.
6. Fellowship begins 19 Jan 2026
7. Early decision requests can be emailed
8. Inclusive and diverse candidates are encouraged to apply
9. Equal opportunity employer

Timeline

1. Round 1: Written submission
2. Round 2: 20-minute automated assessment
3. Round 3: Paid remote work test (August)
4. Final round: Remote interview (September)
5. Decisions: Communicated by October

Tips for a Successful Application

• Craft a crisp research proposal with clear goals, methodology, and relevance
• Highlight cross-discipline strengths, especially in policy, ethics, or data
• Showcase analytical depth via writing samples
• Demonstrate adaptability and eagerness to work with experts
• Mention future career motivations in AI governance—GovAI values long-term commitment

Monthly Living Expenses (International Students)

Estimated for London:

• Rent in shared flat: £700–£1,200
• Groceries & essentials: £200–£300
• Transport (Oyster card): £150–£200
• Miscellaneous (phone, social): £150–£200
• Total: around £1,200–£1,900/month (stipend averages £3,667/month, so well-covered)

Why Choose This Opportunity?

• Launchpad into AI policy: deepen understanding and network with top experts
• Credibility builder: GovAI alumni advance into roles at DeepMind, OpenAI, policy roles
• Hands-on research: you pick the topic and produce real outputs
• Growth ecosystem: enjoy mentoring, peer feedback, Q&As, and seminars

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can final-year students apply?
A: Yes—as long as you can commit full-time Jan–Apr and show research interest.

Q2: Is remote participation allowed?
A: No, the role is full-time and in-person at GovAI’s London office .

Q3: Does the visa cover family dependents?
A: Visa sponsorship is for individual fellows only; family support isn’t included.

Q4: Is prior AI/governance experience mandatory?
A: No—but you should convincingly demonstrate your interest, research ability, and writing skills .

Q5: What outputs are expected?
A: Reports, white papers, journal submissions, op-eds, or blog posts—based on your project plan.

Official Link for Details & Application

Visit GovAI opportunities page under “Winter Fellowship 2026” at Centre for the Governance of AI