Introductory Fellowship in Effective Altruism
The Introductory Fellowship in Effective Altruism is five weeks of readings and small-group discussions built around one question: how can we help others the most?
Five weeks · starts week 38 · small groups · in English · free of charge
Applications for the autumn 2026 fellowship are now closed. The fellowship starts in week 38.
What is this?
Introductory Fellowship in Effective Altruism is EA KTH's reading & discussion fellowship, run in small groups. Over five weeks, you'll explore some of the world’s largest and most urgent problems, including but not limited to global health, climate change, factory farming, pandemics, and existential risk.
The aim is not to convince you of any particular conclusion. It is to give you the analytical tools used in effective altruism, comparing causes, expected value, reasoning under uncertainty, and to let you form your own view. People in effective altruism actively disagree about which problems matter most; the discussions are where the fellowship earns its value.
The fellowship starts in week 38, with the first meetups on 14–18 September and pauses during the exam weeks. Each week you read a curated selection of articles and attend facilitated discussions on campus over a fika, 17:15–18:30. The exact day is chosen based on availability.
Who is this for?
- You find value in helping other people. No background in effective altruism, philosophy or economics is needed — an honest interest in doing good is the only starting point required.
- You want to maximize the impact of your time and resources. Through your career, your donations or your spare hours — and you are open to evidence about what actually works.
- You can attend at least 4 out of 5 sessions. The discussions are the heart of the fellowship, and they only work when the group turns up. Missing the odd week is fine — tell your facilitator.
Fellowship content
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1
The Effectiveness Mindset
Why some ways of helping achieve far more than others, and how careful thinking multiplies impact.
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2
Radical Empathy
Who merits moral concern, and how to compare problem areas impartially. Includes a deep dive into a cause area of your choice, which you present to your group.
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3
Caring for the Future
Do future generations count? Longtermism, and the argument that we live in an unusually important period.
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4
Preventing Catastrophes
A closer look at specific global risks — from advanced AI and engineered pandemics to nuclear war — chosen by you.
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5
Taking Action
Putting the principles into practice — what your own conclusions imply for your career, your donations and your next steps.
Applications are closed
Applications for the autumn 2026 fellowship have closed. Follow EA KTH to hear about future fellowships, events and other ways to get involved.
Frequently asked questions
How much time does the fellowship take?
Roughly two hours of reading and reflection per week, plus the group discussion from 17:15 to 18:30. Week two requires somewhat more preparation, week five somewhat less.
Do I need any prior knowledge?
No. The fellowship is designed as a first introduction to effective altruism. Participants who already know parts of the material still tend to find the discussions valuable.
What if I can't attend one of the weeks?
Contact your facilitator — missing an occasional session is not a problem. The fellowship also pauses during the exam weeks.
What does it cost?
Nothing. All the readings are freely available online.
The fellowship is adapted from introductory programmes developed by EA university groups internationally, building on the Centre for Effective Altruism's EA Handbook.