Quick answer: Applications for the OpenAI Student Collective 2026–2027 Campus Lead program close on August 10, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Eligible undergraduates can apply to organize AI workshops, weekly Studio Hours and campus showcases. OpenAI says selected Campus Leads receive a ChatGPT subscription, Codex credits, event support, training and a cash stipend each semester. Check the official requirements and apply here.
Important: This is a campus leadership program, not an internship or a guaranteed job. OpenAI has not published the stipend amount. Submit early enough to fix broken links or other application problems before the Pacific Time deadline.
OpenAI Student Collective eligibility checklist
Check every item before spending time on the application:
- ☐ You are 18 or older.
- ☐ You are enrolled in an undergraduate college or university program as of August 2026.
- ☐ You expect to graduate after December 2027.
- ☐ You can commit an average of 4–6 hours per week from August 2026 through June 2027.
- ☐ You study in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, India, Japan or South Korea and have work authorization in your country of study.
- ☐ You are not currently an ambassador, representative or intern for another AI company or competing program.
- ☐ You are willing to bring students from different fields and experience levels together—not only computer science students.
OpenAI says students studying elsewhere can still submit an application to register their interest and may be contacted if the Collective expands. Postgraduate students are not eligible for the current Campus Lead role, although they may attend campus activities.
What selected Campus Leads receive
| Benefit | What OpenAI states |
|---|---|
| AI access | A ChatGPT subscription and Codex credits for the duration of the program |
| Event support | Funding, credits and merchandise to help organize campus events |
| Training | Resources and guidance on current OpenAI tools and technology |
| Community | Access to the OpenAI team and a global network of Campus Leads |
| Compensation | A cash stipend each semester; the public page does not state an amount |
| Possible visit | Opportunities for an OpenAI headquarters visit in June 2027 and other activities; this is not promised to every participant |
What Campus Leads are expected to do
OpenAI plans to pair Campus Leads. The role centers on four recurring activities:
- Run four workshops per semester. These should be welcoming sessions where students learn AI skills and choose projects to continue building.
- Host weekly Studio Hours. These are coworking sessions for focused project work, peer connection and practical help.
- Organize one campus showcase per semester. The showcase gives students a place to present what they created.
- Maintain an ongoing community. Leads keep participants connected and share relevant opportunities.
The program is scheduled to run from onboarding in late August 2026 through June 2027, with campus programming beginning in September. OpenAI says it will provide workshop guides, templates, training and other resources, so selected students do not need to build every session from scratch.
Application preparation checklist
The official page says OpenAI values curiosity, initiative, community-minded leadership and the ability to introduce others to AI. It also says prior Codex experience or an AI project portfolio is not required. Use this preparation list to make your application specific without inventing experience:
- Confirm your dates. Verify your expected graduation date and availability from August 2026 through June 2027.
- List real community-building examples. Note a club, class project, volunteer activity, peer-learning group or event where you helped people participate. Small but specific examples are stronger than vague claims.
- Draft a one-semester campus plan. Identify four workshop themes, a realistic weekly Studio Hours format and one showcase idea.
- Explain how you will reach beyond technical majors. Name the departments, clubs or student communities you could invite, such as design, business, media, education, healthcare or social sciences.
- Choose one practical project theme. Examples might include study tools, accessibility, campus services, creative projects or responsible AI literacy. Keep it appropriate for your campus.
- Check conflict rules. Disclose any current AI ambassador, representative or internship role rather than assuming it is compatible.
- Test every submitted link. Open links in a private browser window and confirm the reviewer will have permission to view them.
- Submit before the last hour. The official deadline is stated in Pacific Time; applicants in other time zones should convert it carefully.
Copy-and-adapt campus plan template
Use this as a planning aid, not as text to paste unchanged:
Campus goal: Help [student groups] use ChatGPT and Codex to [specific useful outcome]. Workshop 1: AI basics, verification and responsible use Workshop 2: Build a small project for a real campus need Workshop 3: Improve and test student projects Workshop 4: Prepare projects for the campus showcase Weekly Studio Hours: [day/time], [location or online format], [how students get help] Outreach partners: [clubs, departments, student services or societies] Inclusion plan: How beginners and non-technical students will participate Success measures: Attendance, repeat participation, completed projects and student feedback
A useful plan should fit your actual campus resources. Do not promise rooms, funding, partnerships or attendance that you have not confirmed.
Selection timeline
- Applications close: August 10, 2026 at 11:59pm PT.
- Interviews: OpenAI says selected applicants will be invited to interview in August.
- Onboarding: Accepted Campus Leads complete onboarding in late August.
- Campus programming: Scheduled to begin in September 2026.
- Program end: June 2027.
Submitting an application does not guarantee an interview or selection.
Frequently asked questions
Is the OpenAI Student Collective paid?
OpenAI says Campus Leads receive a cash stipend each semester. It has not published the amount on the official program page, so applicants should not rely on unofficial stipend figures.
Do I need to study computer science?
No. OpenAI says undergraduate students from every discipline are encouraged to apply.
Do I need Codex experience or an AI portfolio?
No. The official FAQ says applicants do not need previous Codex experience or a portfolio of AI projects. OpenAI emphasizes curiosity, willingness to learn and the ability to bring people together.
Can postgraduate students apply?
The current Campus Lead role is for undergraduates who expect to graduate after December 2027. OpenAI says postgraduate students can still attend campus events and workshops.
Can students outside the listed countries apply?
The initial program lists the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, India, Japan and South Korea. OpenAI says students elsewhere can submit an application to register interest for possible future expansion.
Do I need to create an official university club?
No. OpenAI says Campus Leads can begin hosting events without establishing an official club, although campus recognition may help with rooms, outreach or credibility.
Official sources
- OpenAI Student Collective: eligibility, deadline, benefits and FAQ
- OpenAI announcement: new education tools and Student Collective (August 4, 2026)
Last checked: August 6, 2026. Program details can change; confirm the live application page before submitting.