Internet Society Fellowship 2027: a mentor, a trip to an international internet event and up to $5,000 for your own project, complete the training by 22 November

The Internet Society (ISOC) has opened applications for its Fellowship Program 2027. This 10-month professional development and leadership initiative is designed for individuals who are actively working to expand, strengthen, and protect the internet within their local communities and regions.

Selected fellows gain access to foundational training, dedicated mentorship, funded participation in a major global or regional internet event, and a project stipend of up to USD 5,000 to execute an independent practical project. Candidates must complete required pre-fellowship training by 22 November 2026 to be considered.

What is funded

The fellowship covers participation in structured learning modules and provides comprehensive backing for individual practical initiatives. Selected fellows receive a dedicated mentor aligned with their track, direct entry into the Internet Society Alumni Network, and travel support to attend an industry event such as the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), African Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF), or the Network and Distributed System Security (NDSS) Symposium.

Fellows can also access project funding of up to USD 5,000, disbursed following the submission and official approval of a detailed project budget. Eligible deliverables include policy briefs, research reports, technical toolkits, community engagement initiatives, workshops, operational guides, and targeted awareness campaigns. Grant funds cannot be used to cover salaries or consulting fees.

Program tracks and focus areas

The program is structured around three core thematic tracks. The Internet Policy and Mobilization track prepares advocates to shape digital policies and engage local communities, featuring sub-tracks in Internet Policy and Community Mobilization. The Internet Connectivity track trains technical specialists across peering infrastructure and community-centered connectivity models.

The third track, Internet Safety and Security, targets cybersecurity researchers and online protection leaders through sub-tracks in Systems Security and Online Trust and Safety. Applicants are required to select the specific category and track that best corresponds to their background and intended practical project.

Conditions and requirements

Participation involves a 10-month structured commitment comprising pre-fellowship training, core modules, sub-track technical sessions, and regular check-ins with assigned mentors. Core coursework addresses leadership, project management, advocacy, communications, and internet governance fundamentals.

A central requirement is the design and execution of an applied project carried out over a six-month duration. Participants must set clear objectives, execute planned activities, maintain regular progress reporting, and produce tangible outputs that address concrete challenges in their target communities.

Practical tip. Align your project budget strictly with direct operational costs, such as workshop logistics or technical materials, because the fellowship guidelines explicitly prohibit using the stipend for salaries or consulting fees.

Who can apply and how to apply

The call is open to individual applicants worldwide, including emerging leaders and experienced internet changemakers. The donor lists no geographic restrictions, though the administrative base of the program is situated in the United States.

To apply, candidates must enroll in and complete the required pre-fellowship training by the deadline of 22 November 2026. Prospective participants must submit their project concept alongside the formal application, noting that enrolment in the initial pre-fellowship course does not guarantee selection for the full fellowship benefits.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: internetsociety.org.