Google Public Policy Fellowship 2026 open: Apply for $12,000 Paid Summer Fellowship

Google Public Policy Fellowship 2026 applications are now open for students interested in internet and technology policy. Updated on 12 March 2026, this highly competitive fellowship provides a paid summer opportunity for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students to work with leading public interest organisations in Washington DC.

The programme is designed for students from India, the United States, and other countries who want practical exposure to internet governance, digital regulation, and public policy research. Through the Google Policy Fellowship Program, selected participants gain hands-on experience in technology policy development while working alongside policy experts, researchers, and advocacy professionals. With a stipend of up to $12,000 USD, the fellowship offers both financial support and valuable policy career experience.

Google Public Policy Fellowship 2026 Overview

The Google Public Policy Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious summer programme designed to support students passionate about technology governance and public interest policy. Fellows will be placed with host organisations in Washington DC that focus on internet policy, digital rights, cybersecurity policy, and technology regulation. Participants work closely with experienced mentors and policy leaders to understand how government, industry, and civil society collaborate to shape digital policy frameworks.

Quick Reference Summary Table

What is Google Public Policy Fellowship 2026

The Google Public Policy Fellowship Program provides students with an opportunity to work on internet policy and technology regulation issues during the summer. Fellows collaborate with public interest organisations that focus on digital innovation, privacy laws, artificial intelligence regulation, internet governance, and technology policy research. During the fellowship, students receive mentorship and professional exposure to policy work in Washington DC. The programme helps students understand the policymaking ecosystem and develop practical research and advocacy skills required in the public policy sector.

Key Responsibilities of Google Policy Fellows

Selected fellows participate in several activities related to technology policy and regulatory discussions. Typical responsibilities may include:

• Conducting policy research and analysis on internet governance and technology regulations
  • Drafting policy reports, white papers, and briefing notes
  • Attending government meetings, policy conferences, and industry events
  • Supporting advocacy initiatives related to digital policy
  • Collaborating with senior policy experts and researchers
  • Participating in discussions related to AI governance, privacy regulation, and internet freedom

Through these activities, fellows gain practical exposure to policymaking processes and develop strong analytical and communication skills.

Eligibility Criteria for Google Public Policy Fellowship 2026

Students from any academic discipline can apply for the Google Policy Fellowship 2026, provided they demonstrate interest in internet and technology policy. Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Must be enrolled in or accepted into an accredited college or university by August 30, 2026
  • Open to undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students
  • Students may be enrolled full-time or part-time
  • Must be at least 18 years old by January 1, 2026
  • Should have a strong academic record
  • Must possess excellent research, analytical, communication, and writing skills
  • Previous Google Policy Fellows are not eligible

The fellowship encourages applicants from diverse academic backgrounds such as public policy, law, computer science, economics, international relations, and political science.

Stipend and Financial Benefits

One of the major highlights of the Google Public Policy Fellowship 2026 is the attractive stipend provided to participants. Host organisations will compensate fellows for their work during the programme.

• Full-Time Participation (40 hours/week): $12,000 USD stipend (approximately ₹10 lakh)
  • Part-Time Participation (20 hours/week): $6,000 USD stipend (approximately ₹5 lakh)

The stipend is paid directly by the host organisation and is subject to completion of all administrative and enrollment requirements. Fellows must also handle any applicable federal, state, or local taxes associated with the stipend.

International Students Eligibility

The Google Public Policy Fellowship USA 2026 is open to international students as well. Students from India and other countries can apply if they have valid authorisation to work in the United States or the respective country where the fellowship takes place. However, Google has clearly stated that it cannot assist candidates in obtaining work visas or employment authorisation documents, so applicants must ensure they meet these requirements before submitting their application.

Programme Duration and Timeline

The Summer 2026 Google Public Policy Fellowship will run between June and August 2026. Fellows are encouraged to participate in person in Washington DC, as it offers greater networking opportunities with policymakers and policy organisations. However, some host organisations may allow remote participation depending on their requirements. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning organisations may select candidates before the final deadline. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged to apply early.

How to Apply for Google Public Policy Fellowship 2026

Students interested in applying for the Google Public Policy Fellowship Program must submit their application through the official fellowship portal. The application process typically involves selecting host organisations and submitting supporting information.

Steps to apply:

• Visit the official fellowship website
  • Review the list of participating host organisations
  • Select up to two host organisations for application
  • Submit the required application details and supporting materials before the deadline

Applicants should note that no confirmation email will be sent after submitting the application. Host organisations will directly contact shortlisted candidates for further steps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Google Public Policy Fellowship 2026 is an excellent opportunity for students interested in internet governance, digital policy, and technology regulation. With a generous stipend, mentorship from policy experts, and hands-on experience with leading organisations in Washington DC, the fellowship can significantly strengthen a student’s policy career.

Interested candidates should carefully review the eligibility requirements and apply before the April 9, 2026 deadline. For the latest updates and detailed application guidelines, visit the official website and consider bookmarking this page for future reference, for more details and apply CLICK HERE