Cambridge ERA Fellowship 2026 | Fully Funded AI Fellowship in UK

The Cambridge ERA: AI Fellowship is an 8-week, fully funded residential research programme based in Cambridge, UK.

It is hosted by ERA (formerly the Existential Risks Alliance) and focuses on mitigating risks posed by frontier artificial intelligence systems, bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs, and policy-oriented individuals.

The next cohort for the winter 2026 term begins around 2 February 2026.

Cambridge ERA Fellowship Summary

Benefits of the Cambridge ERA Fellowship

Some of the significant benefits offered by the programme:

• Fully funded financial package: Fellows receive a salary equivalent to £34,125 per year, prorated for the 8 weeks.
• Accommodation in Cambridge is provided. Meal provisions during working hours are covered.
• Visa support and travel expense coverage for international fellows.
• Mentorship from expert mentors in your area of research focus.
• Access to research management support, community/networking events, workshops and social activities.
• Post-fellowship alumni network and career advancement support.

Also Check: Global Development Fellowship 2026 at Imperial College

Focus Areas of the ERA AI Fellowship

The programme supports projects across three primary tracks:

1. Technical AI Safety: Research oriented to ensuring advanced AI systems behave safely, are aligned with human values, and avoid unintended harmful behaviour.
2. AI Governance: Policy, regulation, corporate governance, international cooperation around frontier AI.
3. Technical AI Governance (TechGov): On the intersection of technical and governance: how system architectures, algorithms, and deployment modalities relate to governance objectives.

Also Check: Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2026 in USA

Eligibility Requirements of the ERA Fellowship

• Applicants must be 18 years or older.
• There are no strict formal degree or credential requirements; the programme emphasises a “talent-first” approach.
• Typical target audiences:
• PhD students hoping to align research with AI safety.
• Professionals from technical or policy fields seeking to transition into AI governance or safety.
• Early-career researchers looking to deepen expertise in the relevant domains.
• The programme appears open to applicants from all countries (global applicants) and disciplines, provided they demonstrate strong motivation and a strong fit.

Also Check: Yale World Fellows Program 2026 in USA

Required Documents for ERA Fellowship

1. A current CV/résumé (highlighting academic, research, or professional experience)
2. Responses to short essay questions (application form) are the first stage.
3. Likely a statement of purpose or project idea: you’ll need to articulate a research project aligned with one of the focus areas.
4. At a later stage, they will reach out to your referees in the second interview round.
5. Valid passport (if international) for visa support. The passport must be valid until at least May 2026 if selected.

Also Check: Global China Fellows Program 2026 in USA

How to Apply for the Cambridge ERA Fellowship

Here is the application process based on the latest cohort:

1. Visit the official website of the fellowship (at erafellowship.org) and click “Apply Now”.
2. Written Application: Submit the online form, which includes personal details and essay questions (~2 hours).
3. Interview – Round 1: Approximately the top 20 % of applicants will be invited to a first interview.
4. Interview – Round 2: Short 15-minute discussion; references will be contacted simultaneously.
5. Offer & Onboarding: Once selected, the programme team will work with you to refine your project idea, match you to a mentor, and prepare logistical details.

Deadlines: For the Winter 2026 cohort, the written application deadline is listed as 3 November 2025.