Internet Society Fellowship Program 2026–27 [$5,000 Project Funding, Mentorship]: Apply by December 18

The Internet Society is inviting applications for its 2026–27 Fellowship Program, a 10-month global learning and leadership opportunity for individuals interested in Internet policy, community mobilisation, Internet connectivity, online safety and security. Selected fellows will receive dedicated mentorship, opportunities to participate in relevant Internet community events and project funding of up to $5,000 to implement initiatives addressing Internet-related challenges in their communities. Interested candidates must first enrol in the free online Pre-Fellowship Training by November 22, 2026, before submitting their fellowship applications by December 18, 2026.

Click here to enrol in the Internet Society Pre-Fellowship Training.

About the Internet Society

The Internet Society is a global nonprofit organisation working to promote an open, globally connected, secure and trustworthy Internet for everyone.

The organisation works with individuals, communities, technical experts, policymakers and other stakeholders to strengthen Internet infrastructure, expand connectivity and support the development of an inclusive digital environment.

Through its Fellowship Program, the Internet Society brings together emerging leaders and experienced professionals who want to develop practical solutions to Internet-related challenges.

About the Internet Society Fellowship Program

The Internet Society Fellowship Program is a 10-month learning, mentorship and project implementation programme designed for individuals who want to contribute to the development of the Internet ecosystem.

The programme combines self-paced online training, specialised learning, leadership development, mentorship and practical project implementation.

Unlike conventional academic fellowships that primarily focus on classroom learning, this programme expects participants to develop a project addressing an actual Internet-related challenge or opportunity.

Selected fellows receive guidance from dedicated mentors and may access project funding to implement their proposed initiatives.

The 2027 programme will bring together 90 fellows across three main tracks, creating opportunities for participants from different regions and professional backgrounds to exchange knowledge and collaborate.

Important Clarification: Training Enrolment Is Not Fellowship Selection

There are two separate stages in the application process:

Pre-Fellowship Training: An initial online learning and project-development opportunity open to interested participants. Enrolment and completion of the required modules are necessary to become eligible to apply.
Fellowship Application: A separate competitive selection process. Only candidates who complete the required training can receive the application link and submit a fellowship proposal.

Completing the free training does not automatically make someone a fellow or guarantee selection.

Participants who complete the training receive specialised knowledge, a certificate of completion and a practical project plan, even if they are not selected for the fellowship.

Fellowship Highlights

Programme: Internet Society Fellowship Program 2026–27
Organiser: Internet Society
Programme Duration: 10 months
Participation: Global
Eligibility: Anyone interested in the programme's focus areas, subject to track-specific requirements
Programme Format: Online training, mentorship, project implementation and relevant events
Available Tracks: 3 main tracks with specialised sub-tracks
Pre-Fellowship Training: Free online courses
Project Funding: Up to $5,000 for selected fellows, subject to approval
Mentorship: Dedicated professional mentor
Fellows for 2027: 90
Pre-Fellowship Training Enrolment Deadline: November 22, 2026
Fellowship Application Deadline: December 18, 2026

Three Fellowship Tracks

Applicants must select one main track and its relevant sub-track during the Pre-Fellowship Training enrolment process.

1. Internet Policy and Mobilisation

This track focuses on developing individuals who can contribute to Internet policy discussions, strengthen digital governance and mobilise communities around Internet-related issues.

It has two sub-tracks:

Internet Policy: Focuses on Internet governance, digital policy, multistakeholder engagement, encryption, cross-border data flows and policy development.
Community Mobilisation: Focuses on organising communities, developing advocacy campaigns and encouraging public participation in discussions about Internet access, governance and online safety.

An important condition applies to the Community Mobilisation sub-track: applicants must be members of an Internet Society Chapter, Special Interest Group (SIG) or Standing Group (SG).

2. Internet Connectivity

This track focuses on strengthening Internet infrastructure, expanding connectivity and developing technical expertise in network operations and community-based connectivity solutions.

It offers two sub-tracks:

Community-Centred Connectivity: Focuses on community networks, local Internet access solutions, connectivity planning and infrastructure development.
Peering: Focuses on Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), network interconnection, peering infrastructure and related technical operations.

Applicants interested in the Peering sub-track must be from Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa or the Asia-Pacific region. Therefore, applicants from India can meet this geographical requirement, subject to the other eligibility conditions.

3. Internet Safety and Security

This track focuses on developing expertise in cybersecurity, online trust, digital safety and the protection of Internet users and systems.

It includes two sub-tracks:

Online Trust and Safety: Focuses on addressing online risks, strengthening digital trust and promoting safer online environments.
Systems Security: Focuses on security research, responsible innovation, privacy, network security and protecting digital systems.

The specialised learning includes topics such as security and privacy in community networks, responsible research and innovation, and approaches to improving online safety.

For detailed descriptions of the tracks, courses and project categories, visit the official Fellowship Tracks page.

Eligibility Criteria

According to the official programme FAQ, the Internet Society Fellowship Program is open to anyone interested in developing knowledge and skills in Internet policy, community mobilisation, connectivity, Internet safety and security.

However, applicants must satisfy the programme's requirements before submitting a fellowship application.

The major requirements include:

Enrolment in the required Pre-Fellowship Training before November 22, 2026.
Successful completion of the mandatory training modules.
Selection of one eligible track and sub-track.
Development of a realistic project proposal aligned with the Internet Society's mission.
Strong English reading, writing and speaking skills.
Reliable Internet access throughout the programme.
Availability to participate in weekly sessions and dedicate at least four hours per week during the fellowship.

Some sub-tracks also have additional eligibility conditions, particularly Community Mobilisation and Peering.

Is the programme open to applicants from India?

Yes. The programme is globally accessible, and India falls within the eligible geographical region for the Peering sub-track. Applicants from India can explore the other tracks as well, subject to their respective requirements.

There is no general nationality restriction stated in the programme FAQ.

Benefits of the Internet Society Fellowship

Selected fellows receive a combination of financial support, mentorship, specialised learning and professional networking opportunities.

1. Project Funding of Up to $5,000

Selected fellows may apply for a project stipend of up to USD $5,000 to cover justified direct expenses associated with implementing their proposed projects.

The funding is subject to submission and approval of the project budget and proposed activities.

Eligible expenses may include:

Workshop and event expenses.
Printing and educational materials.
Local transportation.
Minor equipment hire.
Other justified expenses directly connected with project implementation.

The stipend is intended to support project activities rather than provide personal salary or compensation. The maximum funding amount is not automatically guaranteed to every fellow.

2. Dedicated Mentorship

Each selected fellow is paired with a professionally trained mentor whose expertise aligns with the fellow's project area and chosen track.

Mentors provide guidance during project development and implementation, helping fellows address challenges and work towards their proposed outcomes.

3. Travel Support for Relevant Events

Selected fellows may receive travel support to participate in relevant global or regional Internet community events.

Examples include:

Internet Governance Forum (IGF)
Africa Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF)
Network and Distributed System Security (NDSS) Symposium
Other programme-relevant events

The specific event and travel arrangements depend on the selected track and programme requirements.

4. Global Networking Opportunities

Fellows become part of a global network of Internet professionals, advocates, technical experts and community leaders.

After successfully completing the programme, graduates are encouraged to join the Internet Society Alumni Network, providing opportunities for continued engagement and collaboration.

Pre-Fellowship Training: What Will Participants Learn?

The Pre-Fellowship Training is a series of self-paced online courses designed to prepare prospective applicants for the fellowship.

The training is expected to require a maximum of 20 hours, depending on the selected track and sub-track.

Participants will study foundational subjects such as:

What the Internet Needs to Exist
What the Internet Needs to Thrive
Internet Governance
Introduction to Online Trust and Safety
Internet Impact Brief and project development

Additional courses are provided according to the selected specialisation. These may cover encryption, Internet Exchange Points, community network readiness, Internet security and other technical or policy-related subjects.

Participants are also encouraged to begin developing their project ideas during the training period. A fully developed project is not required at the time of initial enrolment.

Important: The pre-fellowship training is available online at no cost. However, this should not be interpreted as confirmation that every possible expense associated with the complete fellowship experience is covered. Check the official programme terms for any additional costs or financial conditions.

Fellowship Duration and Time Commitment

The programme runs for approximately 10 months and includes several stages:

Programme Stage Schedule

Pre-Fellowship Training: September 23 – November 22, 2026
Fellowship Application: By December 18, 2026
Fellowship Kick-off: February 24, 2027
Leadership Sessions: March 1 – May 28, 2027
Project Implementation: June 1 – November 30, 2027
Reporting and Graduation: November 29 – December 13, 2027

Selected fellows should be prepared to dedicate approximately four hours per week to programme activities, in addition to the time required to implement their individual projects.

How to Apply for the Internet Society Fellowship 2026–27?

The application process begins with enrolment in the Pre-Fellowship Training. Candidates cannot directly submit a fellowship application without completing the required training modules.

Interested applicants can follow these steps:

Visit the official Internet Society Fellowship website.
Navigate to the Pre-Fellowship Training enrolment section.
Complete the initial enrolment form and select one main track and its relevant sub-track.
Access the self-paced online training modules.
Complete the required foundational and track-specific courses.
Develop a realistic project proposal addressing an Internet-related challenge or opportunity.
After successfully completing the required training, receive the separate fellowship application link through email, generally within 24 hours.
Complete the fellowship application and submit your individual project proposal.
Submit the application before the December 18, 2026 deadline.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis after candidates complete the required training. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to finish their modules early rather than waiting until the final deadline.

Click here to enrol in the Pre-Fellowship Training and begin the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the Internet Society Fellowship Program?

The programme is open to anyone interested in Internet policy, community mobilisation, connectivity, Internet safety and security. Applicants must complete the required pre-fellowship training before applying.

2. Can Indian applicants participate?

Yes. The programme is open internationally, including applicants from India. Certain sub-tracks have additional geographical or membership requirements.

3. Is the Internet Society Fellowship free?

The Pre-Fellowship Training is free and available online. The official programme information does not establish that every expense associated with the complete fellowship is covered. Applicants should check the programme terms.

4. Do all selected fellows receive $5,000?

No. Fellows may apply for project funding of up to $5,000. The amount depends on the proposed project budget, eligible expenses and approval.

5. Is prior project experience mandatory?

A fully developed project is not required at the time of enrolment. However, applicants must develop a realistic project proposal during the training process.

6. Can participants enrol in multiple tracks?

No. Participants can enrol in only one track and one sub-track per programme cycle.

7. Does completing the training guarantee fellowship selection?

No. Completing the training only makes participants eligible to apply. Fellowship selection is competitive and considers the quality, feasibility, relevance and potential impact of the proposed project.

8. Can applicants participate while studying or working?

Yes. The programme is designed to accommodate participants with academic, professional and community commitments, provided they can dedicate sufficient time to its activities.

Contact Information

For questions regarding enrolment, training, application requirements or programme participation, applicants can contact the Internet Society Fellowship team.

Email: fellowship@isoc.org — verify the current contact address on the official website before sending a query.

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Internet Society Fellowship Program 2026–27 [$5,000 Project Funding, Mentorship]: Apply by December 18

About the Internet Society

About the Internet Society Fellowship Program

Important Clarification: Training Enrolment Is Not Fellowship Selection

Fellowship Highlights