Internet Society Fellowship Program 2027

Scholarship Details

Introduction

Applications are open for the Internet Society Fellowship Program 2027, a leadership and project-development opportunity for people who want to improve internet access, strengthen internet infrastructure, influence internet policy, or make the online world safer.

Organised by the Internet Society, the programme brings together online training, leadership development, expert sessions, dedicated mentorship, practical project implementation, and opportunities to participate in relevant internet community events.

The fellowship is designed for people who understand challenges in their communities and want to turn practical ideas into measurable results. It welcomes early-career professionals, mid-career practitioners, and experienced leaders working across internet policy, connectivity, cybersecurity, online trust and safety, and community mobilisation.

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For the 2027 programme, the Internet Society plans to welcome 90 fellows across three main tracks. Participants must first complete the required pre-fellowship training and develop a project proposal before they can apply for the competitive fellowship selection process.

Opportunity: Internet Society Fellowship Program 2027
Host organisation: Internet Society
Programme duration: 10 months
Project funding: Up to US$5,000 for approved direct project costs
Who can explore the opportunity: People interested in internet policy, connectivity, internet safety and security
Training deadline: 22 November 2026
Fellowship application deadline: 18 December 2026

Benefits

Selected fellows will receive a structured development experience and support to implement a practical project addressing an internet-related challenge.

1. Project funding of up to US$5,000

Selected fellows may apply for a project stipend of up to US$5,000 to cover justified direct costs associated with implementing their projects. Funding is subject to submission and approval of the proposed project budget and activities; the maximum amount is not guaranteed to every fellow.

Eligible project expenses may include workshop costs, printing, local transportation, minor equipment hire, and other direct implementation expenses. The stipend is intended to support the project rather than provide personal compensation, salaries, or consulting fees.

2. Dedicated mentorship

Each selected fellow is paired with a dedicated, professionally trained mentor aligned with their project area and chosen fellowship track. Mentors provide guidance and support during project planning and implementation.

3. Travel support

Fellows receive travel support to attend a global or regional internet-related event relevant to their track. Examples include the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), Africa Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF), the NDSS Symposium, or another programme-relevant event.

The specific event and arrangements may depend on the selected track and programme circumstances.

4. Professional training and leadership development

The programme combines foundational learning with specialist training, expert engagement, peer learning, and mentor check-ins. Participants develop practical knowledge and skills in leadership, project management, advocacy, communications, and their chosen internet-related field.

5. Practical project experience

Every fellow is expected to design and implement a project that advances the internet in their community, country, region, or area of expertise. This gives participants an opportunity to apply their knowledge to a real challenge and demonstrate tangible results.

6. International networking opportunities

Fellows join a network of people working to strengthen the internet around the world. After completing the programme, graduates can join the Internet Society Alumni Network, which offers opportunities for continued engagement, learning, networking, collaboration, and possible involvement in future fellowship activities.

7. Certificate from pre-fellowship training

People who successfully complete the required pre-fellowship training receive a certificate of completion and develop a practical project plan. This benefit is available through the training pathway and does not mean that the participant has been selected as a fellow.

Important: Completing the training does not guarantee a fellowship place or access to the fellowship’s funding and travel benefits.

Eligibility

The Internet Society Fellowship Program is intended for people interested in building their skills and creating practical improvements in the internet ecosystem. The official programme does not restrict the overall opportunity to university students or to a specific age group.

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Complete the required training: Enrol in the pre-fellowship training, choose one track and one sub-track, complete the required modules, and develop a project plan before applying.
• Have a practical project idea: Develop a realistic project addressing an internet-related challenge and aligning with the Internet Society’s mission.
• Demonstrate English proficiency: Applicants need strong English reading, speaking, and writing skills.
• Have reliable internet access: Participants need continuous internet access and suitable equipment for online training, virtual sessions, and calls.
• Commit the required time: Applicants must be available for weekly programme sessions and able to dedicate at least four hours per week during the programme. Project implementation may require additional time.
• Hold a valid passport: Applicants must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond anticipated fellowship-related travel dates.
• Not be a current 2026 fellow: People currently participating in an Internet Society Fellowship in 2026 are not eligible to apply for this cycle.

The programme seeks people who are locally rooted but globally aware, action-oriented, collaborative, strong communicators, evidence-based in their decision-making, and committed to long-term public benefit.

Applicants should be able to explain how their work relates to issues such as internet governance, connectivity, cybersecurity, online trust and safety, or inclusive access to the internet.

Can Nigerians apply?

Nigerians can explore the programme and enrol in the pre-fellowship training, subject to the requirements of the chosen track and sub-track. The overall programme is open to people interested in its subject areas, but some specialist tracks have geographic restrictions. For example, the Peering sub-track is open to applicants from Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, or the Asia-Pacific region.

Review the track requirements before selecting your training pathway.

Available Fellowship Tracks

Applicants must choose the track and sub-track that best match their experience, interests, and proposed project. Participants may enrol in only one track and sub-track per cycle.

1. Internet Policy and Mobilization

This track develops people who want to influence internet policy and mobilise communities to achieve local impact.

Its sub-tracks are:

• Internet Policy: For people interested in internet policy, governance, advocacy, and influencing decisions that shape the internet.
• Community Mobilization: For people who want to organise communities and work with stakeholders to address internet-related challenges.

2. Internet Connectivity

This track focuses on expanding and strengthening internet infrastructure, peering, and community-centred connectivity.

Its sub-tracks are:

• Peering: Focuses on internet interconnection and peering. Applicants must be from Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, or the Asia-Pacific region.
• Community-Centered Connectivity: Focuses on connectivity approaches designed around community needs, including community networks and related initiatives.

3. Internet Safety and Security

This track supports people working to improve cybersecurity, system security, and online safety.

Its sub-tracks are:

• Systems Security: For people interested in security research and protecting internet-connected systems.
• Online Trust and Safety: For people working to make online spaces safer and more trustworthy.

The training and specialist sessions vary according to the selected track and sub-track. Review the official track descriptions to determine which option best fits your background and project idea.

Fellowship Project Requirements

A practical project is central to the fellowship. Each fellow must develop and implement a project that contributes to a stronger, more open, globally connected, and secure internet.

The project is implemented over approximately six months, with mentored project execution scheduled from 1 June to 30 November 2027.

Fellows are expected to define clear objectives, activities, deliverables, and intended outcomes. They must also report progress and provide final outputs demonstrating the project’s work and impact.

Possible outputs include:

• Policy briefs and research reports
• Training programmes and workshops
• Community engagement initiatives
• Technical resources and implementation plans
• Awareness campaigns and toolkits
• Operational guides and other practical resources

Projects should address a clearly defined need, be realistic within the fellowship timeline and available resources, and demonstrate alignment with the Internet Society’s mission.

Participants should also explain how their projects may continue, expand, or benefit their communities after the fellowship ends.

Pre-Fellowship Training

Before applying for the fellowship itself, prospective applicants must complete the required pre-fellowship training. The training is self-paced and is intended to prepare participants with relevant knowledge while helping them develop their project proposals.

The training period runs from 23 September to 22 November 2026. Participants should expect to spend approximately 30 hours on the courses, excluding time spent developing their project proposals.

The training includes foundational topics such as:

• Introduction to the Internet Society
• The internet ecosystem
• Internet governance and related internet concepts
• Leadership
• Project management
• Advocacy
• Communications
• Grant application and project implementation
• Track-specific learning and expert sessions

The exact required courses depend on the chosen track and sub-track and may be subject to programme updates.

People who complete the training but are not selected as fellows retain their project plans and may continue developing them independently or apply again in a future cycle, provided their training remains current.

Deadline

Applicants should pay close attention to the two separate deadlines: one for completing the training and another for submitting the fellowship application.

• 23 September 2026: Pre-fellowship training enrolment opens.
• 22 November 2026: Deadline to enrol in and complete all required pre-fellowship training modules.
• 18 December 2026: Final deadline for fellowship applications.
• 21 December 2026 – 29 January 2027: Fellowship application review and selection.
• 19 February 2027: Fellowship notifications and acceptance.
• 22 February 2027: Programme kick-off and onboarding.
• 1 June – 30 November 2027: Mentored project implementation.
• 3 December 2027: Final project delivery.
• Early December 2027: Graduation ceremony.

Applications are handled on a rolling basis. Once a participant completes the required training, the fellowship application link is expected to arrive by email within 24 hours. Applicants should submit as soon as they are eligible rather than wait until the final day.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to pursue the Internet Society Fellowship Program 2027:

Step 1: Visit the official fellowship website.
Go to https://www.internetsociety.org/fellowship/ and read the programme information.

Step 2: Select your track and sub-track.
Choose one option that matches your interests, experience, and the type of internet-related challenge you want to address.

Step 3: Enrol in the pre-fellowship training.
Use the official website’s training enrolment link. Make sure you enrol early enough to complete all required modules before 22 November 2026.

Step 4: Complete the required courses.
Work through the foundational and track-specific modules. Allow approximately 30 hours for the courses, plus additional time to develop your project proposal.

Step 5: Develop a realistic project plan.
Identify a specific problem, explain who will benefit, outline your proposed activities and deliverables, and describe how you will measure results. Your project should be achievable within the programme’s timeframe and aligned with the Internet Society’s mission.

Step 6: Receive the fellowship application link.
After your training completion is confirmed, the application link should be sent to you by email within 24 hours.

Step 7: Submit your fellowship application.
Complete the application carefully and submit it no later than 18 December 2026.

Step 8: Wait for the selection outcome.
Applications will be reviewed from 21 December 2026 to 29 January 2027. Fellowship notifications and acceptance are scheduled for 19 February 2027.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Focus on a specific problem and propose a practical, achievable solution.
• Demonstrate relevant experience through advocacy, technical work, research, training, community organising, or outreach.
• Explain your relationships with the community and the people who will benefit from your project.
• Show how you can collaborate with other stakeholders, including civil society, government, industry, academia, and technical communities.
• Explain how your project could continue or expand after the fellowship.
• Demonstrate a clear connection between your goals and the Internet Society’s mission.

Important AI-use policy: The Internet Society permits generative AI tools for brainstorming or structural editing, but short-answer essays and project proposals must reflect your own insights and authentic personal experience. The organisation reserves the right to use algorithmic text-verification systems. Plagiarism or uncredited AI-generated narratives may result in disqualification. Use writing tools responsibly and ensure your application represents your own work.

Conclusion

The Internet Society Fellowship Program 2027 is an opportunity for people who want to turn ideas about internet policy, connectivity, cybersecurity, or online safety into practical community impact. Selected fellows can access mentorship, travel support, international networking, and project funding of up to US$5,000 for approved direct costs.

The most important first step is to complete the required pre-fellowship training by 22 November 2026. Training completion makes you eligible to apply, but selection is competitive and does not guarantee a fellowship place.

Frequently asked questions:
https://www.internetsociety.org/fellowship/faq/

Fellowship tracks and sub-tracks:
https://www.internetsociety.org/fellowship/tracks/

Review the official website for the latest instructions and complete the required training before submitting your fellowship application.