Fully Funded to Mumbai, India & Open to all Nationalities: Apply for the ICANN Fellowship Program 2026 – Strengthening Global Internet Governance

About the Program

The ICANN Fellowship Program is a global initiative developed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to enhance participation from individuals in underserved and underrepresented communities. Its primary aim is to build a more inclusive, diverse, and sustainable multistakeholder model for Internet governance.

Through the Fellowship, participants known as Fellows are introduced to the operations, structure, and policy development processes of ICANN. They receive mentorship, undergo targeted training, and engage with various Internet governance stakeholders before, during, and after an ICANN Public Meeting. All selected Fellows are supported with travel assistance (or equivalent virtual participation resources, if the meeting is held online).

ICANN Fellowship alumni come from a wide range of backgrounds and regions. Many go on to become active contributors in ICANN’s working groups, policy development communities, and other Internet governance forums.

Eligibility Criteria

The ICANN Fellowship Program is open to candidates from all global regions and professional sectors. To be considered for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 21 years old at the time of application
• Be interested in or currently involved in ICANN’s areas of work, including:
  • Policy development
  • The Domain Name System (DNS)
  • Global Internet stability and security
• Complete the required ICANN Learn courses as part of the application process
• Not be simultaneously participating in another ICANN-funded travel program at the time of selection

Additional rules apply based on an applicant’s previous participation:

• First-time applicants are welcome and encouraged
• Second- and third-time Fellows must provide evidence of meaningful engagement in ICANN-related work since their last fellowship
• To apply for a Policy Forum Fellowship, candidates must already be a Fellowship alumnus

Recognition Opportunities

In addition to participation, the ICANN Fellowship Program offers two special recognitions:

• Tarek Kamel Fellowship Recognition: Honors returning Fellows who demonstrate exceptional commitment to building Internet governance capacity in their regions.
• Paul Muchene Fellow Award: Given to a technically skilled applicant from the African region in memory of Paul Muchene, a former Fellow and ICANN staff member.

Program Expectations & Requirements

Selected Fellows are expected to fulfill several obligations before, during, and after the ICANN Public Meeting. These include:

• Active participation in mentoring and knowledge-sharing sessions
• Completion of mandatory ICANN Learn training modules
• Attendance at all Fellowship and community sessions during the meeting
• Participation in networking opportunities with ICANN community members and alumni
• Submission of a post-meeting feedback survey
• Ongoing involvement in ICANN’s policy or stakeholder groups after the program ends

The Fellowship Program is not simply a one-time event—it is a pathway to sustained engagement with Internet governance processes.

Application Process

To apply, candidates must have an ICANN account and submit an application during an open application round. Each round is associated with a specific ICANN Public Meeting.

Current Open Round:

• Event: ICANN85 Community Forum
• Location: Mumbai, India
• Dates: 7–12 March 2026
• Application Deadline: 22 August 2025 at 23:59 UTC
• Announcement of Selected Fellows: 6 November 2025

If the meeting is conducted virtually, the Fellowship Program will also be delivered online with all key program elements intact.

Key Links and Resources

Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult the following:

• Fellowship Program FAQs
• Terms & Conditions
• Selection Criteria
• Mentorship Overview
• List of Past Fellows
• Fellowship Statistics
• Tarek Kamel and Paul Muchene Awards
• Fellowship Alumni Reports and Surveys

Contact & Support

For any inquiries or technical difficulties related to the application process, applicants may contact the ICANN Fellowship team directly at:
[email protected]

Final Note

The ICANN Fellowship Program represents a critical step in ensuring equitable participation in global Internet governance. By welcoming voices from diverse regions and communities, ICANN continues to build a more inclusive Internet that reflects the values of openness, transparency, and collaboration. Interested individuals are strongly encouraged to apply, prepare thoroughly, and contribute meaningfully to the future of the Internet.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the awarding organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding