Applications are open!

The first edition of the International Programme on AI Evaluation: Capabilities & Safety will run from February to May 2026.

We are selecting 40 fully funded participants - graduate and PhD students, researchers, and professionals from around the world - who are ready to shape the future of AI evaluation.

More Information

The change you’ll be part of:

The world doesn’t fully understand AI, yet.
We are not waiting for that certainty. We are building it.

By pioneering a new science of AI evaluation.
By turning scattered insights into a shared discipline.
By creating the standards and language that governments, labs, and societies can rely on.

We test, we measure, we make AI accountable.
Together, we will shape how the world trusts and deploys AI.

Who this is for

This programme is for people who want to shape the safe future of AI.
For those who see the gaps, the unknowns, and choose to lean in.
For rigorous thinkers, global collaborators, and pioneers ready to build a new discipline.

If you want a quick credential, this isn’t for you.

If you want to join the first generation of AI evaluators, it is.

What you’ll gain

  • Rigorous frameworks for evaluating frontier AI systems

  • A shared language to bridge research, governance, and policy

  • A global community of peers, mentors, and faculty from leading institutes

  • Hands-on projects evaluating real models and presenting capstones to experts

  • A direct path to opportunities in AI Safety Institutes, policy bodies, and research labs

Selection Criteria

We’re looking for candidates who:

  • Are graduate or PhD students, early-career researchers, or professionals.

  • Have expertise in AI and machine learning, from academic training or professional experience.

  • Show clear motivation to work on AI evaluation and safety.

  • Bring diversity of perspective across disciplines, geographies, and professional backgrounds.

  • Demonstrate the potential to contribute to research, policy, or practice in AI evaluation after the programme.

  • Have basic familiarity with Python. Some modules use Python for demonstrations and assignments. Applicants without experience are encouraged to complete an introductory Python course for data analysis or ML before the programme.

Selection Process

  1. Application Form – Submit your CV and motivation statements.

  2. Shortlisting – Applications will be reviewed using transparent and equitable criteria.

  3. Interviews – Shortlisted candidates will be invited for short online interviews.

  4. Final Selection – Offers extended to 40 participants, with all costs covered by Open Philanthropy.

Important Dates

  • Applications Open: October 6, 2025

  • Priority Deadline: November 17, 2025

    • Applications submitted by this date will be reviewed first.

    • Strong candidates will receive early offers before the final deadline.

    • Applications received after the priority deadline will be reviewed. However, admission is highly competitive, and spaces are limited.

  • Final Deadline: December 8, 2025

  • Final Decisions Released: January 12, 2026

  • Deadline to Accept Offers: January 19, 2026

  • Programme Starts: February 2nd, 2026 (online)

  • In-person Capstone Week in Valencia: May 25 to 29th, 2026

Shape the future of AI evaluation.

Applications are open now!

This is more than a programme. It’s a community. It’s the beginning of a discipline.
If you’re ready to do the work and make AI safer for everyone: Apply.

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 FAQs

  • Graduate or PhD students, early-career researchers, and professionals with expertise in AI/ML, from academic training or professional experience.

    We are mostly interested in your motivation to work on AI evaluation and safety.

    This programme is particularly helpful for technical researchers in AI safety teams, or people who may occupy decision-making positions and want to have a solid understanding of all AI evaluation techniques.

    Exceptional candidates from policy, governance, or social sciences with technical interests are also welcome.

  • Applying early shows commitment and gives you the best chance of securing a spot in the cohort of 40 participants.

    Spaces are limited and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • No. We expect applicants to have technical competence in AI/ML, but the programme is designed to provide structured training in evaluation methods.

  • All tuition, plus travel and accommodation for the in-person week in Valencia, are fully funded by Open Philanthropy.

  • We will accept 40 participants globally. We expect high interest, so being clear on your essays will strengthen your application.

  • Graduates earn a 15 ECTS Expert Diploma, certified by ValgrAI.

  • The program should require a dedication of 1/4 of a typical master's program over one semester, which means approximately 20h of work per week. 

  • Yes, professionals and master’s students with relevant experience are encouraged to apply.

  • A basic understanding of Python is highly recommended.

    While this is not a programming-heavy programme, several modules use Python for assignments and demonstrations. Particularly those involving practical experiments, statistics, or mechanistic interpretability.

    You don’t need to be an expert, but familiarity with introductory Python for data analysis or machine learning will make your learning experience smoother and more rewarding.

    Participants without prior coding experience are encouraged to complete a short beginner’s course before the programme begins.

    We won’t exclude applicants without this background, but we expect a genuine willingness to learn and prepare.

  • The programme is conducted fully in English. You should feel comfortable following lectures, participating in discussions, and writing short assignments in English. Formal test scores are not required, but this is the level we recommend:

    • The Council of Europe's CEFR:

      Recommended Minimum: B2 - Upper intermediate

    • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Recommended Minimum: 90

    • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Recommended Minimum: 6.5

    • Duolingo: Recommended Minimum: 110

  • Yes. All sessions will be recorded, but we require a significant proportion of live participation to ensure meaningful interaction, networking, and group collaboration.

  • You may need a visa for traveling to Valencia, depending on your country of residence. We will provide official invitation letters and guidance for the application process, but you must cover visa fees and insurance requirements.

  • The capstone week in Valencia is a crucial part of the programme. Priority will be given to applicants who can attend in person, and selection decisions will reflect this.