The University of Oxford is accepting applications for the Technical AI Governance (TAIG) DPhil Studentships for October 2027 entry. These studentships support doctoral research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, engineering, and public policy.
Application Deadline:
- 2 December 2026 at 12:00 midday UK time (Track I – First Round Deadline)
- 2 March 2027 at 12:00 midday UK time (Track I – Second Round Deadline, if studentships remain)
- 27 January 2027 at 12:00 midday UK time (Track II – AIMS-Integrated Route Deadline, quoting reference
AIMS-AIGI-2027)
Tell Me About The Program:
The Oxford Martin AI Governance Initiative (AIGI) TAIG DPhil Studentships at the University of Oxford offer fully funded doctoral opportunities for October 2027 entry. Spanning the Department of Engineering Science, Department of Computer Science, and the AIMS CDT, the program supports advanced research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, technical safety, hardware governance, and algorithmic control. Scholars tackle critical global challenges in AI safety, capability tracking, recursive self-improvement detection, and secure cryptographic infrastructure.
Which Fields are Eligible:
- Computer Science & Software Engineering
- Engineering Science & Microarchitecture (AI Chips & Hardware Security)
- Applied Mathematics, Statistics, and Quantitative Modelling
- Artificial Intelligence Safety, Alignment, and Governance
Type:
Fully Funded DPhil (PhD) Studentship / Doctoral Research Fellowship
Who can Apply:
- Academic Qualifications: Applicants must hold a strong Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in a relevant quantitative, technical, or scientific discipline matching University of Oxford doctoral admissions criteria.
- Research Focus: Must propose a research project directly addressing one of the designated studentship labs and projects (Bayesian Governance Lab, Technical Safety & Governance Lab, or Hardware AI Governance Lab).
- Admission Route: Must apply through either Track I (Direct DPhil Route via Department of Engineering Science or Computer Science) or Track II (AIMS-Integrated Route via AIMS CDT).
How are Applicants Selected:
Applications are evaluated competitively by the TAIG admissions panel based on academic excellence, technical background, research proposal alignment with specific lab director projects, academic references, and interview performance.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Global (Open to Home/UK and International/Overseas applicants).
Where will the Program be Taken:
University of Oxford (Department of Engineering Science, Department of Computer Science, and Oxford Martin School), Oxford, UK.
How Many Fellows:
Cohort size corresponds to available TAIG DPhil studentship projects across participating labs.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Full Funding: Comprehensive coverage of tuition fees and a competitive annual maintenance stipend.
- World-Class Supervision: Direct mentorship from leading researchers across the Bayesian Governance Lab, Technical Safety & Governance Lab, and Hardware AI Governance Lab.
- Global Impact: Participation in high-impact AI safety, governance, and technical alignment research within the Oxford Martin School ecosystem.
How Long Will it Last:
3 to 4 years full-time (standard University of Oxford DPhil duration).
How to Apply:
- Choose your Track and Project: Review the specific studentship projects under the Bayesian Governance Lab, Technical Safety & Governance Lab, or Hardware AI Governance Lab (contacting relevant lab directors if needed).
- For Track I (Direct DPhil Route):
- Submit your application directly to either the Department of Engineering Science or the Department of Computer Science by 2 December 2026 (12:00 midday UK time), clearly indicating the project title in your research proposal.
- Inform the Senior Programmes Manager (
[email protected]) of your submission by 3 December 2026.
- For Track II (AIMS-Integrated Route): Submit your application directly via the AIMS portal quoting reference
AIMS-AIGI-2027by 27 January 2027 (12:00 midday UK time).
👉 Visit the official scholarship page for details
