The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has opened applications for the Fellowship Program for the ICANN88 Community Forum.
ICANN88 will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, from 13 to 18 March 2027. The fellowship is intended to strengthen participation in ICANN’s multistakeholder community, particularly among individuals from underserved and underrepresented communities.
Fellowship Details
Associated Meeting: ICANN88 Community Forum
Meeting Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Meeting Dates: 13–18 March 2027
Application Opening Date: 21 July 2026
Application Deadline: 21 August 2026 at 23:59 UTC
Selection Results: 10 November 2026
Minimum Age: 21 years
Travel Support: Provided to selected fellows
ICANN Account: Required to apply
About the Fellowship
Selected fellows are introduced to ICANN’s work and its multistakeholder policy-development model. They receive training, mentoring and opportunities to engage with ICANN community members before, during and after the public meeting.
The programme covers areas connected with:
- Internet governance
- Domain Name System policy
- Internet identifiers
- Multistakeholder policy development
- Security and stability of the global Internet
- Digital inclusion and multilingual Internet access
- Participation in ICANN communities and working groups
Who Can Apply?
Candidates from all regions and professional sectors may apply.
Applicants must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be interested in or already engaged with ICANN-related areas
- Have an interest in policy development, the Domain Name System or Internet security and stability
- Complete the mandatory ICANN Learn course or courses
- Not be involved in another ICANN-supported travel programme at the time of selection
- Have previously received no more than two ICANN fellowships
Second- and third-time fellows must demonstrate continuing involvement and engagement in an ICANN community.
Who May Find It Useful?
The opportunity may be particularly useful for:
- Journalists covering technology and digital policy
- Media and communication researchers
- Internet-governance professionals
- Civil-society representatives
- Academics and students
- Technology professionals
- Digital-rights advocates
- Professionals working in cybersecurity, domains or Internet infrastructure
- Individuals working on multilingual and inclusive Internet access
Programme Requirements
Selected fellows are expected to:
- Participate in the fellowship mentoring process
- Complete the required ICANN Learn courses
- Attend ICANN88 and all required fellowship activities
- Participate in fellowship sessions during the meeting
- Network and interact with ICANN community members and programme alumni
- Complete a post-meeting survey
- Remain engaged with relevant ICANN communities after the programme
Travel Assistance
ICANN states that travel assistance is provided for selected fellows to attend the public meeting. Applicants should consult the official terms and conditions for the precise travel, accommodation and participation provisions.
If the meeting is conducted virtually, the Fellowship Program will also be delivered virtually.
How to Apply
1. Open the official ICANN Fellowship Program page.
2. Create or sign in to an ICANN account.
3. Read the eligibility rules, selection criteria and terms and conditions.
4. Complete the required ICANN Learn course or courses.
5. Submit the online fellowship application before the deadline.
Applications close on 21 August 2026 at 23:59 UTC.
Applicants in India should note that this corresponds to 5:29 a.m. IST on 22 August. However, applying well before the official deadline is strongly recommended.
Official Programme Page
Disclaimer
Media Hole shares fellowship and educational opportunities for informational purposes. Dates, eligibility rules, travel provisions and programme requirements may be revised by the organising institution. Applicants must verify all information from the official programme page before applying. Media Hole is not associated with the selection or administration of the fellowship.
How to apply
Create or sign in to an ICANN account and submit the online fellowship application through the official ICANN Fellowship Program page. Applications close on 21 August 2026 at 23:59 UTC.