Are you a student or researcher passionate about digital governance, AI, and policy innovation? The Digital Policy Hub at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 academic year cohort! This is your chance to engage in cutting-edge research, collaborate with global policy experts, and contribute to shaping the digital landscape.
When is the Application Deadline?
The deadline to apply for the Digital Policy Hub Fellowship (2025–2026 Academic Year Cohort) is Monday, March 3, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Get Up to $100,000 Student Loan for Your Master in US or Canada.
Table of Contents
Tell Me About the Fellowship:
The Digital Policy Hub Fellowship at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) is a fully funded program that supports emerging researchers in digital policy, governance, and technology-related fields. Fellows spend 8–12 months engaging in interdisciplinary research, policy analysis, and professional development activities while collaborating with universities, governments, and the private sector.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Research focus areas include:
- Data, Economy, and Society
- Artificial Intelligence
- Outer Space
- Digitalization, Security, and Democracy
- The Environment and Natural Resources
Type:
Fully funded fellowship for undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, post-doctoral, and visiting (professional) fellows.
Who Can Apply?
- Academic Fellows:
- Must be enrolled at a Canadian post-secondary institution.
- Open to undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and post-doctoral students.
- Post-doctoral applicants must have completed their Ph.D. within the last four years and have official post-doctoral status at a Canadian institution.
- Applicants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or international students with a valid work visa.
- Must meet Mitacs Accelerate program eligibility requirements.
- Must have an academic supervisor at their home institution.
- Visiting Fellows:
- Open to government practitioners and private sector professionals from within Canada.
- Visiting fellows are unfunded.
How Are Applicants Selected?
The selection process includes:
- Application Screening – Review of research proposal, qualifications, and supporting documents.
- Evaluation of Research Proposal – Assessed based on originality, policy relevance, methodology, and alignment with the Hub’s research areas.
- Letters of Support Review – Endorsements from supervisors or employers.
Where Will the Fellowship Take Place?
- CIGI Campus in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Fellows can participate in-person, remotely, or in a hybrid format.
- All fellows must attend the end-of-term research conference at the CIGI Campus.
How Many Fellows Will Be Selected?
The number of selected fellows varies based on funding and available positions.
What Are the Benefits of the Fellowship?
- Fully funded fellowships (except for visiting fellows).
- Opportunity to collaborate with CIGI’s global network of 100+ policy experts.
- Professional development, including policy-making, research analysis, and mobilization training.
- Weekly seminars and participation in interdisciplinary discussions.
- Access to an alumni network for career advancement.
- Supervised research opportunities leading to academic publications.
How Long Will the Fellowship Last?
- Fellowship duration: 8–12 months, depending on the fellowship tier.
How to Apply:
- Complete the Online Application via SurveyMonkey (Link provided on the official CIGI website).
- Prepare and upload the following documents:
- Cover Letter (1 page)
- Resume/CV (max 3 pages)
- Research Proposal (2–3 pages, excluding citations)
- Must include a research question, policy relevance, originality, methodology, and alignment with the Hub’s focus areas.
- Two Letters of Support
- Academic fellows: One letter must confirm supervisory and administrative support for Mitacs funding.
- Visiting fellows: One letter must confirm employer support for program participation.
- Proof of Enrollment (for academic fellows).
Info Sessions:
- February 6, 2025 (12:00–1:00 p.m. ET)
- February 13, 2025 (6:00–7:00 p.m. ET)
Visit the Fellowship Webpage for More Details:
🔗 Digital Policy Hub Fellowship Program
