by OpenAI · Remote / Independent (OpenAI San Francisco)
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
🏆 Fully Funded🔴 Check official website (The program has recently evolved into the OpenAI Residency)🎓 Post-graduate / Professional / Non-degree Research🌍 United States📌 Fellowship / Professional Development
Varies (Currently closed; check official website for next cohort)
Level
Post-graduate / Professional / Non-degree Research
Acceptance
Approximately 1-2%
Difficulty
Extremely High
Quick Summary
OpenAI Scholars Program, administered by OpenAI, is one of the funding options available to underrepresented minorities in stem, women, lgbtq+ individuals in United States. The award covers The program provides a monthly stipend of $10,000 for three months, a significant budget for cloud computing resources, and direct one-on-one mentorship from an OpenAI researcher to guide an independent project. and is open to post-graduate / professional / non-degree research students studying machine learning, artificial intelligence, deep learning, computer science. The scholarship runs for 3 months (12 weeks). Eligibility is generally based on open to individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in tech who possess strong programming skills in Python, basic knowledge of calculus and linear algebra, and a commitment to learning deep learning full-time for 3 months. The application deadline is Varies (Currently closed; check official website for next cohort), with an acceptance rate of approximately Approximately 1-2%. EduAtlasHub tracks updated deadlines, coverage details and eligibility requirements for this scholarship as they change.
✨ Should I Apply for OpenAI Scholars Program?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
4%
Win Probability
9/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
60-80 hrs
Time Required
Low
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
$30,000 USD
⏳
Duration
3 months (12 weeks)
📅
Deadline
Varies (Currently closed; check official website for next cohort)
🔬
Fields
Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning, Computer Science
🏆
Awards/Year
8 to 10 scholars per cohort
🌏
Study Country
United States
🏛️
Provider
OpenAI
📊
Acceptance
Approximately 1-2%
The OpenAI Scholars Program is a 3-month remote fellowship designed to support individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in tech to enter the field of AI research. Scholars work on an independent research project with the help of a dedicated mentor from OpenAI's research staff, receiving a generous stipend to support their full-time study.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in tech who possess strong programming skills in Python, basic knowledge of calculus and linear algebra, and a commitment to learning deep learning full-time for 3 months.
🏛️ Host University
Remote / Independent (OpenAI San Francisco)
🔬 Fields of Study
Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning, Computer Science
✨ Key Benefits
The program provides a monthly stipend of $10,000 for three months, a significant budget for cloud computing resources, and direct one-on-one mentorship from an OpenAI researcher to guide an independent project.
🎯 Target Students
Underrepresented minorities in STEM, Women, LGBTQ+ individuals
✈️ Travel: Varies (Historically provided for program-related events)🏠 Accommodation: No (Stipend is intended to cover all living expenses)💊 Health Insurance: No🔄 Renewable: No💳 App Fee: $0 (Free to apply)
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Not applicable (Non-degree program)
🏠 Living Stipend
$10,000 USD per month for 3 months
🏡 Accommodation
No (Stipend is intended to cover all living expenses)
✈️ Travel Allowance
Varies (Historically provided for program-related events)
💊 Health Insurance
No
🎁 Other Benefits
$25,000 in Azure/cloud computing credits, Weekly mentorship from OpenAI researchers, Access to private Slack communities, Career coaching
🔄 Renewable
No
📋 Renewal Conditions
Not applicable
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Members of underrepresented groups in the field of AI (including gender, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation).
🎓 Academic Level
Post-graduate / Professional / Non-degree Research
📊 Minimum GPA
Not applicable (Focus is on technical skill and potential)
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficient professional English
🍢 Age Limit
18 years or older
💼 Work Experience
Not strictly required, but applicants should have a background in software engineering or STEM.
💰 Financial Need
Considered (Diversity and inclusion focus)
🎯 Target Students
Underrepresented minorities in STEM, Women, LGBTQ+ individuals
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Personal statement and detailed research project proposal)
Rec Letters
No
Interview
Yes (Technical and behavioral interviews)
Application Fee
$0 (Free to apply)
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
No Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
Proficient professional English
Interview: Yes (Technical and behavioral interviews)
Min GPA: Not applicable (Focus is on technical skill and potential)
📋 Application Process
Develop a very specific, feasible 3-month research project proposal. Demonstrate high proficiency in Python and an eagerness to contribute to safe AGI development.
💡 Insider Tip: Blog about your progress and contribute to open-source AI projects before applying to show your commitment to the field.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Varies
⏰ Deadline
Varies (Currently closed; check official website for next cohort)
🎤 Interview
Yes (Technical and behavioral interviews)
🎓 Study Starts
Varies (Historically Spring/Summer cohorts)
Varies
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Varies (Currently closed; check official website for next cohort)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Yes (Technical and behavioral interviews)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
Varies (Historically Spring/Summer cohorts)
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Technical competence, project feasibility, commitment to the AI field, and alignment with OpenAI's diversity mission.
⚡ Similar Scholarships
Scholarship
Country
Coverage
Level
OpenAI Scholars ProgramCurrent
United States
Full Funding
Post-graduate / Professional / Non-degree Research
Open to individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in tech who possess strong programming skills in Python, basic knowledge of calculus and linear algebra, and a commitment to learning deep learning full-time for 3 months.
This scholarship covers: The program provides a monthly stipend of $10,000 for three months, a significant budget for cloud computing resources, and direct one-on-one mentorship from an OpenAI researcher to guide an independent project.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Varies (Currently closed; check official website for next cohort). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Low. Acceptance rate: Approximately 1-2%. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Proficient professional English, No recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.