The Peering Fellowship is run by the Internet Society (ISOC) to strengthen local Internet interconnection infrastructure and the policy environment around it. Each cycle equips a cohort of 20 peering and interconnection professionals with skills, knowledge, and tools to tackle interconnection challenges and grow the Internet in their region. The six-month program blends virtual sessions with attendance at one in-person regional peering event, where fellows connect with the global peering community. It is part of the Internet Society’s wider effort to make Internet access more affordable, reliable, and resilient. Fellows are expected to translate what they learn into local impact in their own country or region.
Benefits & funding
- Six-month structured program of online sessions, collaborative forums, and technical training on routing, IXPs, and Internet policy.
- Sponsored attendance at one regionally relevant, in-person peering event.
- Travel support: a round-trip air ticket to the assigned peering event, hotel accommodation for the duration of the event, and a fixed stipend for additional needs during the event.
- Access to a network of experienced peering professionals and Internet leaders for mentorship and long-term collaboration.
- Note: the Internet Society does not cover visa-related costs; travel arrangements are fixed to the scheduled event dates.
Eligibility
- Be based or living in Africa, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), or the Middle East. Applicants from Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States are especially encouraged.
- Able to attend the in-person peering event held in your region of residence.
- At least 3 years of experience in Internet infrastructure and development — for example network building, network operations, Internet routing, Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), peering/interconnection operations, or national or regional Internet policy.
- Basic comprehension and communication in English.
- Able to fully commit to the six-month program, roughly 4–6 hours per week, and deliver assigned work.
- Available for virtual sessions scheduled between 12:00 and 16:00 UTC, with a reliable Internet connection and a suitable device.
- Not previously selected as a Peering or AfPIF fellow, and not selected as any Internet Society fellow from 2024 onward.
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We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Submit an application through the official Peering Fellowship page during the open call (applications for the 2026 cycle ran 27 April – 17 May 2026).
- 2Submissions pass through two separate review committees; reviewers do not see names, gender, contact details, or other personal identifiers.
- 3Selected and non-selected applicants are notified after review (late June for the 2026 cycle).
- 4Selected fellows join the six-month program and are assigned to the peering event in their region of residence.
Program timeline
Applications open
Apr 27, 2026
Applications close
May 17, 2026
Review of submissions
May 18, 2026 to Jun 19, 2026
Selection notification
Late June 2026
Virtual content coverage
2026-07 to 2026-12
AfPIF peering event — Kigali, Rwanda (Africa fellows)
Aug 18, 2026 to Aug 21, 2026
LACNIC/LACNOG peering event — Mendoza, Argentina (LAC fellows)
Oct 19, 2026 to Oct 22, 2026
Peering Asia — Osaka, Japan (APAC fellows)
Nov 2, 2026 to Nov 6, 2026
Program closing (Middle East event to be confirmed)
December 2026