Oxford University Fellowships 2026 || Fully Funded

The Accelerator Fellowship Programme at Oxford’s Institute for Ethics in AI offers a rare opportunity for professionals and academics around the world to engage deeply with the ethical, societal and policy dimensions of artificial intelligence. Developed as a collaborative, interdisciplinary programme, it supports project-based work aimed at delivering real-world impact across key domains of AI ethics.

 What Is the Programme?

This fellowship is structured to nurture a global community of thinkers, practitioners and change-makers. Fellows work on projects aligned with one of four core themes:

• AI and Creativity
• AI in Care, Mental Health & Healthcare
• AI and Humanity
• AI, Law & Policy
  The programme combines intellectual engagement with practical action: research, policy development, collaborative events, and visibility through seminars and public discussion.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is targeted at individuals who:

• Are practicing professionals or academics in any discipline, working in universities, nonprofit research organisations, industry or similar settings. (afp.oxford-aiethics.ox.ac.uk)
• Hold a master’s degree or demonstrate equivalent professional standing (for example, at least 5 years of relevant professional experience). (afp.oxford-aiethics.ox.ac.uk)
• Possess a project proposal aligned with the programme’s mission and one of its thematic areas.
• Are open to working globally—remote participation is possible, and short in-person stints in Oxford may be supported.

The programme is open worldwide and requires proficiency in English. (afp.oxford-aiethics.ox.ac.uk)

What the Fellowship Offers

Participants in the Accelerator Fellowship Programme can expect:

• Access to resources, networks and support at the Oxford Institute for Ethics in AI—engagement with leading scholars, policymakers and industry practitioners. (afp.oxford-aiethics.ox.ac.uk)
• Opportunities to take part in seminars, public events, workshops and collaborative projects aimed at real-world impact.
• Flexible format: fellows may participate remotely, with optional on-site visits to Oxford (depending on visa/work-permission constraints).
• For many applicants the fellowship may come with a monthly stipend (for example ~£2,000) to support living, travel or project-related expenses.

Application & Key Steps

Here’s how to prepare:

1. Identify your project idea: Choose a compelling topic aligned with one of the four themes above. Clearly outline the problem your work addresses, its relevance to AI ethics, and the anticipated impact.
2. Demonstrate fit: Show how your background (academic, professional, or both) positions you to succeed in the fellowship. Highlight past work, leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration or real-world influence.
3. Detail your plan: Provide a concise statement of proposed work – objectives, methodology, deliverables, timeline, how you will use the Oxford connection and networks.
4. Prepare certificate of eligibility: Ensure the requirements (master’s degree / equivalent professional experience) are met.
5. Consider logistics: If you aim to visit Oxford in-person, check visa, travel and accommodation planning.
6. Submit before deadline – for example one source cites an application deadline of 10 January 2026.