PIBBSS Fellowship 2026-2027 in Cape Town, South Africa (Fully Funded)

The PIBBSS Fellowship is a fully funded, ~3-month interdisciplinary research program in Cape Town, South Africa. It connects talented researchers from diverse academic backgrounds with experienced AI safety mentors.Selected fellows work on original projects at the intersection of their field and AI safety. The program provides a generous stipend, full accommodation, meals, travel support, and a vibrant research community.

It is ideal for researchers with strong research experience who want to transition into or contribute to AI safety.No application fee is required. The fellowship is open to applicants from all countries and all nationalities.. There is no application fee. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Duration: Approximately 3 months (November 2026 – February 2027)
• Degree Level: Open to researchers with substantial research experience (PhD students, postdocs, and experienced researchers)
• Host Country: South Africa
• Location: Cape Town (in-person; remote option available for exceptional candidates)
• Application Deadline: July 20, 2026 (23:59 Anywhere on Earth)
• Cohort Size: Approximately 20 fellows
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Open For: All nationalities
• Application Fee: None

What This Scholarship Offers:

• Monthly stipend of $3,000 for the full duration of the program
• Private bedroom accommodation (in a shared apartment) for the entire fellowship period
• All workday meals provided at the office (lunch, dinner, and snacks)
• One return international flight to Cape Town, South Africa
• Dedicated one-on-one mentorship from AI safety experts
• Shared office space with regular speaker talks, community events, and networking opportunities
• Pre-program reading group on AI risks
• Multi-day opening and closing retreats with the full cohort and leading researchers
• Opportunity to present your research at a final symposium in Spring 2027
• Valuable experience in AI safety research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional development

Also Check: Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Toronto Metropolitan University Canada 2026

Eligibility Criteria:

• Strong research experience in your field (PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and others with substantial research background are encouraged)
• Motivation to contribute to AI safety
• Interest in working at the intersection of your discipline and AI safety
• Willingness to commit full-time to the 3-month program (in-person preferred)
• Open to candidates from all countries and academic backgrounds listed below

No specific degree is strictly required — relevant research experience is the key factor.

Also Check: 10 Fully Funded PhD Positions at Collaborative Research Centre (Germany)

Relevant fields:

• Mathematics
• Neuroscience and Cognitive Science
• Dynamical Systems Theory
• Physics
• Philosophy
• Political and Economic Theory
• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
• Linguistics
• Media Studies
• Humanities

Also Check: Fellowship Program for Medical Doctors & Researchers at Takeda Science Foundation

Information session:

Session 1:

Session 2:

July 15, 2026, 18:00 San Francisco time, 21:00 New York time, 03:00 Berlin time, 09:00 Singapore time 

How to Apply:

1. Prepare your application materials:
   • Updated CV or résumé
   • Personal statement (600-800 words) describing your research background and motivation for AI safety
   • Past work samples (optional but recommended)
2. Submit your written application by July 20, 2026.
3. Shortlisted candidates will proceed to multiple interview rounds, project proposal development, and mentor matching.

Also Check: Sunway University Postgraduate Research Scholarships 2026 (Masters and PhD)