The ICANN Fellowship Program is run by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. Its current round brings fellows to the ICANN88 Community Forum in Lisbon, Portugal, from 13–18 March 2027.
Participants receive preparation, mentoring, training, and opportunities to take part in the ICANN community before, during, and after the public meeting. The program aims to broaden active participation in the multistakeholder system that coordinates key parts of the global Internet.
Benefits & funding
- ICANN books and pays for the lowest available economy airfare for approved travel dates.
- ICANN books and pays for a standard single-occupancy hotel room.
- A stipend of up to USD 500 offsets reasonable meals, airport transport, and incidental expenses.
- Eligible visa costs may be reimbursed up to USD 200.
- Training, mentoring, required program activities, and a completion certificate are included; fellows remain responsible for insurance and expenses beyond the stated support.
Eligibility
- Candidates from every region and sector may apply; there is no nationality or residency restriction.
- Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
- Applicants must be interested in or already engaged with ICANN work, including policy development, Domain Name System operations, or global Internet security and stability.
- Applicants must complete the mandatory ICANN Learn course or courses.
- Applicants must not be involved in another ICANN-supported travel program when selected.
- Applicants may have received no more than two previous ICANN fellowships; second- and third-time fellows must demonstrate active ICANN community involvement.
- The ICANN88 Community Forum round is open to first-time and returning applicants. The alumni-only rule applies to Policy Forum rounds, not this Community Forum round.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Age requirement
≥ 21 yrs
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Application process
- 1Create or sign in to an ICANN Account.
- 2Open the official fellowship application portal during the application window.
- 3Complete the mandatory ICANN Learn course or courses.
- 4Submit the completed English-language online application by 21 August 2026 at 23:59 UTC.
- 5Monitor the ICANN website and application email; successful candidates are scheduled to be announced on 10 November 2026.
Program timeline
Application round opens
21 July 2026
Application deadline
21 August 2026 at 23:59 UTC
Successful candidates announced
10 November 2026
ICANN88 Community Forum and fellowship begin
13 March 2027
ICANN88 Community Forum and fellowship end
18 March 2027