About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
HP-UCL IOE Fellowship in AI in Education 2027: Fully Funded Leadership Programme for Senior Education Leaders in Africa, Asia and Europe
Senior education policymakers, government officials and organisational leaders across Africa, Asia and Europe have an opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills in artificial intelligence through the HP-UCL IOE Fellowship in AI in Education.
Delivered by the UCL Institute of Education (IOE) in partnership with HP, this selective 12-month hybrid fellowship is designed to equip education leaders with the knowledge and strategic capabilities needed to guide responsible AI transformation in education systems.
The programme explores key issues such as AI governance, ethics, education policy, procurement, inclusion, teaching and learning, and responsible technology implementation.
Successful applicants will benefit from expert-led learning, international collaboration, a residential week in London and nine months of mentorship while developing a practical project addressing an AI-related challenge within their organisation.
Applications are open to eligible leaders working across Africa, Asia and Europe. The deadline is 7 November 2026.
About the HP-UCL IOE Fellowship in AI in Education
Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing how education systems operate, how learners access information and how institutions make decisions.
However, adopting AI responsibly requires more than technical knowledge. Education leaders must understand its implications for learning outcomes, equity, governance, privacy, procurement and institutional accountability.
The HP-UCL IOE Fellowship responds to this need by preparing senior leaders to make informed decisions about AI adoption and implementation.
Participants will learn from experts in artificial intelligence, learning sciences, education policy, ethics and human-computer interaction. They will also engage with international peers and explore practical approaches to addressing AI-related challenges in their institutions.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship targets senior professionals with leadership responsibilities in education, government, the public sector and related organisations.
Eligible applicants may include:
Education policymakers: Senior officials in ministries, government departments and national education agencies.
Regulators and inspectorate leaders: Professionals responsible for education quality, assessment, regulation and data.
Education technology executives: C-suite executives and senior leaders in international education technology companies.
International organisation officials: Senior professionals working on education and AI policy.
Regional and local education leaders: Directors of Education and Children’s Services.
School system leaders: CEOs and directors of multi-academy trusts, school groups and other education networks.
Education non-profit leaders: Executives and senior representatives of foundations, professional bodies, teacher organisations and school-leader unions.
Applicants must be working in Africa, Asia or Europe and demonstrate that their professional responsibilities are relevant to AI and education transformation.
The programme is intended for experienced leaders rather than individuals seeking introductory technical AI training.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
The HP-UCL IOE Fellowship provides several benefits designed to strengthen participants' leadership capabilities and support practical institutional change.
1. Fully funded programme participation
The fellowship is fully funded upon acceptance, with programme costs covered. However, participants are responsible for their own airfare and visa expenses.
2. Expert-led learning
Participants engage with academic and industry experts working across artificial intelligence, education, ethics, policy and technology.
The programme also draws on international policy discussions involving organisations such as UNESCO, the OECD, the Council of Europe and the European Commission.
3. Nine months of mentorship
Fellows receive mentorship while developing a capstone project based on a real-world policy or implementation challenge within their organisations.
Possible projects may include developing an AI strategy, designing an institutional policy or creating an AI procurement framework.
4. International leadership network
Participants collaborate with senior leaders from different countries and institutions, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, professional networking and international cooperation.
5. Practical AI governance skills
The fellowship helps participants evaluate technology claims, make informed procurement decisions and assess whether AI solutions are appropriate for their organisations.
It also strengthens their ability to consider fairness, transparency, accountability and inclusion when implementing AI systems.
Fellowship Structure and Programme Content
Application Requirements
Interested candidates must submit two key documents:
Personal statement: A statement of no more than four pages explaining the applicant's professional background, leadership experience, interest in AI and education, and proposed contribution.
Letter of support: A letter demonstrating organisational support for the applicant's participation.
Applications will be assessed competitively based on:
Relevance of the applicant's professional role to AI and education transformation.
Leadership experience and potential to influence change.
Commitment to responsible and human-centred AI.
Ability to participate fully in the fellowship.
Strength and relevance of the proposed capstone project.
Potential contribution to peer learning and international collaboration.
A technical background in artificial intelligence is not presented as a general requirement. The fellowship focuses on strategic leadership and responsible implementation rather than training participants to become AI developers.
Key Dates and Application Timeline
ActivityDateApplications opened29 June 2026Application deadline7 November 2026Successful applicants notified16 November 2026Fellowship begins11 January 2027Residential week in LondonWeek beginning 5 April 2027
How to Apply
Eligible senior education and organisational leaders in Africa, Asia and Europe should consult the official programme announcement for application instructions and submission details.
Application deadline: 7 November 2026.
Applicants should prepare their personal statement and letter of support well in advance and ensure that their proposed capstone project addresses a meaningful AI-related challenge within their organisation.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Artificial intelligence is changing education, but its successful integration depends on leaders who can balance innovation with responsibility, inclusion and accountability.
The HP-UCL IOE Fellowship offers senior education professionals an opportunity to develop the strategic knowledge, international connections and practical experience needed to guide this transformation.
For education policymakers, government officials, school system executives and leaders of education organisations across Africa, Asia and Europe, the fellowship provides a valuable platform to influence how AI is adopted and governed in education.
If you are a senior leader working at the intersection of education, policy and institutional transformation, consider applying before 7 November 2026.
How to apply