ICANN Global Fellowship Program for Internet Leaders 2026

Introduction

The ICANN Global Fellowship Program helps new voices join the international internet community. It supports people from underserved regions who want to learn how global internet policies work. This program gives training, mentoring, and full travel support to attend an official ICANN Public Meeting.

About the Fellowship

The Fellowship Program is designed to build a strong and diverse internet community. It introduces new participants to ICANN’s work, including policy development, domain name systems, and global internet stability. Fellows learn through training sessions, workshops, and direct engagement with experts. They also receive a mentor who guides them before, during, and after the meeting.

Host Country

The host country changes with each ICANN Meeting. Each meeting takes place in a different region of the world.

Host University

This is not an academic program, so there is no host university. The host is ICANN, an international organization that manages global internet systems.

Fellowship Type

This is a fully supported professional development fellowship focused on internet governance, policy, and community engagement.

Degree

No academic degree is offered. The program is a training and professional learning experience.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

Be at least 21 years old
Show interest or involvement in ICANN’s work
Complete the required ICANN Learn courses
Not be part of any other ICANN travel support program
For the Policy Forum, applicants must be Fellowship alumni
Must not have received more than two past fellowships
Returning fellows must show active involvement in ICANN communities
Some fellows from Africa with technical backgrounds may qualify for special awards

Fields of Study

This Fellowship is not academic, but it focuses on:

Internet governance
Domain Name System operations
Cybersecurity and stability
Policy development
Community engagement
Technical internet systems

Fellowship Benefits

The program provides:

Full travel support to attend an ICANN Public Meeting
Training before, during, and after the meeting
A personal mentor for guidance
Access to workshops and learning sessions
Networking with global experts
Opportunity to join ICANN communities
Continued engagement after the program

Required Documents

Typical documents include:

ICANN account
Completed application form
Proof of age
CV or professional profile
Evidence of interest or involvement in internet governance
Certificates of completed ICANN Learn courses
Statement of motivation
Proof of past engagement (for returning fellows)

Application Process

Create an ICANN Account
Complete the ICANN Learn courses
Fill out the online application form
Upload the required documents
Submit your application before the deadline
Wait for the official selection announcement

Registration Deadlines

Below is the timeline table based on the provided dates:

ICANN Meeting	ICANN Region	Meeting Dates	Opening of Application Round	Closing of Application Round	Selected Fellows Announced
ICANN85 Community Forum (Mumbai, India)	Asia Pacific	7–12 March 2026	22 July 2025	Closed	6 November 2025
ICANN86 Policy Forum (Seville, Spain) *	Europe	8–11 June 2026	10 November 2025	10 December 2025	5 February 2026
ICANN87 Annual General Meeting (Muscat, Oman)	Asia Pacific	17–22 October 2026	19 March 2026	19 April 2026	18 June 2026

*Only Fellowship alumni may apply for the Policy Forum.

Selection Process

The selection process is based on:

Completed application
Proven interest in internet governance
Completion of ICANN Learn courses
Past engagement in ICANN activities
Regional and sector diversity
Review by the Fellowship Selection Committee
Final approval and announcement by ICANN

Tips to Succeed

Finish all ICANN Learn courses early
Write a clear motivation statement
Show your interest in internet governance
Stay active in community groups
Connect with alumni for guidance
Follow all deadlines carefully
Provide complete and correct information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply?
Anyone at least 21 years old with interest in ICANN’s work.

Is travel included?
Yes, selected fellows receive travel support.

Do I need experience?
No, beginners are welcome, but interest is important.

Is there a fee?
No, the Fellowship is free.

Can I apply more than once?
Yes, but you can receive a maximum of three fellowships.

Why Choose This Fellowship

This Fellowship gives you a chance to join the global internet community, meet experts, learn technical and policy skills, and become part of a worldwide network of passionate internet leaders.

Career and Future Opportunities

After the Fellowship, participants often:

Join ICANN policy groups
Work in internet governance organizations
Take leadership roles in community networks
Contribute to cybersecurity, DNS, or internet policy fields
Participate in global internet events

Student Experiences

Past Fellows say the program helped them:

Grow their confidence
Build international networks
Understand how the global internet works
Start new projects in their communities
Gain skills in leadership and communication

Contact Information

For questions, contact: [email protected]

Conclusion

The ICANN Fellowship Program is a strong opportunity for people who want to be part of the global internet community. It offers training, travel support, mentoring, and a chance to participate in real policy work. If you want to learn, grow, and make an impact, this Fellowship is a great place to start.