Internet Society Fellowship Program 2027

The Internet Society Fellowship Program 2027 is a 10 month learning, leadership and practical project programme designed for Internet changemakers and emerging leaders who want to create meaningful impact in their communities and contribute to a stronger, more open, globally connected and secure Internet.

Organised by the Internet Society, the programme brings together training, mentorship, project development, expert engagement and participation in relevant Internet community events. Fellows will develop practical knowledge and leadership skills while working on locally grounded projects addressing challenges related to Internet policy, connectivity, safety and security.

For the 2027 cohort, the programme will welcome 90 fellows across three main tracks: Internet Policy and Mobilization, Internet Connectivity, and Internet Safety and Security. Each track includes specialised sub tracks that allow fellows to develop expertise in areas aligned with their interests and proposed projects.

The programme begins with a free pre fellowship training and project development experience. Participants must complete the required training modules before they can submit a Fellowship application. The training period provides participants with foundational knowledge and helps them develop a realistic project plan aligned with the Internet Society's mission.

About the Fellowship

The Internet Society Fellowship Program is structured around learning, mentorship and practical implementation. Rather than focusing only on academic learning, the programme requires each selected fellow to design and implement a practical project that addresses an Internet related challenge in their community, country, region or area of expertise.

The mentored project implementation period runs from June 1 to November 30, 2027. Projects can take different forms depending on the selected track, including policy initiatives, research projects, training programmes, community engagement activities, technical deployments, awareness campaigns, toolkits, implementation plans and practical Internet resources.

Fellows will participate in foundational leadership learning covering the Internet ecosystem, leadership, project management, advocacy and communications. They will also receive specialised sessions connected to their chosen sub track and regular mentor support.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• Dedicated mentorship aligned with their project and selected fellowship track

• Project stipend of up to USD 5,000, subject to submission and approval of a project budget

• Travel support to attend a relevant global or regional Internet event

• Opportunities to participate in relevant Internet community events

• Expert engagement and specialised learning sessions

• Access to a global network of Internet leaders

• Membership opportunities through the Internet Society Alumni Network

• Structured leadership, advocacy, communications and project management learning

• Support for practical project implementation and reporting

• Certificate of completion for the pre fellowship training.

Programme Tracks

The Internet Society Fellowship Program has three main tracks.

Internet Policy and Mobilization

This track supports people working to influence Internet policies and mobilize communities for local impact.

Sub tracks include:

• Internet Policy

• Community Mobilization

Internet Connectivity

This track develops technical champions working on Internet infrastructure and connectivity.

Sub tracks include:

• Peering

• Community Centered Connectivity

Internet Safety and Security

This track supports cybersecurity researchers and people working to improve online trust and safety.

Sub tracks include:

• Systems Security

• Online Trust and Safety

Applicants are expected to select the track and sub track that best matches their experience, interests and proposed project.

Eligibility Criteria

The programme is looking for individuals who demonstrate the following qualities:

• Understanding of local Internet challenges and awareness of wider global issues related to Internet governance, connectivity, security or online trust and safety

• An action oriented approach focused on practical projects, advocacy, training or community initiatives

• Ability to work collaboratively with civil society, government, industry, technical communities and other stakeholders

• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain complex technical, policy or security concepts clearly

• Evidence based and strategic thinking

• Commitment to long term public benefit and an open, trustworthy and inclusive Internet

• High level reading, speaking and writing proficiency in English

• Reliable Internet access and suitable equipment for virtual training sessions and programme calls

• Availability to participate in weekly programme activities and dedicate at least four hours per week throughout the programme

• A valid passport that remains valid for at least six months beyond anticipated fellowship related travel dates

• Completion of all required pre fellowship training modules before applying

• Applicants must not be current participants in the 2026 Internet Society Fellowship

Required Application Materials

Applicants should prepare:

• Completion of the required pre fellowship training modules

• A selected fellowship track and sub track

• A realistic project plan developed during the training period

• Evidence of relevant experience, expertise and community engagement

• Information demonstrating how the proposed project addresses a practical Internet challenge

• A valid passport meeting the programme travel validity requirement

• Sufficient English language proficiency for participation in the programme

Fellowship Timeline

• September 23, 2026: Pre fellowship training enrollment opens

• November 22, 2026: Deadline to complete the required pre fellowship training modules

• December 18, 2026: Fellowship applications close

• December 21, 2026 to January 29, 2027: Application review and selection

• February 19, 2027: Fellowship notifications and acceptance

• February 22, 2027: Fellowship kickoff and onboarding

• June 1 to November 30, 2027: Mentored project implementation

• December 3, 2027: Final project delivery

• Early December 2027: Graduation ceremony

How to Apply

1. Review the Internet Society Fellowship Program and select the track and sub track that best match your interests and experience.
2. Enroll in the required free pre fellowship training before November 22, 2026.
3. Complete all required training modules and participate in the project development experience.
4. Develop a realistic project plan addressing a relevant Internet challenge in your community, country, region or area of expertise.
5. Once training completion is confirmed, wait for the Fellowship application link, which is sent by email within 24 hours.
6. Complete and submit the Fellowship application as soon as possible after receiving the application link.
7. Submit the application no later than December 18, 2026.
8. Participate in the selection process and await the Fellowship outcome.
9. If selected, complete onboarding and participate in the 2027 Fellowship programme, including mentorship, learning activities and practical project implementation.