The Internet Society Fellowship Program 2027 is a 10-month programme that pairs mentoring with a practical project in Internet policy, connectivity or security. Applicants must finish the pre-fellowship training by 22 November 2026, and applications close on 18 December 2026. Selected fellows can receive a project stipend of up to USD 5,000, subject to an approved budget.
At a glance
| Organizer | Internet Society |
| Training deadline | 22 November 2026 (training must be completed before this date) |
| Application closes | 18 December 2026 (time zone not stated) |
| Who can apply | Applicants who complete the training, choose a track and meet the requirements below |
| Benefits | Mentor, project stipend of up to USD 5,000, travel support, alumni network |
| Format | 10 months, at least 4 hours per week, project executed 1 June to 30 November 2027 |
| Cost to apply | No application fee is mentioned on the programme page |
| Official page | internetsociety.org/fellowship |
Who can apply?
The programme page lists these requirements for the 2027 cycle:
- Enroll in and complete all required Pre-Fellowship Training modules before 22 November 2026.
- Select a track and sub-track.
- A high level of English reading, speaking and writing.
- Continuous, reliable Internet access and suitable equipment.
- At least four hours per week for the 10-month programme.
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond the anticipated travel dates.
- Not currently taking part in a 2026 Internet Society fellowship.
The page does not state an age limit or a list of eligible countries. The three tracks are Internet Policy and Mobilization (Internet Policy, Community Mobilization), Internet Connectivity (Peering, Community-Centered Connectivity) and Internet Safety and Security (Systems Security, Online Trust and Safety). Track details are on the Internet Society site.
What do selected fellows get?
As listed on the programme page for this cycle, selected fellows receive:
- A dedicated mentor matched to their track and project area.
- A project stipend of up to USD 5,000, subject to an approved budget.
- Travel support for a global or regional Internet event such as IGF, AfPIF or the NDSS Symposium.
- Access to a global leadership network and the Internet Society Alumni Network.
Enrolling in the training does not guarantee any of these benefits.
How to apply
- Enroll in the Pre-Fellowship Training on the Internet Society learning platform.
- Complete all required modules before 22 November 2026. During the training you build a locally grounded project plan that can be achieved within the fellowship period.
- Check your email. The application link is sent within 24 hours of completing the training.
- Submit the application by 18 December 2026.
- Wait for review and selection (21 December 2026 to 29 January 2027). Notifications go out on 19 February 2027 and onboarding starts on 22 February 2027.
Official programme page: internetsociety.org/fellowship.
Advice from the al-khwarizmi team
- If you work in security or privacy, read the Internet Safety and Security track first. Its sub-tracks, Systems Security and Online Trust and Safety, are where a practical, locally grounded project is easiest to define.
- Scope a project you can deliver by the final project date, 3 December 2027. The programme asks for a plan that fits the fellowship period.
- Start the training early. The deadline to finish it comes four weeks before applications close, and the application link only arrives after you complete it.
- Write in your own words. The page limits AI use to brainstorming or structural editing and expects submissions to reflect your own insights.
- Check your passport now. It must remain valid for at least six months beyond anticipated travel dates.
FAQ
Which deadline matters, 22 November or 18 December 2026?
Both. The training must be completed by 22 November 2026 to be eligible, and the application itself closes on 18 December 2026.
Is there a fee to apply?
No application fee is mentioned on the programme page.
Are there country or age limits?
The programme page does not list any. Check the official FAQ before you apply.
Can I use AI tools for my application?
Only for brainstorming or structural editing. Submissions must reflect your own insights.
