Internet Society Fellowship Program 2027 – Up to $5,000 Project Stipend
The Internet Society Fellowship Program 2027 is a 10-month learning and leadership experience for Internet changemakers and emerging leaders. Selected Fellows receive mentorship, up to USD $5,000 in project funding, travel support for a relevant Internet event, and access to a global network of Internet leaders. Candidates must first complete the required Pre-Fellowship Training before becoming eligible to apply for the Fellowship.
Quick Overview
Programme: Internet Society Fellowship Program
Host Organization: Internet Society
Duration: 10 months
Project Stipend: Up to USD $5,000
Training Completion Deadline: 22 November 2026
Fellowship Application Deadline: 18 December 2026
Programme Kick-Off: 22 February 2027
Mentored Project Execution: 1 June – 30 November 2027
About the Internet Society Fellowship Program 2027
The Internet Society Fellowship Program combines pre-fellowship training, foundational learning, mentorship, a practical project, expert engagement, and participation in relevant Internet community events.
Fellows develop knowledge, skills, capabilities, and professional networks while working on projects that strengthen and expand the Internet in their communities.
The programme is designed for experienced Internet changemakers and emerging leaders who want to turn locally grounded ideas into practical results.
Fellowship Benefits
Applicants who successfully complete the selection process and receive a Fellowship place can access the following confirmed benefits:
✓ A dedicated mentor aligned with the Fellow’s project area and selected track or sub-track
✓ Project stipend of up to USD $5,000, subject to submission and approval of the project budget
✓ Travel support to attend a relevant global or regional Internet event
✓ Access to a global network of Internet leaders
✓ Access to the Internet Society Alumni Network
✓ Expert guidance and structured support during project implementation
Enrolling in the Pre-Fellowship Training alone does not provide access to these Fellowship benefits or guarantee selection.
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Programme Tracks and Sub-Tracks
Applicants select one track and sub-track that aligns with their interests, experience, and proposed project.
The Fellowship offers three main tracks.
Internet Policy and Mobilization
This track focuses on developing advocates who influence Internet policy and mobilize communities for local impact.
Sub-tracks:
• Internet Policy
• Community Mobilization
Internet Connectivity
This track develops technical champions working in areas related to Internet infrastructure and connectivity.
Sub-tracks:
• Peering
• Community-Centered Connectivity
Internet Safety and Security
This track focuses on developing cybersecurity researchers and online safety champions.
Sub-tracks:
• Systems Security
• Online Trust and Safety
Fellowship Project
Every Fellow is expected to design and implement a practical project that advances the Internet within their community, country, region, or area of expertise.
The project is implemented over six months and serves as a central component of the Fellowship.
Fellows receive support through:
✓ Mentorship
✓ Expert guidance
✓ Structured reporting
✓ Project funding
Applicants are expected to define clear project objectives, activities, deliverables, and intended outcomes.
Possible outputs may include policy briefs, research reports, training programmes, workshops, community initiatives, technical resources, implementation plans, awareness campaigns, toolkits, or operational guides.
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Application Requirements
Candidates must meet several programme requirements before and during the Fellowship process.
Applicants must:
• Select a Fellowship track and sub-track.
• Enrol in and complete all required Pre-Fellowship Training modules.
• Develop a realistic and locally grounded project plan aligned with the Internet Society’s mission.
• Have a high level of English reading, speaking, and writing proficiency.
• Have reliable Internet access and suitable equipment for virtual sessions and calls.
• Be available for weekly sessions.
• Dedicate at least four hours per week during the 10-month programme.
• Hold a valid passport that remains valid for at least six months beyond anticipated Fellowship-related travel dates.
• Not currently participate in a 2026 Internet Society fellowship.
During the Pre-Fellowship Training period, prospective applicants develop relevant knowledge and prepare their proposed project plan.
Who the Programme Is Looking For
The Internet Society identifies several qualities it seeks in prospective Fellows.
Candidates should be:
• Locally rooted while understanding wider Internet issues
• Focused on practical action and measurable impact
• Able to collaborate across different communities and stakeholder groups
• Strong communicators
• Evidence-based and strategic in their approach
• Committed to long-term public benefit
Relevant previous experience may include advocacy, technical projects, community organising, training, research, outreach, coalition building, or work across government, civil society, industry, academia, and technical communities.
Programme Modules
The Fellowship includes a Foundational Leadership Core Module covering:
• Introduction to the Internet Society
• The Internet Ecosystem
• Leadership
• Project Management
• Advocacy
• Communications
Fellows also participate in sub-track-specific expert sessions and mentor check-ins.
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Application Process
Candidates cannot submit a Fellowship application before completing the required Pre-Fellowship Training.
The applicant journey follows these stages:
• Enrol in Pre-Fellowship Training.
• Complete all required training modules.
• Receive the Fellowship application link by email after confirmed completion.
• Submit the Fellowship application.
• Participate in the application review and selection process.
• Receive the Fellowship outcome.
• Begin the Fellowship if selected.
Eligible participants receive the Fellowship application link by email within 24 hours after their training completion is confirmed.
Applications operate on a rolling basis. Eligible participants may submit their application as soon as they receive the link.
Important Dates
• 23 September – 22 November 2026: Pre-Fellowship Training open enrollment period
• 22 November 2026: Required training must be completed
• 18 December 2026: Fellowship applications close
• 21 December 2026 – 29 January 2027: Application review and selection
• 19 February 2027: Fellowship notifications and acceptance
• 22 February 2027: Kick-off and onboarding
• 1 June – 30 November 2027: Mentored project execution
• 3 December 2027: Final project delivery
• Early December 2027: Graduation ceremony
Application Deadline
Candidates must complete all required Pre-Fellowship Training modules before:
22 November 2026
Eligible participants who complete the training can submit their Fellowship application on a rolling basis until:
18 December 2026
Official Link
Review the official programme details and follow the application instructions provided on the official page.
