The “Potenue” Transparency Report
The Internet Society Peering Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious opportunity for network professionals to gain hands-on experience in internet peering and interconnection. While the program is designed to be fully funded for its 20 annual fellows, it is essential to understand the specific scope of that support to avoid unexpected personal costs.
What is Fully Covered?
Selected fellows receive comprehensive support for the in-person regional peering events, including:
- Airfare: One round-trip economy class ticket to your assigned regional event (e.g., Osaka, Kigali, or Mendoza).
- Accommodation: Hotel lodging is provided for the entire duration of the official event.
- Stipend: A fixed stipend is issued to cover basic additional needs during the event days.
The “Hidden” Reality: Out-of-Pocket Costs
- Visa Expenses: The Internet Society does not provide financial support for visa application fees. This includes costs for courier services or travel to a consulate for biometrics.
- Rigid Travel Dates: Flights are booked strictly for the calendarized workshop dates. If you wish to extend your stay for personal reasons, any additional costs or ticket change fees are your responsibility.
- Infrastructure Requirements: Fellows must dedicate 4–6 hours per week for virtual sessions. You are responsible for providing your own reliable internet connection and hardware.
Eligibility & Professional Requirements
To qualify for this avenue, you must meet the following professional benchmarks:
- Experience: A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in internet infrastructure, such as network engineering, routing, or IXPs.
- Residency: You must be a resident of Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America/Caribbean, or the Middle East.
- Commitment: Willingness to participate in a multi-week virtual program followed by an in-person regional event.
The Potenue Roadmap
- Application Deadline: May 17, 2026 (23:59 UTC).
- Step 1: Update your CV to highlight technical contributions to regional internet connectivity.
- Step 2: Ensure your hardware and internet are ready for the virtual phase starting in June.
- Step 3: Submit your application through the official Internet Society portal before the May 17th cutoff.
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