The Internet Society (ISOC) is accepting trainees for its new Internet Society Fellowship Program. This free, 10-month leadership programme helps people turn locally grounded ideas into practical projects that strengthen the Internet in their communities. Selected fellows receive a project stipend of up to USD 5,000, a dedicated mentor and travel support to a global or regional Internet event.
Key deadlines: to be eligible to apply, you must complete the self-paced Pre-Fellowship Training by 22 November 2026. Fellowship applications close on 18 December 2026.
About the Internet Society Fellowship Program
The programme combines pre-fellowship training, foundational leadership learning, mentorship, a practical project, expert sessions and participation in Internet community events. It replaces ISOC’s earlier separate fellowships, including the Early Career Fellowship, Youth Ambassador Program, Community Advocacy Fellowship, Peering Fellowship and Mid Career Fellowship, with one unified programme.
The centrepiece is a six-month mentored project that advances the Internet in your community, country, region or area of expertise. Possible outputs include policy briefs, research reports, training programmes, community initiatives, technical resources, toolkits and awareness campaigns.
Benefits for Selected Fellows
- A project stipend of up to USD 5,000, paid once your project budget is submitted and approved
- A dedicated mentor matched to your project area and track
- Travel support to attend a global or regional Internet event, such as the IGF, AfPIF or the NDSS Symposium
- Membership of a global network of Internet leaders and the Internet Society Alumni Network
- Leadership training in project management, advocacy and communications, plus expert sessions for your sub-track
Note: these benefits are only for applicants selected as fellows. Enrolling in the Pre-Fellowship Training does not automatically give you access to them.
Programme Tracks
You choose one track and one sub-track:
- Internet Policy and Mobilization: Internet Policy, or Community Mobilization
- Internet Connectivity: Peering, or Community-Centered Connectivity
- Internet Safety and Security: Systems Security, or Online Trust and Safety
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to anyone interested in Internet policy, community mobilisation, connectivity, Internet safety or security. All applicants must first complete the Pre-Fellowship Training. Requirements:
- Completion of the Pre-Fellowship Training (about 30 hours, self-paced) in your chosen track
- A realistic, locally grounded project plan, developed during the training
- Strong English: reading, speaking and writing
- Reliable Internet access and equipment for virtual sessions
- At least four hours per week for the 10-month programme, including weekly sessions
- A valid passport, valid for at least six months beyond any fellowship travel dates
- Not currently taking part in a 2026 Internet Society fellowship
You do not need a fully developed project to enrol. An area of interest is enough to start, and the training helps you build your proposal. You can also build on a project that is already underway.
Timeline
- 23 September – 22 November 2026: enrolment in the self-paced Pre-Fellowship Training
- By 18 December 2026: submit your fellowship application. Applications open on a rolling basis as soon as you finish the training.
- 21 December 2026 – 29 January 2027: review and selection
- 19 February 2027: notifications
- 22 February 2027: kick-off and onboarding
- 1 June – 30 November 2027: mentored project
- 3 December 2027: final project delivery, followed by graduation in early December
How to Apply
- Read about the programme and the tracks on the official Internet Society Fellowship page.
- Enrol in the Pre-Fellowship Training through the official Internet Society Learning platform, choosing one track and sub-track.
- Complete all required modules by 22 November 2026. You will receive the fellowship application link by email within 24 hours of finishing.
- Submit your fellowship application and project proposal by 18 December 2026.
On AI use: ISOC allows AI tools only for support, such as translation or grammar. Your essays and project proposal must be in your own words and reflect your own experience. ISOC may check submissions, and uncredited AI-generated narratives will lead to disqualification.
More Tech and Digital Fellowships
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- SafeTech Africa HackLab 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Internet Society Fellowship free?
Yes. The training and fellowship are free, and selected fellows receive a project stipend of up to USD 5,000 and travel support.
Who can apply?
Anyone interested in Internet policy, connectivity, safety or security can enrol in the training. You become eligible to apply once you complete it.
What is the real deadline?
You must finish the Pre-Fellowship Training by 22 November 2026. The fellowship application itself closes on 18 December 2026.
Do I become a fellow by enrolling in the training?
No. Trainees become eligible to apply, and fellows are selected competitively based on their project proposals.
How much time does it take?
About 30 hours for the training, then at least four hours a week during the 10-month programme.
