ICANN88 Fellowship Program 2027 in Portugal

The ICANN88 Fellowship Program 2027 in Portugal is now accepting applications from individuals around the world. Organized by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) , this fully funded fellowship provides an opportunity to attend the ICANN88 Community Forum in Lisbon, Portugal, from 13 to 18 March 2027. The program aims to strengthen representation in the multistakeholder model by fostering opportunities for individuals from underserved and underrepresented communities to actively participate in the ICANN community.

Selected fellows receive airfare, accommodation, a stipend of up to USD 500, visa cost reimbursement (up to USD 200) , mentorship, training, and full access to ICANN's global meetings. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, have an interest in Internet governance, DNS, cybersecurity, or ICANN policy work, and complete required ICANN Learn courses. The application deadline is 21 August 2026, with successful candidates announced on 10 November 2026. Read on for complete details about eligibility, benefits, selection criteria, and the application process.

ICANN88 Fellowship Program 2027 in Portugal | Fully Funded

Do you want to meet international experts in Internet governance at a fully funded international conference? The ICANN88 Fellowship 2027 provides a special chance to take part in high-level conversations, receive mentoring, and get a personal look at international policymaking.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is a nonprofit public benefit corporation formed in 1998 to help ensure a stable, secure, and unified global Internet. ICANN coordinates unique identifiers across the world, such as IP addresses and domain names. Twice a year, ICANN holds public meetings where the global community discusses Internet governance, policy development, and technical coordination.

The ICANN Fellowship Program is designed to enable people from a variety of backgrounds to engage actively in conversations about Internet governance and policy. It seeks to improve the representation of the multistakeholder model by providing opportunities for members of underrepresented and underprivileged communities to participate actively in the ICANN community.

Selected fellows receive training in knowledge and skill-building areas before, during, and after the public meeting. They are introduced to the workings of the ICANN community and paired with experienced mentors. This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for education, networking, and career development.

If you are interested in Internet governance, digital policy, or cybersecurity, this could be your gateway to global policymaking.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything about the ICANN88 Fellowship Program 2027: financial benefits, eligibility criteria, selection process, and the step-by-step application process.

Fellowship Details at a Glance

Fellowship Name: ICANN Fellowship Program
Organizer: Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
Event: ICANN88 Community Forum
Host Country: Portugal
City: Lisbon
Venue: Lisbon Congress Center
Host Organization: Associação DNS.PT
Meeting Dates: 13 - 18 March 2027
Fellowship Type: Fully Funded
Eligible Applicants: All nationalities

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What is ICANN?

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is a nonprofit public benefit corporation formed in 1998. Its mission is to help ensure a stable, secure, and unified global Internet.

To reach another person on the Internet, you need to type an address - a name or a number - into your computer or other device. That address must be unique so computers know where to find each other. ICANN helps coordinate and support these unique identifiers across the world.

ICANN's community includes participants from all over the world, including governments, businesses, technical experts, civil society, and individual Internet users. The ICANN Fellowship Program is one of the key ways the organization ensures diverse representation in its multistakeholder model.

What the ICANN88 Fellowship Offers?

The ICANN88 Fellowship Program provides comprehensive support to selected fellows:

Round-trip Airfare - Economy class flights to and from Lisbon.
Accommodation - Free lodging during the conference.
Stipend of up to USD 500 - To help cover daily living expenses.
Visa Cost Reimbursement - Up to USD 200 for visa application fees.
Mentorship - One-on-one guidance from experienced ICANN community members.
Training - Pre-meeting and on-site capacity-building sessions.
Networking - Opportunities to connect with global Internet governance experts.
Full Participation Support - Access to all ICANN Public Meeting sessions and policy discussions.
Alumni Network – Access to the ICANN Fellowship alumni community for continued engagement.

Important Note: If the meeting is held virtually, the Fellowship Program will also be delivered online.

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Why This Fellowship Matters?

The ICANN Fellowship Program is not just about attending a conference. It is a career development opportunity that provides:

Hands-on experience in global Internet governance and digital policy.
Exposure to policymaking at the highest level.
Access to experts from governments, businesses, civil society, and technical communities.
A pathway to continued engagement - fellows are encouraged to stay involved in ICANN community work after the program ends.

The program specifically targets individuals from underserved and underrepresented communities to strengthen diversity in the multistakeholder model. This means candidates from developing countries, small island states, and other underrepresented regions are given preference.

What is Eligibility Criteria of ICANN88 Fellowship Program?

To qualify for the ICANN88 Fellowship Program 2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:

General Requirements

Open to applicants from all countries and regions.
Must be at least 21 years old at the time of application.
Must have an interest in Internet governance, Domain Name System (DNS), cybersecurity, digital policy, or ICANN's work.
Must complete the required ICANN Learn online course(s) before applying.
Must not be participating in another ICANN-supported travel program.
Must have received no more than two previous ICANN Fellowships - returning applicants must demonstrate continued engagement with the ICANN community.

Target Participants

The program welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including:

Young professionals
Students with relevant experience
ICT professionals
Civil society representatives
Government officials
Academics and researchers
Technical experts
Private sector professionals
Digital rights advocates
Internet governance practitioners

Preference

Preference is given to candidates from underrepresented areas and those who can demonstrate a commitment to continued participation in the ICANN community.

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

Interest in Internet governance and ICANN's mission
Leadership potential
Community involvement
Diversity and regional representation
Ability to contribute to ICANN's multistakeholder model
Commitment to continued participation after the fellowship

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What is Application deadline for 2027 ICANN88 Fellowship?

The deadline is 21 August 2026 at 23:59 UTC.

How to Apply for ICANN88 Fellowship? Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to apply for the ICANN88 Fellowship Program 2027.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Confirm you are at least 21 years old.
Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Complete the Required ICANN Learn Course

Visit the ICANN Learn platform and complete the required course(s).
This is a mandatory step - your application will not be considered without it.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Review the ICANN Fellowship Program page on the ICANN website.
Gather any supporting documents that may be required.

Step 4: Submit Your Online Application

Visit the official ICANN Fellowship Program page: www.icann.org/en/about/participate/fellowships
Complete the online application form.
Provide all required information accurately.

Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline

The deadline is 21 August 2026 at 23:59 UTC.
Late applications will not be accepted.

Step 6: Wait for Results

Successful candidates will be announced on 10 November 2026 on the ICANN website.
Selected fellows will be notified directly.

Step 7: Prepare for the Fellowship

If selected, arrange your travel and visa.
Complete any pre-meeting training requirements.
Prepare for the ICANN88 Community Forum in Lisbon.

Tips for a Strong Application

Complete the ICANN Learn course early - This is a mandatory requirement. Do not leave it until the last minute.
Demonstrate genuine interest - Show your passion for Internet governance, DNS, cybersecurity, or digital policy in your application.
Highlight your community involvement - Selection committees look for candidates who are active in their communities.
Explain your commitment to continued participation - The program wants fellows who will stay engaged after the fellowship.
Proofread everything - Spelling and grammar errors can hurt your chances.
Apply early - Do not wait until the last day. Technical issues can arise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who can apply for the ICANN88 Fellowship?

Applicants from all countries and regions who are at least 21 years old, have an interest in Internet governance or ICANN's work, and complete the required ICANN Learn course(s).

Q2: What does the fellowship cover?

Round-trip airfare, free accommodation, a stipend of up to USD 500, visa cost reimbursement (up to USD 200), mentorship, training, and full access to ICANN88.

Q3: Is there an application fee?

No. The application is completely free.

Q4: What is the age requirement?

Applicants must be at least 21 years old at the time of application.

Q5: Do I need to complete any courses before applying?

Yes. You must complete the required ICANN Learn online course(s) before submitting your application.

Q6: When is the application deadline?

21 August 2026 at 23:59.

Q7: When will the results be announced?

10 November 2026 on the ICANN website.

Q8: When and where is the ICANN88 meeting?

13 - 18 March 2027 at the Lisbon Congress Center in Lisbon, Portugal.

Q9: Can I apply if I have already been a fellow before?

Yes, but you must have received no more than two previous ICANN Fellowships and demonstrate continued engagement with the ICANN community.

Q10: Is this fellowship open to students?

Yes. Students with relevant experience are welcome to apply.

Q11: What if the meeting is held virtually?

If the meeting is held virtually, the Fellowship Program will also be delivered online.

Q12: Where can I find the official application link?

Visit the ICANN Fellowship Program page: www.icann.org/en/about/participate/fellowships.

Why Choose the ICANN Fellowship?

Global platform - Engage with Internet governance experts from around the world.
Fully funded - All major expenses covered.
Mentorship - Learn from experienced ICANN community members.
Career development - Build skills in policymaking, DNS operations, and Internet security.
Networking - Connect with professionals from governments, businesses, civil society, and technical communities.
Pathway to continued engagement - Join the ICANN Fellowship alumni network.
Diversity focus - The program actively seeks participants from underrepresented communities.