Job Description

Opportunity Description

The ICANN Fellowship Program 2026 invites applicants from all regions and sectors who are passionate about Internet governance, policy building, and the stability of the global Internet. The program aims to strengthen multistage holder participation by providing opportunities to individuals from underserved and underrepresented communities to become active contributors in the ICANN community.

Selected fellows will be introduced to the workings of the ICANN ecosystem, receive mentorship, and participate in a comprehensive learning process before, during, and after an ICANN Public Meeting. The fellowship covers travel assistance and provides professional networking, capacity-building, and skill-development opportunities in Internet governance.

Short Details in Chart

Host Organization Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
Program Name ICANN Fellowship Program 2026
Eligible Regions All Regions (Global)
Eligible Sectors Technical, Academic, Civil Society, Private Sector, and Government
Fellowship Type Fully Funded (Travel Assistance Included)
Minimum Age Requirement 21 Years
Application Deadline (ICANN86 Policy Forum) 10 December 2025 at 23:59 UTC
Program Location ICANN86 Policy Forum in Seville, Spain
Program Dates 8–11 June 2026
Official Announcement ICANN Fellowship Program

Scholarship Benefits

Selected fellows of the ICANN Fellowship Program 2026 will receive the following benefits:

  • Travel assistance to attend an ICANN Public Meeting
  • Comprehensive training and mentoring before, during, and after the event
  • Access to ICANN Learn courses for skill and knowledge development
  • Networking opportunities with community members, experts, and alumni
  • Post-program engagement with the ICANN community and alumni network

Eligibility for recognition awards such as:

    • Tarek Kamel Fellowship Recognition Award

    • Paul Muchene Fellow Award (for African region participants with a technical background)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements to apply for the ICANN Fellowship Program:

  • Be at least 21 years old

  • Have an interest in or engagement with ICANN’s work, including:

    • Policy building

    • Domain Name System (DNS) operations

    • Global Internet security and stability

  • Complete mandatory ICANN Learn course(s) before selection

  • Must not be involved in or associated with other ICANN-supported travel programs at the time of selection

  • Policy Forum applicants must be ICANN Fellowship alumni (previously completed a fellowship)

  • Must not have received more than two previous fellowships

  • Second and third-time fellows must demonstrate proven engagement within ICANN communities

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents through the ICANN online application system:

  1. ICANN Account registration (mandatory to apply)

  2. Completed online application form

  3. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume

  4. Proof of engagement or interest in Internet governance or related areas

  5. ICANN Learn course completion certificate(s)

  6. Supporting documents (optional) – certificates, publications, or community participation evidence

Fellowship Application Timeline

ICANN Meeting Region Meeting Dates Application Opens Application Closes Announcement Date
ICANN85 Community Forum – Mumbai, India Asia Pacific 7–12 March 2026 22 July 2025 Closed 6 November 2025
ICANN86 Policy Forum – Seville, Spain * Europe 8–11 June 2026 10 November 2025 10 December 2025 5 February 2026
ICANN87 Annual General Meeting – Muscat, Oman Asia Pacific 17–22 October 2026

Application Procedure

  1. Create an ICANN Account on the official portal

  2. Complete the required ICANN Learn courses before applying.

  3. Fill out the Fellowship application form accurately and submit all required documents.

  4. Submit the application before the deadline:

  5. Wait for the selection announcement:

    • Selected fellows will be announced on 5 February 2026 at 23:59 UTC

  6. If the ICANN meeting is held virtually, the Fellowship Program will also be conducted virtually with all key components included.

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