Deadline: Ongoing
The OpenAI Residency Programme 2026 is now open for applications, offering a unique opportunity for individuals with strong technical ability, research potential, or exceptional self-taught experience to work directly with leading AI researchers and engineers. This six-month, intensive residency combines hands-on research, mentorship, and real-world projects aimed at advancing frontier artificial intelligence.
This post provides a detailed overview of the programme, eligibility expectations, benefits, and key considerations for prospective applicants.
About the OpenAI Residency Programme 2026
The OpenAI Residency Programme 2026 is designed for talented individuals—whether traditionally trained, self-taught, or career-transitioning—who demonstrate exceptional capacity for problem-solving, innovation, and technical depth.
Residents will spend six months working full-time with OpenAI research teams in San Francisco, contributing to high-impact AI projects and deepening their understanding of cutting-edge technologies.
OpenAI emphasises that the residency is not an internship or beginner programme. It is intended for people who already show strong potential in research, quantitative fields, or engineering, even if they lack formal credentials. Successful participants may be considered for full-time roles following the programme.
Residency Structure and Focus Areas
Residents will engage in:
- Full-time collaboration with OpenAI research and engineering teams
- Independent and guided research projects
- Advanced problem-solving in areas such as deep learning, alignment, reinforcement learning, systems optimisation, AI safety, and more
- Technical mentorship from experienced researchers
- Rigorous assessments and evaluations throughout the programme
The selection process involves several stages, including multiple technical assessments conducted over several weeks.
Who Should Apply
The programme welcomes applicants from diverse academic, professional, and non-traditional backgrounds. OpenAI looks for:
1. Strong Technical or Quantitative Skills
This includes individuals with backgrounds in:
- Computer science
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Neuroscience
- Engineering
- Or related quantitative disciplines
2. Self-Taught or Cross-Disciplinary Innovators
OpenAI explicitly encourages applications from people who:
- Have built prototypes or products
- Participate in open-source projects
- Possess strong independent-learning experience
- Are creative hackers, builders, or founders
- Have demonstrated capability through competitions, projects, or applied work
3. Coding and Mathematical Proficiency
Applicants should be comfortable with:
- Software engineering principles
- Python or similar programming languages
- Linear algebra, calculus, probability, and statistics
Even without formal degrees, applicants with demonstrable ability and growth potential are considered strong candidates.
Programme Benefits
Participants in the residency receive:
- A highly competitive salary of USD 18,300 per month
- Direct access to leading AI researchers and engineers
- Opportunities to work on real-world AI challenges
- Pathways to full-time roles upon successful completion
- Potential relocation support for international residents
Location and Work Arrangement
The residency is based in San Francisco, California, and operates in an in-person or hybrid model.
Applicants residing outside the United States—such as those applying from Africa, Europe, or Asia—should be prepared for:
- Relocation
- Securing appropriate work authorisation
- Adjusting to full-time on-site or hybrid schedules
OpenAI may provide relocation assistance depending on individual circumstances.
Important Notes for International Applicants
Applicants applying from outside the United States should take note:
- You will likely need to manage visa, immigration, and related travel requirements.
- The programme is highly competitive; applications should highlight strong technical depth, creativity, and problem-solving experience.
- It is recommended to use only OpenAI’s official application portal when submitting materials.
Application Deadline
The call published on 5 December 2025 lists the application window as ongoing.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as opportunities may be limited.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
To strengthen your submission:
- Highlight independent or open-source projects
- Showcase prototypes, experiments, or engineering work
- Include research experience (formal or informal)
- Demonstrate rigorous thinking and quantitative ability
- Emphasise creativity, problem-solving, and innovation
- Prepare to engage with multiple technical assessments
Conclusion
The OpenAI Residency Programme 2026 presents a rare and prestigious opportunity for talented individuals to accelerate their careers in AI research and development. Whether you come from a traditional academic path or a non-traditional, self-taught route, this residency offers the exposure, mentorship, and environment needed to build breakthroughs in artificial intelligence.
For Application and Programme Information
Need Professional Support?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
