Applications are open for the Astra Fellowship 2027, a funded, in-person programme for people interested in AI safety research, strategy and governance. Fellows receive an $8,400 monthly stipend, and international applicants are eligible. Applications close on September 26, 2026.

The Astra Fellowship, run by the nonprofit Constellation Institute, supports people working on projects aimed at reducing risks from advanced AI.

The programme is based at Constellation's research centre in Berkeley, California, and the next cohort starts on January 5, 2027.

Fellows work on projects with support from experienced mentors, as well as research management and career support from the Constellation team.

Minimal research workspace with notebook, books and natural light

Image: AI-generated with ChatGPT Images 2.0

Astra fellows receive an $8,400 monthly stipend for the duration of the programme.

The fellowship also provides:

  • weekly mentorship
  • research management support
  • workspace at Constellation's Berkeley research centre
  • career and placement support
  • support for fellows interested in launching new projects or organisations
  • visa support and guidance for international applicants

Astra has two main streams: Empirical Research and Strategy & Governance. The Empirical Research stream focuses on technical AI safety research, and fellows in this stream also receive approximately $15,000 per month in research compute.

AI Usage Notice: In preparing this article, AI tools were used with careful human oversight and editing. We believe in transparency regarding the use of AI in our work.
AI Usage Notice: In preparing this article, AI tools were used with careful human oversight and editing. We believe in transparency regarding the use of AI in our work.

Previous experience in AI safety is not required.

The fellowship is open to international applicants, with visa support and guidance available for participants travelling to the US.

Constellation is looking for applicants with technical or domain-specific experience relevant to areas including technical research, security, governance, policy, strategy and field-building.

The Empirical Research stream covers technical AI safety topics including AI alignment, AI control, model evaluations and scalable oversight.

The Strategy & Governance stream is aimed at applicants interested in questions around advanced AI risks, strategy and governance.

The fellowship is full-time and in person in Berkeley.

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Astra Fellowship 2027: Key Details

Deadline: September 26, 2026
Programme starts: January 5, 2027
Stipend: $8,400 per month
Location: Berkeley, California
Format: Full-time, in person
Eligibility: International applicants welcome
Focus: AI safety, empirical research, strategy and governance

Applications and further information are available through the official Astra Fellowship page.

Apply for the Astra Fellowship →

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