ICANN Fellowship Program 2026: Fully Funded Global Internet Governance Opportunity

The ICANN Fellowship Program 2026 is now open, offering a fully funded opportunity for individuals interested in internet governance, digital policy, and global tech systems.

This prestigious program enables participants from around the world to attend ICANN public meetings, receive mentorship, and actively engage in shaping the future of the internet.

About the Fellowship

The ICANN Fellowship Program is designed to:

• Support individuals from underserved and underrepresented regions
• Build capacity in internet governance and policy development
• Promote participation in ICANN’s global multistakeholder community

Fellows receive structured training before, during, and after the ICANN meeting, along with mentorship and networking opportunities. (ICANN)

Program Overview (ICANN87 – 2026 Cycle)

• Event: ICANN87 Annual General Meeting
• Dates: October 17–22, 2026
• Location: Muscat
• Type: Fully funded fellowship linked to global conference

Selected fellows will attend the meeting physically (or virtually if required).

Financial Coverage

The ICANN Fellowship is fully funded, including:

• International travel support
• Accommodation
• Meeting participation costs
• Mentorship and training

This makes it accessible to applicants from developing countries, including Nepal.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Have interest or involvement in:
  • Internet governance
  • Domain Name System (DNS)
  • Digital policy and security
• Not be currently involved in other ICANN-funded travel programs
• Be willing to complete required training and actively participate

The program is open to all nationalities and sectors.

Application Deadline (Important)

• Deadline: April 19, 2026 (23:59 UTC)
• Application Opened: March 19, 2026

Selected fellows will be announced on June 18, 2026.

What Fellows Do

Participants will:

• Attend ICANN public meetings and sessions
• Engage with global stakeholders (government, private sector, civil society)
• Learn about internet infrastructure and policymaking
• Build networks with global experts

Fellows are also expected to continue contributing to ICANN communities after the program.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The ICANN Fellowship is one of the few global programs focused specifically on internet governance, a rapidly growing field.

It provides:

• Direct exposure to global digital policy discussions
• Access to international experts and institutions
• Career pathways in:
  • Tech policy
  • Cybersecurity
  • Digital governance
  • International organizations

Important Insight

This is not a typical academic fellowship—it is:

• Policy and community engagement focused
• Highly suitable for individuals interested in technology + governance intersection
• A strong entry point into global organizations like:
  • ICANN
  • Internet governance forums
  • Digital policy institutions

Final Insight

The ICANN Fellowship 2026 is a high-impact, fully funded opportunity for those who want to be part of shaping the future of the global internet.

With strong mentorship, global exposure, and policy engagement, it is an excellent platform for building a career in digital governance and international tech policy.