The Astra Fellowship, offered by Constellation Institute, is a highly competitive, fully funded program designed to accelerate the next generation of leaders in AI safety. Hosted in Berkeley, California, this five-month, in-person fellowship brings together talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to work on some of the most pressing challenges in artificial intelligence.
As AI systems become more powerful and widely deployed, ensuring their safety, alignment, and governance has become a global priority. The Astra Fellowship responds to this need by connecting fellows with leading researchers, policymakers, and strategists working at the forefront of AI safety.
Fellows are embedded within a vibrant research ecosystem where over 300 AI safety professionals collaborate regularly. Through structured mentorship, research support, and hands-on project work, participants contribute directly to real-world AI safety initiatives across empirical research, strategy, and governance.
The program also collaborates with leading organizations in the field, including OpenAI, further expanding opportunities for fellows to engage with high-impact work and networks.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries, economies, and societies worldwide. However, with this transformation comes significant risk, particularly if systems are not designed and governed responsibly.
The Astra Fellowship plays a critical role in addressing this challenge by building a pipeline of skilled professionals dedicated to AI safety. By equipping fellows with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to tackle complex risks, the program contributes to shaping a safer and more responsible AI future.
Globally, there is a growing demand for individuals who can bridge the gap between technical innovation and ethical responsibility. Programs like Astra help ensure that the development of AI technologies is aligned with human values and long-term societal wellbeing.
What You’ll Gain
The Astra Fellowship offers a rare combination of financial support, mentorship, and career acceleration. Fellows receive a monthly stipend of $8,400, allowing them to fully dedicate their time to research and professional development without financial pressure.
In addition, empirical research fellows benefit from approximately $15,000 per month in compute resources, enabling them to work on advanced AI projects that require significant technical infrastructure.
Participants gain direct access to leading experts in AI safety, benefiting from weekly mentorship sessions, collaborative research environments, and ongoing feedback. This exposure helps fellows rapidly develop both technical and strategic skills.
Beyond the fellowship itself, Astra provides strong career outcomes. Over 80 percent of previous fellows have transitioned into full-time roles in AI safety at top organizations such as Google DeepMind, Anthropic, and OpenAI. Others have launched their own initiatives with support from the program’s incubation resources.
Eligibility
The Astra Fellowship is open to individuals from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. Applicants do not need prior experience specifically in AI safety, making this an accessible opportunity for those transitioning from related fields.
Strong candidates typically demonstrate a clear interest in reducing risks associated with advanced AI and bring relevant technical or domain-specific expertise. This may include experience in areas such as computer science, public policy, governance, research, or other related disciplines.
The program is particularly suited for individuals who want to transition into AI safety careers or start their own projects addressing emerging challenges in the field.
International applicants are welcome, and visa support is available for selected fellows.
Application Process and Deadline
To apply for the Astra Fellowship, candidates must complete the application through the official Constellation website.
Applicants are required to submit their application through the online portal, where they will find detailed instructions and guidelines on how to complete each section. It is important to carefully follow all steps and provide accurate information to ensure your application is considered.
The application deadline is May 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM (Anywhere on Earth). Late applications are not accepted, so candidates are encouraged to apply well in advance.
The selected cohort will begin the fellowship in September 2026.
👉 To learn more and apply, visit the official Constellation Astra Fellowship page.
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