Internet Society Fellowship Program 2026–2027

The Internet Society is inviting motivated, experienced, and emerging Internet changemakers to participate in its Fellowship Program, a structured learning and leadership development opportunity designed to empower individuals to make a meaningful impact on the Internet and their communities.

The 10-month fellowship provides participants with the knowledge, skills, mentorship, resources, and professional networks needed to transform locally grounded ideas into practical projects that strengthen the Internet.

The programme brings together individuals passionate about Internet development, digital inclusion, Internet governance, connectivity, cybersecurity, and online safety.

Through foundational training, expert engagement, mentorship, practical project implementation, and participation in relevant Internet community events, fellows will develop their leadership capabilities and contribute to building a more open, secure, trustworthy, inclusive, and globally connected Internet.

This opportunity is particularly suitable for individuals who want to advance their careers while addressing real-world challenges affecting Internet access, digital rights, infrastructure, and online communities.

About the Fellowship

The Internet Society Fellowship Program combines structured learning with practical project development and implementation.

Selected fellows participate in a programme that includes:

• Pre-Fellowship Training and foundational learning.
• Leadership and professional development.
• Internet ecosystem education.
• Project management and advocacy training.
• Specialized expert sessions related to their selected fellowship track.
• Dedicated mentorship and regular mentor check-ins.
• Practical project development and implementation.
• Opportunities to participate in relevant regional and global Internet events.
• Access to a global community of Internet leaders and the Internet Society Alumni Network.

The fellowship provides participants with an opportunity to develop their expertise, expand their professional networks, and contribute to meaningful Internet-related initiatives.

Fellowship Tracks and Areas of Specialization

Applicants are required to select a fellowship track and a corresponding sub-track that align with their interests, experience, and proposed project.

1. Internet Policy and Mobilization

This track focuses on developing individuals who can influence Internet policies, strengthen advocacy, and mobilize communities to achieve meaningful local impact.

Available sub-tracks:

Internet Policy

• Internet governance and policy development.
• Advocacy for an open and inclusive Internet.
• Internet-related policy research and engagement.
• Strengthening participation in Internet policy discussions.

Community Mobilization

• Community engagement and participation.
• Digital inclusion initiatives.
• Advocacy and awareness campaigns.
• Mobilizing communities around Internet-related challenges.

2. Internet Connectivity

This track focuses on developing technical champions who can contribute to Internet infrastructure, connectivity, and the expansion of Internet access.

Available sub-tracks:

Peering

• Internet interconnection and peering.
• Internet infrastructure development.
• Technical knowledge related to network connectivity.
• Strengthening the Internet ecosystem.

Community-Centered Connectivity

• Expanding Internet access within underserved communities.
• Community networks and connectivity initiatives.
• Developing practical solutions to local connectivity challenges.
• Supporting inclusive and sustainable Internet access.

3. Internet Safety and Security

This track focuses on developing cybersecurity researchers and online safety champions who can contribute to a safer and more trustworthy Internet.

Available sub-tracks:

Systems Security

• Cybersecurity research and technical security.
• Systems protection and security-related challenges.
• Developing practical security solutions.
• Strengthening technical knowledge and capabilities.

Online Trust and Safety

• Online safety and digital trust.
• Community awareness and education.
• Addressing online safety challenges.
• Promoting a safer and more inclusive digital environment.

Fellowship Project Requirements

Every fellow is expected to design and implement a practical project that contributes to advancing the Internet within their community, country, region, or area of expertise.

The project is a central component of the fellowship and will be implemented over six months.

Applicants are expected to develop a realistic, locally grounded project that addresses a clearly identified Internet-related challenge and aligns with the Internet Society’s mission.

The proposed project should include:

• A clearly defined problem or challenge.
• Specific project objectives.
• Planned activities and implementation strategies.
• Expected deliverables and outcomes.
• A realistic implementation timeline.
• A clear explanation of the intended beneficiaries.
• A plan for demonstrating project impact.
• Consideration of sustainability beyond the fellowship.

Project outputs may include:

• Policy briefs and research reports.
• Training programmes and educational initiatives.
• Community engagement activities.
• Workshops and awareness campaigns.
• Technical resources and implementation plans.
• Toolkits and operational guides.
• Internet connectivity initiatives.
• Cybersecurity and online safety projects.
• Advocacy and community mobilization activities.

Fellows will receive mentorship, expert guidance, structured reporting support, and project funding to help implement their initiatives.

Participants will be expected to provide regular progress updates and submit final project outputs demonstrating their work and its impact.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive the following benefits:

Dedicated Mentorship

Each fellow will be assigned a dedicated mentor aligned with their selected project area, fellowship track, and sub-track.

Mentors will provide guidance and support throughout the programme.

Project Funding

Fellows may receive a project stipend of up to USD $5,000, subject to submission and approval of their project budget.

The stipend is intended to support the implementation of their fellowship projects.

Travel Support

Selected fellows will receive travel support to attend a relevant global or regional Internet event.

Examples of relevant events include:

• Internet Governance Forum (IGF).
• Africa Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF).
• NDSS Symposium.
• Other programme-relevant Internet events.

Professional Development

Participants will benefit from structured learning, leadership development, specialized training, expert engagement, and practical project experience.

International Networking

Fellows will have opportunities to connect with Internet professionals, technical experts, advocates, researchers, and other changemakers.

Successful participants will also gain access to the Internet Society Alumni Network.

Important: These benefits are available to individuals who successfully complete the application and selection process and are offered a fellowship place. Completing the pre-fellowship training alone does not guarantee selection or access to fellowship benefits.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete the Required Pre-Fellowship Training

Applicants must enroll in and complete all required Pre-Fellowship Training modules before November 22, 2026.

The training is mandatory and must be completed before an applicant can receive the fellowship application link.

2. Select a Fellowship Track

Applicants must choose a fellowship track and sub-track that align with their interests, experience, and proposed project.

3. Develop a Practical Project Plan

During the training period, applicants will develop a realistic project plan addressing an Internet-related challenge within their community, country, region, or area of expertise.

The proposed project must be achievable within the fellowship’s implementation period.

4. English Language Proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.

5. Reliable Internet Access

Applicants must have reliable Internet access throughout the programme and appropriate equipment to participate in virtual training sessions, meetings, and other programme activities.

6. Weekly Time Commitment

Applicants must be available to participate in weekly programme sessions and dedicate a minimum of four hours per week throughout the 10-month programme.

7. Valid Passport

Applicants must hold a valid passport that remains valid for at least six months beyond the anticipated fellowship-related travel dates.

8. Current Fellowship Restriction

Applicants must not currently be participating in a 2026 Internet Society Fellowship.

Who Should Apply?

The Internet Society is seeking individuals who demonstrate the following qualities:

Community Engagement: Individuals who understand local challenges and can connect them to broader Internet governance, connectivity, cybersecurity, and online safety issues.

Action-Oriented: Applicants who are interested in implementing practical projects and creating measurable change rather than focusing solely on theoretical research.

Collaboration: Individuals who can work effectively with communities, civil society organizations, government institutions, industry, academia, and technical groups.

Communication Skills: Applicants who can communicate technical, policy, or security concepts clearly to different audiences.

Strategic Thinking: Individuals who can use evidence, research, analysis, and practical reasoning to identify challenges and develop effective solutions.

Commitment to Public Benefit: Applicants who are committed to advancing an open, secure, inclusive, and trustworthy Internet and contributing to sustainable community development.

Applicants should demonstrate relevant experience through previous technical projects, advocacy, community organizing, training, research, outreach, or other related activities.

Application Process

The fellowship application process is conducted in stages.

Step 1: Enroll in Pre-Fellowship Training

Applicants must enroll in the required pre-fellowship training programme.

Step 2: Complete the Training Modules

Participants must complete all required modules before the training deadline.

Step 3: Receive the Fellowship Application Link

Once training completion is confirmed, eligible participants will receive the fellowship application link by email within 24 hours.

Step 4: Submit the Fellowship Application

Applicants can submit their applications once they receive the application link.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Step 5: Application Review and Selection

The Internet Society will review submitted applications and conduct the selection process.

Step 6: Receive Fellowship Notification

Successful applicants will receive their fellowship notification and acceptance information.

Step 7: Begin the Fellowship

Selected fellows will participate in onboarding, programme activities, mentorship, and project implementation.

Important Dates and Programme Timeline

September 23, 2026 – November 22, 2026
Pre-Fellowship Training enrollment period. Training is self-paced.

November 22, 2026
Deadline to complete all required pre-fellowship training modules.

December 18, 2026
Final deadline for fellowship applications.

Applications open on a rolling basis as eligible participants complete their training and receive their application links.

December 21, 2026 – January 29, 2027
Fellowship application review and selection process.

February 19, 2027
Fellowship notifications and acceptance.

February 22, 2027
Fellowship kick-off and onboarding.

June 1, 2027 – November 30, 2027
Mentored project execution period.

December 3, 2027
Final project delivery.

Early December 2027
Fellowship graduation ceremony.

Throughout the year, fellows will also participate in relevant conferences and Internet community events, depending on their selected track and sub-track.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should begin by enrolling in the required Pre-Fellowship Training.

Applicants must complete the training before they can receive the fellowship application link.

Official Fellowship Programme Website:
https://www.internetsociety.org/fellowship/

Pre-Fellowship Training Enrollment:
https://learning.internetsociety.org/

Applicants should select their preferred track, complete the required training modules, develop a practical project plan, and submit their fellowship application after receiving the application link.

Application Deadline

December 18, 2026

Applicants must complete their required pre-fellowship training by November 22, 2026 to become eligible to receive the fellowship application link.

Interested individuals are encouraged to begin the training early and prepare their project ideas before the deadline.

Why Participate in the Internet Society Fellowship?

The Internet Society Fellowship Program offers an opportunity for emerging and experienced Internet changemakers to strengthen their professional skills, develop leadership capabilities, and contribute to meaningful Internet-related projects.

Through mentorship, structured training, project funding, expert engagement, and international networking, participants can gain practical experience while addressing challenges affecting Internet connectivity, policy, cybersecurity, digital inclusion, and online safety.

The fellowship is particularly valuable for individuals who want to transform their ideas into practical initiatives that benefit their communities and contribute to a stronger, more open, secure, and globally connected Internet.

Take the next step in your Internet leadership journey.

Enroll in the Pre-Fellowship Training and prepare your application before the deadline.

Pre-Fellowship Training Deadline: November 22, 2026
Fellowship Application Deadline: December 18, 2026

Official Website: https://www.internetsociety.org/fellowship/

Disclaimer: This opportunity is published for informational purposes. The Internet Society is responsible for the fellowship programme, eligibility requirements, application process, selection, and award of benefits. WPJobs is not the recruiting or awarding organization and does not guarantee admission, funding, travel support, or selection.