Fully Funded HP-UCL IOE Fellowship in AI in Education 2027: Global Leadership Programme for Senior Education Leaders
Overview
The HP-UCL IOE Fellowship in AI in Education is a selective 12-month hybrid global leadership programme delivered by the UCL Institute of Education and HP. It is designed to equip senior education policymakers, system leaders, and organisational leaders with the strategic capabilities, frameworks, and evidence needed to lead responsible artificial intelligence transformation in education systems and public institutions. The curriculum covers topics such as AI governance, ethics, policy, procurement, learning, inclusion, and responsible implementation through expert-led online learning, collaborative activities, a residential week in London, and nine months of mentoring centered on a real-world capstone project.
Who can apply
The programme is targeted at senior professionals working in Europe, Asia, and Africa who hold leadership responsibilities in education, government, the public sector, and related organisations. Eligible candidates include senior education policymakers in ministries and national agencies, regulators and inspectorate leaders, C-suite executives at international edtech companies, senior officials at international organisations, regional and local education leaders, school system and multi-academy trust leaders, and heads of education non-profits, foundations, and professional bodies. Applicants must demonstrate that their professional role is relevant to artificial intelligence and education transformation, possess leadership experience, show a commitment to human-centred AI, and be able to participate fully in all programme components.
What you get
Accepted participants receive a fully funded fellowship that covers programme costs, though participants remain responsible for their own airfare and visa expenses. Fellows gain access to academic experts contributing to global policy discussions with organisations like UNESCO, the OECD, the Council of Europe, and the European Commission. The programme also features a nine-month mentored capstone project allowing fellows to address a live policy or implementation challenge within their own organisation, alongside access to an international network of peer leaders.
Requirements
Applicants must submit a personal statement of up to four pages and a letter of support. Selection is competitive and evaluates the relevance of the applicant's role, leadership experience and potential impact, the strength of the proposed project idea, commitment to responsible AI, and the potential to contribute to peer learning and international collaboration. A technical background in artificial intelligence is not required.
Key dates
Applications opened on 29 June 2026 and the application deadline is 7 November 2026. Successful applicants will be notified on 16 November 2026, and the programme begins on 11 January 2027. The residential week in London is scheduled for the week beginning 5 April 2027.