Internet Society Fellowship Programme 2027 – Up to $5,000 in Project Funding

Some tracks have additional requirements. For example, Community Mobilization requires qualifying membership in an Internet Society group, while the Peering sub-track has regional restrictions. Applicants should read the official requirements for their chosen sub-track before beginning the process.

Funding and Fellowship Benefits

Successful fellows may receive:

• A project stipend of up to US$5,000, subject to submission and approval of the project budget.
• A dedicated mentor aligned with their project and chosen track.
• Travel support to attend a relevant global or regional Internet event.
• Foundational leadership and project-management learning.
• Specialist expert sessions and opportunities for peer learning.
• Access to a global network of Internet leaders and the Internet Society Alumni Network.

The stipend is intended to support an approved fellowship project. It should not be described as an unconditional personal cash award. Benefits are available to selected fellows, not automatically to everyone who registers for the preliminary training.

Application Process

The process begins with the required pre-fellowship training, not with an immediate fellowship application.

Step 1: Review the programme tracks.

Visit the official programme website and choose the track and sub-track that best match your interests, experience and intended project.

Step 2: Enrol in the pre-fellowship training.

Use the official training link available from the programme's tracks page. The training is self-paced and is designed to help participants understand the Internet ecosystem and develop a practical project idea.

Step 3: Complete all required training modules.

The official deadline for completing the required modules is 22 November 2026. Applicants should allow sufficient time to complete the courses and develop their project plan.

Step 4: Receive the fellowship application link.

After completion of the required training is confirmed, eligible participants are expected to receive the fellowship application link by email, normally within 24 hours.

Step 5: Submit the fellowship application.

Complete the application and project proposal using the instructions provided by the Internet Society. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis after applicants become eligible, with the final deadline on 18 December 2026.

Step 6: Await the selection outcome.

The published programme timeline lists the application review period as 21 December 2026 to 29 January 2027, with fellowship notifications scheduled for 19 February 2027.

Step 7: Participate in the fellowship.

The programme's published timeline schedules onboarding for 22 February 2027, mentored project implementation from 1 June to 30 November 2027, final project delivery on 3 December 2027, and graduation in early December 2027.

Important Dates

• Pre-fellowship training completion deadline: 22 November 2026.
• Fellowship application deadline: 18 December 2026.
• Application review and selection: 21 December 2026–29 January 2027.
• Fellowship notifications: 19 February 2027.
• Programme onboarding: 22 February 2027.
• Mentored project implementation: 1 June–30 November 2027.
• Final project delivery: 3 December 2027.

These dates are based on the programme's published timeline. Applicants should check the official website for any updates.

Application Advice

Applicants should develop a focused project idea that addresses a clearly identified Internet-related problem or opportunity. A strong proposal should explain the need being addressed, the intended beneficiaries, the activities to be undertaken, the expected outputs, and how the project could be completed within the fellowship's implementation period.

Choose the track carefully and make sure the proposed project matches its objectives. Applicants should also confirm any sub-track-specific requirements, especially membership conditions and regional restrictions.

Official Verification and Status

The Internet Society's official programme page confirms the programme structure, benefits, training prerequisite and published timeline. As of 28 October 2026, the pre-fellowship training period is open, but participants must complete the required modules by 22 November 2026 to become eligible to apply.

The fellowship application deadline is 18 December 2026. Applicants should use the official Internet Society website as the final authority for eligibility, requirements, programme updates and application instructions.