Last updated: November 6, 2026
Preparing a competitive GovAI Summer Fellowship 2027 application requires choosing the right track and demonstrating relevant skills, sound judgment and a serious interest in AI governance.
The Centre for the Governance of AI is recruiting fellows for a three-month programme in London, from June 7 to August 27, 2027.
Fellows receive a £14,000 salary for the full programme, travel assistance and weekday lunches. Temporary work visa sponsorship is available where applicable.
Applicants can choose between the Research Track, focused on research and policy analysis, and the Applied Track, focused on practical organizational projects.
Application deadline: November 22, 2026, at 23:59 GMT.
GovAI Fellowship 2027: Application Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Centre for the Governance of AI |
| Location | London, United Kingdom |
| Programme duration | Approximately three months |
| Academic degree | No fixed degree requirement |
| Professional background | Multiple disciplines accepted |
| Available tracks | Research and Applied |
| Written application | Required |
| Reasoning assessment | For shortlisted candidates |
| Paid remote work test | Second selection stage |
| Interview | Final selection stage |
| References | Checked at final stage |
| Application deadline | November 22, 2026 |
1. Choose the Right Fellowship Track
The Research and Applied Tracks have different professional objectives.
Research Track
Choose this track if you want to conduct AI governance research or policy analysis.
Relevant backgrounds may include:
- Public policy.
- Political science.
- Computer science.
- Economics.
- Cybersecurity.
- Biosecurity.
- International relations.
- Risk assessment and auditing.
Research Fellows develop a project with a supervisor, typically after exploring research directions during the first two weeks.
Possible outputs include reports, policy papers, journal articles and analytical publications.
Applied Track
Choose this track if you want to support AI governance through non-research work.
Relevant experience includes:
- Communications.
- Programme management.
- Event organization.
- Operations.
- Policy engagement.
- Advocacy.
- Fundraising.
- Research administration.
Applied Fellows work on projects proposed by GovAI or partner organizations.
Which Track Should You Choose?
| Your Main Interest | More Suitable Track |
|---|---|
| Researching AI regulation | Research |
| Writing policy analysis | Research |
| Studying advanced AI risks | Research |
| Managing AI governance programmes | Applied |
| Organizing policy events | Applied |
| Developing outreach strategies | Applied |
| Building internal organizational tools | Applied |
GovAI specifically recommends the Research Track for candidates who want to conduct policy-focused research or communicate their research to policymakers.
2. Check Your Academic and Professional Eligibility
GovAI does not impose a strict degree requirement.
Both early-career and experienced candidates may apply.
Research Applicants
Promising candidates often have relevant graduate study, research experience or professional policy experience.
However, these are not absolute eligibility requirements.
Applied Applicants
Relevant practical experience may be more important than academic qualifications.
Candidates with experience in communications, operations, events or programme management may be suitable even without a technical AI background.
Can International Applicants Apply?
Yes.
GovAI welcomes applicants from different countries and can sponsor temporary work visas for selected candidates where appropriate.
Applicants must satisfy any applicable UK immigration requirements.
3. Understand GovAI’s Selection Criteria
GovAI evaluates applicants according to four broad factors.
Quality of Work
Research applicants should demonstrate analytical ability, clarity and rigorous reasoning.
Applied applicants should show evidence of excellent performance in their professional field.
Relevant Expertise
Applicants should demonstrate knowledge or skills useful for AI governance.
Expertise may come from education, employment, independent research or practical projects.
Judgment
GovAI values candidates who can prioritize effectively and evaluate whether proposed projects are realistic and worthwhile.
Team Fit
The organization looks for openness to feedback, intellectual honesty, comfort with uncertainty and commitment to AI governance.
These criteria are published by GovAI, although no numerical scoring breakdown is provided.
4. Prepare Your Written Application
Applicants complete an online form for their chosen track.
The official announcements do not publish a universal list of mandatory files or essay questions.
Follow the actual form rather than relying on an assumed document checklist.
How to Present Your Experience
Explain your relevant contributions clearly.
For research applicants, useful evidence may include analytical reports, academic work or independent research projects.
For applied applicants, examples may include organizing events, managing operations, improving workflows or leading communications activities.
How to Explain Your Motivation
Describe why AI governance matters to your professional goals.
Connect your interests with specific topics, such as AI regulation, risk management, technical governance or international cooperation.
Avoid generic statements about artificial intelligence being important.
Should You Submit a Research Proposal?
Research Fellows develop their final research proposal during the fellowship with supervisor input.
The public announcement does not state that every applicant must submit a complete research proposal before selection.
Provide only what the application form requests.
5. Prepare for the Abstract Reasoning Assessment
The first selection round includes a written application and, for selected candidates, an automated abstract reasoning assessment.
The assessment lasts approximately 20 minutes.
It is used as part of the process for deciding who proceeds to the second round.
How Can Applicants Prepare?
Useful preparation includes:
- Practising pattern recognition.
- Reviewing logical sequences.
- Working through unfamiliar problems.
- Improving accuracy under time pressure.
- Reading assessment instructions carefully.
These are general preparation suggestions, not an official GovAI test syllabus.
6. Understand the Paid Remote Work Test
Candidates advancing to the second round are invited to complete a paid remote work test, expected in January 2027.
The test gives GovAI an opportunity to evaluate abilities relevant to the fellowship.
The official announcement does not specify one identical assignment for all candidates.
The content may depend on the track and the instructions provided to shortlisted applicants.
Candidates should follow the rules of the assessment and submit original work.
7. Prepare for the Interview
The third selection stage includes a remote interview and reference checks.
Interviews are expected in February 2027.
What Might Be Discussed?
Applicants can prepare to explain:
- Their relevant experience.
- Their interest in AI governance.
- How they approach difficult decisions.
- Examples of high-quality work.
- Their preferred professional direction.
- How they respond to feedback.
These are suggested preparation topics, not an official published interview question list.
Reference Checks
GovAI may contact professional or academic references during the final stage.
Candidates should ensure that any references they provide can accurately discuss their work and abilities.
8. How to Apply for GovAI Fellowship 2027
Step 1: Review Both Tracks
Read the official descriptions carefully.
Step 2: Choose Your Track
Select the track that matches your professional interests.
Step 3: Open the Official Application
Use the application link at the bottom of the relevant announcement.
Research Track:
GovAI Research Fellowship 2027
Applied Track:
Step 4: Complete the Form
Provide the background, experience and motivation information requested.
Step 5: Review Your Responses
Check that your examples are accurate and relevant to the selected track.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
Submit the application before November 22, 2026, at 23:59 GMT.
Step 7: Monitor Your Email
Shortlisted candidates will receive further assessment instructions.
9. GovAI Application and Selection Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications opened | October 2026 |
| Application deadline | November 22, 2026 |
| Paid remote work tests | January 2027 |
| Interviews and reference checks | February 2027 |
| Final decisions | March 2027 |
| Fellowship begins | June 7, 2027 |
| Fellowship ends | August 27, 2027 |
GovAI may adjust recruitment scheduling as needed.
10. Funding and Visa Conditions
The fellowship provides a £14,000 salary for the complete programme, plus travel assistance and weekday lunches.
Housing is not separately guaranteed as free accommodation.
GovAI can sponsor temporary work visas for eligible successful candidates.
Applicants requiring a visa should account for the possibility of remaining in their country of application while immigration processing is underway.
11. Special Arrangements for Applicants
The programme is intended to be full-time and in person.
However, GovAI is open to discussing limited flexibility for applicants with children or other caring responsibilities after an offer is made.
Experienced Professionals
GovAI may discuss exceptional participation arrangements with highly experienced professionals whose circumstances make standard participation difficult.
Research Track candidates can contact:
The subject should include:
senior candidate uk summer fellowship 2027
Applied Track candidates should include:
senior candidate uk summer fellowship 2027, applied track
They should attach their CV and briefly explain the adjustments requested.
Common Application Mistakes
Avoid:
- Choosing a track unrelated to your main interests.
- Assuming a computer science degree is mandatory.
- Presenting generic motivation without relevant examples.
- Claiming experience you cannot substantiate.
- Assuming a research proposal is required before checking the form.
- Ignoring the abstract reasoning assessment.
- Treating the paid work test as an unpaid internship.
- Assuming free housing is provided.
- Assuming visa sponsorship guarantees approval.
- Missing the November 22 deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Applicants Without Graduate Degrees Apply?
Yes. GovAI does not impose strict degree requirements.
Is Previous AI Governance Experience Mandatory?
No fixed requirement is published. Transferable skills and professional potential are also considered.
Are Research and Applied Applications Different?
Yes. Each track has its own announcement and application form.
Is the Remote Work Test Paid?
Yes. The second-stage work test is paid.
Are Interviews Conducted Online?
Yes. The final-stage interviews are remote.
Can International Applicants Receive Visa Sponsorship?
GovAI can sponsor temporary work visas for eligible selected applicants, subject to immigration rules.
Final Application Checklist
Before applying:
- Review both fellowship tracks.
- Choose the more suitable option.
- Identify relevant experience and skills.
- Prepare specific examples of your work.
- Complete the correct online application form.
- Follow any document instructions.
- Check your responses for accuracy.
- Submit before November 22, 2026.
- Monitor your email for further assessments.
Conclusion
A strong GovAI Summer Fellowship 2027 application should demonstrate relevant expertise, sound judgment and a genuine commitment to AI governance.
Candidates should select the correct track and prepare for a multi-stage process involving a written application, reasoning assessment, paid work test and interview.
Applications close on November 22, 2026, at 23:59 GMT.
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