ICANN Fellowship Program 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity to Join Global Internet Governance (Apply from March 19)

If you have ever been curious about how the global Internet actually works behind the scenes, the ICANN Fellowship Program is one of the most respected ways to step inside that world.

Run by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), this fellowship is designed to bring new voices from underserved and underrepresented communities into global Internet governance. It is not just a learning program, but a real chance to sit at the same table where policies about domain names, Internet security, and digital stability are shaped.

The next application round opens on 19 March 2026, and interest is already building worldwide.

What Is the ICANN Fellowship Program?

The ICANN Fellowship Program helps individuals become active participants in ICANN’s multistakeholder model, where governments, civil society, businesses, and technical experts collaborate to keep the Internet secure and stable.

Selected fellows receive:

• Structured training before, during, and after an ICANN Public Meeting

• A dedicated mentor from the ICANN community

• Exposure to real policy discussions and technical sessions

• Travel support to attend an ICANN Public Meeting (or virtual participation if the meeting is online)

Fellows come from diverse backgrounds, including technology, policy, academia, civil society, law, and Internet governance.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to applicants from all regions and sectors, provided they meet the core eligibility requirements.

You must:

• Be at least 21 years old

• Show interest or involvement in ICANN-related areas such as:

  • Internet policy development

  • Domain Name System (DNS) operations

  • Internet security and stability

• Complete required ICANN Learn courses

• Not be involved in another ICANN-supported travel program at the time of selection

Applicants can receive up to two fellowships, while returning fellows must demonstrate active engagement within the ICANN community.

Special Recognition and Awards

Outstanding fellows may also be considered for special recognitions, including:

• Tarek Kamel Fellowship Recognition, awarded to returning fellows who make exceptional contributions to capacity building in their regions

• Paul Muchene Fellow Award, dedicated to applicants from the African region with a technical background

These awards recognize leadership, impact, and long-term engagement within the ICANN ecosystem.

What Are Fellows Expected to Do?

Selected fellows are expected to actively participate and contribute. This includes:

• Completing mentoring and advanced ICANN Learn courses

• Attending ICANN Public Meetings and fellowship sessions

• Networking with community members and alumni

• Engaging in ICANN policy discussions

• Completing a post-meeting feedback survey

The program strongly encourages fellows to remain involved even after the fellowship ends.

Application Timeline (Key Dates)

Here are the most important upcoming dates:

• ICANN87 Annual General Meeting – Muscat, Oman

  • Meeting dates: 17–22 October 2026

  • Application opens: 19 March 2026

  • Application closes: 19 April 2026

  • Selected fellows announced: 18 June 2026

Policy Forum fellowships are available only to fellowship alumni.

How to Apply

To apply, you must have an ICANN Account. Applications are submitted online during open rounds through the official ICANN Fellowship portal.

Before applying, it is strongly recommended to:

• Review the Fellowship FAQs

• Understand the selection criteria

• Complete required ICANN Learn courses early

If an ICANN meeting is held virtually, the fellowship will also be conducted virtually while maintaining all key program elements.

Why the ICANN Fellowship Matters

This fellowship is more than a funded trip or training program. It is a gateway into global Internet decision-making, offering real exposure, mentorship, and long-term professional networks.

For anyone interested in Internet governance, digital policy, or global technology cooperation, the ICANN Fellowship Program remains one of the most credible and impactful opportunities available.

Applications open on 19 March 2026. Early preparation is highly recommended.

Important Links

For more information, please contact [email protected].