What Is the ICANN Fellowship Program?
The ICANN Fellowship Program is a prestigious, fully funded initiative designed to bring diverse voices into the heart of global internet governance. ICANN — the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers — plays a critical role in coordinating the internet’s naming and numbering systems. Yet, many communities around the world remain underrepresented in these important conversations. The Fellowship Program exists to change that.
Now open for 2026, the ICANN Fellowship Program invites motivated individuals from underserved and underrepresented communities to become active, informed participants in the ICANN ecosystem. If you care about how the internet is governed and want a seat at the table, this could be a life-changing opportunity.
What Will Fellows Experience?
Selected fellows are immersed in the workings of the ICANN community in a very hands-on way. This is not a passive learning experience — fellows attend real ICANN meetings, engage with policymakers, technical experts, and civil society representatives, and begin building the knowledge and networks they need to contribute meaningfully to internet governance discussions. The program is structured to move participants from observers to active contributors, giving them the tools and exposure needed to sustain long-term engagement even after the fellowship ends.
The experience covers a wide range of topics including domain name policy, DNS security, multistakeholder governance processes, and more. Fellows also benefit from mentorship and peer connections with others who share a passion for an open, stable, and secure internet.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The ICANN Fellowship Program specifically targets individuals who come from communities that are traditionally underrepresented in global internet governance. While you should verify the full eligibility criteria on the official opportunity page, the program generally looks for candidates who:
• Come from underserved geographic regions, particularly developing countries and regions with low ICANN community participation.
• Have a demonstrated interest in internet governance, policy, or related technical or civil society fields.
• Are committed to returning to their communities and actively participating in ICANN processes beyond the fellowship period.
• Have not previously participated in the ICANN Fellowship Program.
• Are able to communicate effectively in English, as the working language of ICANN meetings.
This is a fully funded fellowship, meaning that travel, accommodation, and meeting registration costs are covered for selected fellows, removing financial barriers that often prevent talented individuals from participating in global forums.
Why You Should Apply
Internet governance decisions affect everyone — from how your email is delivered to how domain names are assigned across the globe. Yet the rooms where these decisions are made often lack voices from the Global South, small island nations, civil society, and other underrepresented groups. The ICANN Fellowship is one of the most direct pathways for motivated individuals to enter this space with real support behind them.
Beyond the immediate experience, fellows often go on to become long-term ICANN community participants, regional champions, and even policy contributors. The network you build and the knowledge you gain can shape your career and amplify your community’s voice for years to come.
How to Apply and Key Deadline
Applications for the ICANN Fellowship Program 2026 are currently open. The application deadline is August 21, 2026, so you should not wait to get started. The application process typically requires you to submit information about your background, your interest in internet governance, and how you plan to contribute to and engage with the ICANN community after the fellowship.
Make sure to read all the requirements carefully on the official opportunity page before submitting. Prepare a compelling personal statement that clearly articulates why you are a strong candidate and what unique perspective you bring to the multistakeholder community. Authenticity and genuine commitment to ongoing participation matter greatly to the selection committee.
Ready to apply? Visit the official page here: Apply Now
