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MATS Program FAQ (Machine Learning Alignment Theory Scholars)
webmatsprogram.org·matsprogram.org/faq
Practical reference for prospective applicants to the MATS fellowship, one of the primary structured AI safety research training programs; useful for those considering entering the AI safety research field.
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Summary
Frequently asked questions page for the MATS Summer research program, a 12-week in-person AI safety research fellowship in Berkeley, California. The program provides mentorship from leading AI safety researchers, a $15,000 stipend plus housing and meals, and optional 6-12 month extensions for select fellows.
Key Points
- •12-week summer program in Berkeley (early June to late August), requiring 40 hrs/week commitment; remote/part-time possible in some cases
- •Financial support includes $15k stipend (via AI Safety Support), travel, housing, office space, and weekday meals
- •Open to applicants 18+, U.S. and non-U.S. citizens, all backgrounds; no cap on number of mentor streams applicants can apply to
- •Select fellows may receive 6 or 12-month paid extensions starting in September after the core program
- •MATS is independent from UC Berkeley despite hosting Berkeley-affiliated mentors; stipend is treated as a private grant from a non-profit
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MATS Frequently Asked Questions
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FAQ Frequently asked questions
FAQ Categories: MATS applications Finances MATS program Extensions The Application
What are the key dates for MATS Summer 2026?
The timeline for the MATS Summer 2026 program is:
Application final deadline : January 18 , 2026
Program dates : Early June to late August. The Summer 2026 Program takes place in-person in Berkeley, California and has a time commitment of 40 hours per week over 12 weeks. Remote or part-time participation is a possibility depending on your circumstances and mentor.
Extension phase : Possible 6 or 12-month extension for select fellows after the 12-week program, starting in September.
Getting into MATS
Are the key dates flexible?
We want to be flexible for applicants who have summer exams or start school earlier. Based on individual circumstances, we may be willing to alter the time commitment of the program and allow fellows to leave early. Please inform us of your availability in the application process.
Is this program a full-time commitment?
Yes. The 12-week program requires fellows to commit 40 hours per week to their MATS research. For exceptionally strong candidates with significant concurrent responsibilities, the time commitment can be reduced to 20 hours per week on a case-by-case review. However, the program maintains an expectation of sustained, high-level engagement, including regular participation in core activities and most organized events.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants who will be 18 years or older before the program start date are eligible to apply. Both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply. All backgrounds and levels of experience are welcome.
How many streams can I apply to work with?
You can apply to as many mentors as you would be interested in working with; there is no cap. The process is comparable to applying to PhD supervisors.
What is a stream?
Streams in MATS are collections of one or more mentors working on a research agenda who mentor fellows on projects. Fellows apply to streams with research that interests them that they think they may be a fit for.
What if I am accepted by multiple streams?
In the past, we have offered applicants who were successful under multiple streams the choice of who to work with. In the case that an applicant is borderline accepted with one mentor and much more preferred by another, we will take this into account when considering the applicant's preferences.
Finances
What does “financial support” concretely entail?
MATS itself cannot provide any funding; however, AI Safety Support has offered to provide a stipend totaling USD 15k for completing the program. Scholars who additionally complete Neel Nanda’s 5-week exploration phase are expected to receive the prorated amount of USD 4.2k for
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