Astra AI Safety Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded AI Safety Program in Berkeley
Imagine a world where powerful AI systems help solve global problems but also pose real risks if not handled carefully. The Astra AI Safety Fellowship 2026 offers a chance to join leaders tackling these issues head-on. This fully funded program in Berkeley, California, gathers smart people from all backgrounds to work on AI safety through research, strategy, and governance.
Why the Astra AI Safety Fellowship Matters
AI is changing jobs, economies, and daily life at a fast pace. Yet, powerful systems could cause harm without proper safety measures. The Astra Fellowship, run by Constellation Institute, trains the next wave of experts to make AI safe and aligned with human values.
Fellows join a community of over 300 AI safety pros in Berkeley. They connect with top researchers, policymakers, and groups like OpenAI. This setup lets participants contribute to real projects that shape AI’s future and protect society.
Benefits of Joining the Fellowship
The program lasts five months and is in-person, starting in September 2026. Fellows get a monthly stipend of $8,400 to focus fully on their work. Those doing empirical research also receive about $15,000 per month in computing power for big projects.
Weekly mentorship from experts builds skills in tech and strategy. Fellows work in collaborative spaces with constant feedback. Past participants saw great results: over 80% landed full-time jobs at places like Google DeepMind, Anthropic, or OpenAI. Others started their own projects with program support.
Who Can Apply
You don’t need prior AI safety experience to qualify. The Astra AI Safety Fellowship welcomes people from fields like computer science, public policy, research, or governance. Show a strong interest in cutting AI risks and bring skills that fit.
It’s open worldwide, with visa help for internationals. This makes it ideal for career changers or those launching AI safety efforts.
How to Apply
Head to the Constellation Astra Fellowship page for details and the online form. Follow all steps carefully and submit accurate info. The deadline is May 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM Anywhere on Earth. No late entries allowed, so apply early.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Astra AI Safety Fellowship?
It’s a five-month, fully funded program in Berkeley, California, that trains people to work on AI safety through research, strategy, and governance.
What benefits do fellows receive?
Fellows get a $8,400 monthly stipend, computing power for research, weekly mentorship, and connections to top AI groups, with over 80% landing jobs at places like OpenAI.
Who can apply to the fellowship?
Anyone with strong interest in AI safety can apply, regardless of prior experience; it’s open worldwide to fields like computer science, policy, and governance, with visa support.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
Visit the Constellation Astra Fellowship page for the online form; the deadline is May 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM Anywhere on Earth, so apply early.