Important: this round is only for past ICANN Fellows (Fellowship alumni). ICANN says first-time applicants can’t apply for a Policy Forum fellowship. If you’ve never been an ICANN Fellow, see the next round open to first-time applicants and the related opportunities below.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is accepting applications for its Fellowship Program at the ICANN89 Policy Forum in Vancouver, Canada, from 14 to 17 June 2027. Fellows get a mentor, training before, during and after the meeting, and travel assistance to attend. It’s a way into the global community that shapes Internet policy, the domain name system and online security.
Deadline: 5 December 2026, 23:59 UTC (00:59 on 6 December in Lagos, 01:59 in Johannesburg, 02:59 in Nairobi).
At a Glance
| Organiser | ICANN |
| Meeting | ICANN89 Policy Forum, Vancouver, Canada (14–17 June 2027) |
| Who can apply | Past ICANN Fellows (alumni) aged 21 or older, from any region |
| Support | Travel assistance, a mentor and training |
| Deadline | 5 December 2026, 23:59 UTC |
| Results | 16 February 2027 |
Benefits
- Travel assistance to attend the ICANN Public Meeting in Vancouver. See ICANN’s Terms & Conditions for exactly what’s covered.
- A mentor assigned through the Fellowship Program
- Training before, during and after the meeting on ICANN’s work in policy, the domain name system and Internet security
- Networking with ICANN community members and the Fellowship alumni network
- If the meeting moves online, the Fellowship runs virtually with all its key elements
Extra recognition for African fellows: a selected Fellow who lives or works in the African region and has a technical background will be considered for the Paul Muchene Fellow Award. Returning fellows are also considered for the Tarek Kamel Fellowship Recognition.
Eligibility
ICANN says candidates from all regions and sectors are welcome. To apply for the ICANN89 Policy Forum, you must:
- have successfully completed an ICANN Fellowship before, because this round is for alumni only
- be at least 21 years old when you submit your application
- be interested or involved in ICANN’s work on policy, the domain name system, or the security and stability of the Internet
- complete the mandatory ICANN Learn course(s)
- not be involved with another ICANN-supported travel programme at the time of selection
- have received no more than two fellowships before. Second- and third-time fellows must show their involvement in an ICANN community.
If selected, you’ll take part in mentoring, complete further ICANN Learn courses, attend the meeting and all Fellowship sessions, and fill in a post-meeting survey.
Never Been an ICANN Fellow? The Next Round
First-time applicants should watch for the ICANN90 Annual General Meeting fellowship round for Adelaide, Australia (30 October – 4 November 2027). According to ICANN’s schedule, it opens on 22 March 2027 and closes on 22 April 2027 (23:59 UTC).
How to Apply
- Create an ICANN Account if you don’t already have one, because you need it to apply.
- Complete the required ICANN Learn course(s).
- Read the Fellowship Terms & Conditions, Selection Criteria and FAQs on ICANN’s page.
- Submit your application through the official Fellowship portal before 5 December 2026, 23:59 UTC.
Official ICANN Fellowship Program page
Tips
- Show what you did after your first fellowship. ICANN expects returning fellows to prove their involvement in a community such as At-Large, GNSO, ccNSO or GAC work.
- Link it to your region. Explain how you’ll share what you learn with your local Internet community, for example through Internet governance forums or technical groups in your country.
- Leave time for ICANN Learn. Finish the courses before the deadline.
