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OpenAI Safety Fellowship

Last verified 21 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The OpenAI Safety Fellowship is a pilot program designed to support independent, high-impact research on the safety and alignment of advanced AI systems. Fellows will receive a monthly stipend, compute support, and mentorship.

Provider
OpenAI
Host country
Multiple
Deadline
To be confirmed for the 2027 intake
Region
Global
Official source Track this application

Topics

Applying from your country? See your edition: Kenya · Nigeria · Ghana · Ethiopia · Uganda · Tanzania · Rwanda · Angola · Mozambique · São Tomé & Príncipe · Senegal · Cameroon · Ivory Coast · Benin · Togo · DR Congo

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply
Open to external researchers, engineers, or practitioners with strong research ability, technical judgment, and execution skills. Applicants from diverse backgrounds in computer science, social science, cybersecurity, privacy, HCI, and related fields are encouraged to apply.
Funding
Fully Funded
Study level
Fellowship
Deadline
To be confirmed for the 2027 intake

Key eligibility criteria

  • Open to external researchers, engineers, or practitioners with strong research ability, technical judgment, and execution skills. Applicants from diverse backgrounds in computer science, social science, cybersecurity, privacy, HCI, and related fields are encouraged to apply.

Recorded funding information

  • Fully Funded

About the OpenAI Safety Fellowship (2026)

## Overview The OpenAI Safety Fellowship is a prestigious program designed for external researchers, engineers, and practitioners dedicated to advancing the safety and alignment of advanced AI systems. This pilot initiative offers a unique opportunity to conduct rigorous, high-impact research within a collaborative environment, supported by OpenAI's deep expertise and resources. The fellowship aims to foster groundbreaking contributions that address the critical challenges in AI safety, ensuring the responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence. ## Benefits Fellows will receive comprehensive support to facilitate their research and professional growth, including: * **Monthly Stipend:** A financial allowance to support living expenses during the fellowship period. * **Compute Support and API Credits:** Access to essential computational resources and API credits to power research projects. * **Mentorship from OpenAI Experts:** Direct guidance and collaboration with leading researchers and engineers in the field of AI safety. * **Networking Opportunities:** Connect with a diverse cohort of peers and gain access to the Women in Leadership Network, fostering professional relationships and collaborative ventures. * **Impactful Research Outputs:** The chance to produce substantial research outcomes such as academic papers, benchmarks, or datasets that contribute significantly to the AI safety community. ## Eligibility To be considered for the OpenAI Safety Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria: * Be an external researcher, engineer, or practitioner. This program is not for current OpenAI employees. * Demonstrate strong research ability, technical judgment, and execution skills. While credentials are considered, the emphasis is placed on proven capability. * Provide reliable reference contacts who can attest to their skills and experience. * Come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, including but not limited to computer science, social science, cybersecurity, privacy, human-computer interaction (HCI), and other related fields that contribute to AI safety. ## Required documents While the article specifies preparing a "research proposal and references," typically a comprehensive application for a research fellowship would include (but is not limited to): * **Research Proposal:** A detailed outline of the proposed research project, including objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and its relevance to AI safety and alignment. * **Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume:** A comprehensive document detailing academic history, professional experience, publications, and any relevant projects. * **Letters of Recommendation:** Contact information for individuals who can provide insights into the applicant's research abilities, technical skills, and professional conduct. * **Statement of Purpose/Cover Letter:** A personal statement explaining the applicant's motivation for applying, their interests in AI safety, and how their background aligns with the fellowship's goals. * **Work Samples (Optional but Recommended):** Links to published papers, open-source projects, or other demonstrations of technical and research capabilities. ## Application steps 1. **Prepare your research proposal and gather reference contacts.** Ensure your proposal is well-defined and aligns with the fellowship's objectives. 2. **Access the official OpenAI application form** via the provided link. 3. **Complete and submit your application** before the stated deadline. 4. **Successful applicants will be notified** by July 25, 2026. ## Key dates * **Application Deadline:** May 3, 2026 * **Fellowship Duration:** September 14, 2026 – February 5, 2027 (18 weeks) * **Notification of Successful Applicants:** July 25, 2026 ## Selection criteria Candidates will be selected based on a rigorous evaluation process that prioritizes: * **Research Ability:** Demonstrated capacity for independent, high-quality research. * **Technical Judgment:** The ability to make sound technical decisions and develop effective solutions. * **Relevance of Proposed Work:** The extent to which the proposed research aligns with the core mission of AI safety and alignment, addressing key challenges in the field. * **Empirically Grounded and Technically Strong Projects:** A preference for projects that are based on solid evidence and robust technical methodologies. * **Community-Relevant Projects:** Work that has the potential to benefit the broader AI safety community and contribute to collective knowledge. ## Tips For African applicants, this fellowship represents a significant opportunity to contribute to a globally critical field. To enhance your application, consider the following: * **Highlight Unique Perspectives:** If your background or experiences offer a unique perspective on AI safety challenges, particularly those relevant to the African continent, be sure to articulate this in your proposal. * **Showcase Practical Impact:** Emphasize how your proposed research can lead to tangible, empirically grounded, and community-relevant outcomes. * **Strong References:** Choose references who can speak effectively to your technical prowess, research acumen, and ability to execute complex projects. * **Clarity and Precision:** Ensure your research proposal is clear, concise, and meticulously outlines your objectives, methodology, and expected contributions. * **Engagement with AI Safety Discourse:** Familiarize yourself with current debates and research trends in AI safety and align your proposal with these forefront issues. ## Official source For further details and to access the application portal, please visit the official OpenAI webpage: [https://openai.com/index/introducing-openai-safety-fellowship/](https://openai.com/index/introducing-openai-safety-fellowship/)

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

  • Fully Funded

OpenAI Safety Fellowship eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

  • Open to external researchers, engineers, or practitioners with strong research ability, technical judgment, and execution skills. Applicants from diverse backgrounds in computer science, social science, cybersecurity, privacy, HCI, and related fields are encouraged to apply.

OpenAI Safety Fellowship document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

    How to apply for the OpenAI Safety Fellowship 2026

    Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

    1. 1
      Check the provider's process

      Consult https://openai.com/index/introducing-openai-safety-fellowship/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.

    2. 2
      Check eligibility and any requested materials

      Listed eligibility: Open to external researchers, engineers, or practitioners with strong research ability, technical judgment, and execution skills. Applicants from diverse backgrounds in computer science, social science, cybersecurity, privacy, HCI, and related fields are encouraged to apply.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.

    3. 3
      Check dates and next steps

      Listed deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

    OpenAI Safety Fellowship deadline & application timeline

    Provider deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

    1. Planning suggestion: 12 months out

      Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.

    2. Planning suggestion: 6 months out

      If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.

    3. Planning suggestion: 3 months out

      If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.

    4. Planning suggestion: 1 month out

      If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.

    5. Provider deadline
      To be confirmed for the 2027 intake

      Provider deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

    Ready to apply?

    Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

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    Editorial verification note

    Imported from afterschoolafrica.com editorial listing.
    Last checked 5/21/2026

    Frequently asked questions

    Who can apply for the OpenAI Safety Fellowship?+

    Open to external researchers, engineers, or practitioners with strong research ability, technical judgment, and execution skills. Applicants from diverse backgrounds in computer science, social science, cybersecurity, privacy, HCI, and related fields are encouraged to apply.

    What funding does the OpenAI Safety Fellowship offer?+

    Listed funding: Fully Funded. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

    When is the application deadline?+

    Provider deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

    What documents do I need to apply?+

    No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

    How do I check the application process?+

    Consult https://openai.com/index/introducing-openai-safety-fellowship/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Open to external researchers, engineers, or practitioners with strong research ability, technical judgment, and execution skills. Applicants from diverse backgrounds in computer science, social science, cybersecurity, privacy, HCI, and related fields are encouraged to apply.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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