Internet Society Fellowship Program 2026/2027 for Internet Changemakers and Emerging Leaders

Internet Society Fellowship Program 

 

Applications are open for the 2026/2027 Internet Society Fellowship Program, a 10-month leadership experience for experienced Internet changemakers and emerging leaders worldwide. The program combines pre-fellowship training, foundational learning, mentorship, a practical project, and participation in major Internet community events. Fellows choose one of three tracks: Internet Policy and Mobilization, Internet Connectivity, or Internet Safety and Security. Selected fellows receive a dedicated mentor, a project stipend of up to USD $5,000, travel support to attend a global or regional Internet event such as the IGF or AfPIF, and access to the Internet Society Alumni Network. Applicants must first complete the required pre-fellowship training, hold a valid passport, have strong English proficiency, and be able to dedicate at least four hours per week.

Quick Overview

Item	Details
Program	Internet Society Fellowship Program 2026/2027
Duration	10 months
Stipend	Up to USD $5,000 (project budget)
Format	Virtual training + mentored project + event participation
Eligibility	Global (Internet changemakers and emerging leaders)
Training enrollment deadline	22 November 2026
Fellowship application deadline	18 December 2026

About the Program

The Internet Society Fellowship Program empowers experienced Internet changemakers and emerging leaders to take the next step in their careers and create real impact. The 10-month program gives fellows the resources to turn locally grounded ideas into tangible results and lead lasting change in their communities and across the Internet ecosystem.

It is a structured learning and leadership experience that combines pre-fellowship training, foundational learning, mentorship, a practical project, expert engagement opportunities, and participation in relevant Internet community events. Fellows build knowledge, skills, and networks while working on projects that strengthen and expand the Internet in their communities.

Young African leaders seeking similar career-defining opportunities may also be interested in the YALI Mandela Washington Fellowship for young Africans.

Program Tracks

Track	Focus
Internet Policy and Mobilization	Governance, advocacy, and community mobilization
Internet Connectivity	Expanding and strengthening access
Internet Safety and Security	Trust, safety, and security of the Internet

Eligibility Requirements

The program seeks individuals who are:

• Locally rooted and globally aware — understanding local challenges and connecting them to broader Internet governance, connectivity, security, or trust and safety issues.
• Action-oriented and impact-driven — focused on real-world change through concrete projects, advocacy, training, or community initiatives.
• Collaborative and multistakeholder-minded — able to work across communities, civil society, government, industry, and technical groups.
• Strong communicators — able to explain complex technical, policy, or security concepts in accessible language.
• Evidence-based and strategic — using data, analysis, and clear reasoning to influence decision-makers.
• Committed to long-term public benefit — treating the fellowship as the start of sustained engagement toward an open, trustworthy, and inclusive Internet.

Application Requirements

Requirement	Details
Pre-requisite training	Select a track and sub-track, then complete the training before applying
Project plan	Build a realistic, locally grounded project achievable within the fellowship
English proficiency	High level of reading, speaking, and writing
Reliable Internet access	Continuous access and suitable equipment for virtual sessions
Weekly dedication	Minimum four hours per week over 10 months
Valid passport	Valid at least six months beyond fellowship travel dates
Not a current fellow	Cannot be in a 2026 Internet Society fellowship

Benefits

• A dedicated mentor aligned with the fellow's project area and track.
• A project stipend of up to USD $5,000 (upon approval of the project budget).
• Travel support to attend a global or regional Internet event (IGF, AfPIF, NDSS Symposium, or another program-relevant event).
• Access to a global network of Internet leaders and the Internet Society Alumni Network.

Note: benefits apply only to participants who complete the full application and selection process and are offered a place. Enrolling in the pre-fellowship training does not automatically grant these benefits.

Application Process

To become eligible, participants must enroll in and complete all required pre-fellowship training modules before 22 November 2026. Once completion is confirmed, eligible participants receive the fellowship application link by email within 24 hours. Applications operate on a rolling basis and must be submitted no later than 18 December 2026.

Application Timeline

Period	Milestone
23 Sept 2026 – 22 Nov 2026	Open enrollment for pre-fellowship training (self-paced)
18 December 2026	Fellowship applications close (rolling)
21 Dec 2026 – 29 Jan 2027	Application review and selection
19 February 2027	Notifications and acceptance
22 February 2027	Kick-off and onboarding
1 June 2027 – 30 Nov 2027	Mentored project execution
3 December 2027	Final project delivery
Early December 2027	Graduation ceremony

Entrepreneurship-minded applicants across Africa should also consider the Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship, which supports young African students and recent graduates.

Official Link

Apply and find full details on the official Internet Society Fellowship page.