OpenAI has officially launched the OpenAI Student Collective—a paid, year-long leadership initiative seeking undergraduate students to serve as Campus Leads at their universities.
Selected Campus Leads work in pairs to organize workshops, host weekly builder hours, run semester showcases, and introduce AI tools like ChatGPT and Codex to their peers.
Quick Summary at a Glance
| Feature | Program Details |
| Role Title | OpenAI Campus Lead |
| Compensation | Paid Cash Stipend (plus event budget, merch, & compute credits) |
| Target Audience | Enrolled Undergraduates (Graduating after Dec 2027) |
| Launch Countries | US, UK, Canada, India, France, Germany, Japan, & South Korea |
| Time Commitment | 4–6 hours/week (August 2026 – June 2027) |
| Application Deadline | August 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT |
What Do OpenAI Campus Leads Receive?
This is a paid corporate leadership role, not an unpaid volunteer gig. OpenAI provides Campus Leads with:
- Cash Stipend: A direct monetary stipend paid at the end of each semester.
- Event Budgets & Merch: Full funding for food, promotional swag, and venue costs for campus events.
- Premium Tool Access: Free ChatGPT subscription and Codex compute credits for the program duration.
- San Francisco HQ Visit: An opportunity for an all-expenses-paid trip to OpenAI headquarters in June 2027.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Checklist)
To qualify for the program, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Academic Status: Enrolled as an undergraduate student as of August 2026, with an expected graduation date after December 2027. (Postgraduate/Master’s/PhD students are ineligible).
- Age Limit: Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Eligible Countries: Studying in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, India, France, Germany, Japan, or South Korea with valid legal work authorization.
- Exclusivity: Must not currently serve as an ambassador or intern for another competing AI company.
Hidden Charges & Fee Breakdown
- Application Fee: 100% FREE (Zero application fees).
- Event Outlays: Event expenses are fully funded directly by OpenAI.
- Time Investment: The main commitment is 4 to 6 hours per week to execute 4 workshops per semester, weekly studio hours, and a campus showcase.
How to Apply
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to the OpenAI Student Collective Application Page.
- Prepare Video Responses: You will be asked to upload two short 60-second unlisted video links:
- Video 1: One way you use AI that you think more students should know about.
- Video 2: Something you helped organize or make happen on campus.
- Written Prompts: Complete short written questions covering your background, tool usage, and campus vision.
- Deadline: Submit your form before August 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT.
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