Internet Society Fellowship 2027: Up to US$5,000 in Project Funding for Internet Leaders Worldwide
The Internet Society (ISOC) runs a fellowship program that connects professionals from around the world who want to work on internet-related challenges in their communities.
- FundingUp to $5,000
- Duration10 months (February to December 2027)
- Who can applyWorldwide
- Application feeFree
Overview
This post covers everything you need to know about the fellowship, the application process, and how to get started before the training deadline.
The Internet Society is a global nonprofit organisation focused on the development and accessibility of the internet as a tool for people worldwide. Its fellowship program is designed for professionals, academics, and community leaders who want to work on practical internet-related projects in their own regions and communities.
The fellowship is not a scholarship for academic study. It is a structured professional development program that pairs fellows with mentors, connects them to the ISOC global community, and provides funding to carry out a concrete project in one of three tracks over 10 months.
The program runs from February 22, 2027 through December 2027, ending with a graduation event after fellows complete their projects.
At a glance
About
- Opportunity type
- Fellowship
- Host organisation
- Internet Society (ISOC)
- Programme duration
- 10 months (February to December 2027)
- Tracks available
- Internet Policy; Internet Connectivity; Internet Safety and Security
- Weekly commitment
- Approximately 4 hours per week
Funding
- Project stipend
- Up to $5,000
- Application fee
- Free
- Travel support
- To one global internet event (IGF, AfPIF, or NDSS)
Eligibility
- Eligible countries
- Worldwide
Who can apply
Nationality and Residency
The ISOC Fellowship is open to applicants from anywhere in the world. There are no nationality or residency restrictions.
Academic Requirements
No specific academic degree is required. The fellowship focuses on practical work and community impact. Applicants with a background in technology, policy, law, community organizing, or related fields are encouraged to apply, but the key requirement is a credible project idea and the ability to execute it.
Other Eligibility Conditions
- English language proficiency (the program is conducted in English)
- Reliable internet access for the duration of the program
- A valid passport for international travel to the assigned global internet event
- Ability to commit approximately 4 hours per week to program activities
- Completion of the pre-fellowship training at learning.internetsociety.org before November 22, 2026
There is a mandatory first step before you can access the application form. You must complete the ISOC pre-fellowship training course at learning.internetsociety.org by November 22, 2026. After completing the training, you will receive a link to the full fellowship application.
The full application will ask you to demonstrate your knowledge of the internet ecosystem and present a specific project you plan to carry out during the fellowship. You should be prepared to explain your project idea, your qualifications, and how the project will benefit your community or region.
Typical application components include:
- Completion of the pre-fellowship training (required to unlock the application)
- Personal and professional background information
- Project proposal describing what you plan to do and why it matters
- Track selection (Policy and Mobilization, Connectivity, or Safety and Security)
- Evidence of English language ability
What you get
- Project stipend of up to $5,000 to support your fellowship project
- Travel funding and registration to one global internet event: the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), the Africa Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF), or the Network and Distributed System Security Symposium (NDSS)
- Access to mentorship from experienced ISOC professionals and community leaders
- Connection to a global network of internet professionals and alumni
- Structured training and capacity-building throughout the fellowship year
The stipend is intended to fund the costs of your specific fellowship project, not general living expenses. The amount you receive will depend on the scope and budget of your proposed project, up to a maximum of $5,000.
How to apply
- Go to learning.internetsociety.org and complete the pre-fellowship training course
- Finish the training before November 22, 2026 to receive your application link
- Use the application link to access the full ISOC Fellowship 2027 application form
- Choose your track: Internet Policy and Mobilization, Internet Connectivity, or Internet Safety and Security
- Write your project proposal and complete all required application fields
- Submit your application before December 18, 2026
The pre-fellowship training deadline of November 22, 2026 is the critical date. If you miss it, you will not receive your application link in time to submit before the December 18 deadline. Start the training as soon as possible.
What Does the Programme Offer?
The fellowship is structured around three tracks. Each track focuses on a different aspect of internet development:
Internet Policy and Mobilization
This track is for fellows who want to work on internet governance, digital rights, or policy advocacy. Fellows in this track typically work with governments, civil society organisations, or communities to advance open and accessible internet policy in their regions.
Internet Connectivity
This track is for fellows focused on expanding internet access in underconnected communities. Projects might include work on community networks, infrastructure planning, peering arrangements, or access-related advocacy.
Internet Safety and Security
This track is for fellows working on cybersecurity, trust, and safety online. Projects in this track typically address threats to individuals or communities online, support for digital security capacity, or research and policy work on internet safety issues.
Across all tracks, fellows receive mentorship, participate in a global kick-off event on February 22, 2027, carry out their projects from June through November 2027, and graduate in December 2027.
Duration, Location and Mode
The fellowship runs for 10 months, from February 22, 2027 to December 2027. The program is primarily remote. Fellows work from their home countries and carry out projects in their own communities or regions. The main in-person component is attendance at one assigned global internet event between June and November 2027, for which travel funding is provided.
Application Fee and Other Costs
No application fee is specified in the official call. The fellowship covers travel costs to the assigned global internet event. Other costs, such as personal living expenses, are not covered by the program.
Final Takeaway
The ISOC Fellowship 2027 is a well-structured opportunity for people working on internet-related issues who want project funding, mentorship, and access to a global professional network. The $5,000 project stipend and the travel grant to a major internet event are meaningful benefits for anyone doing work in this space.
The most important thing to know is that you cannot apply without first completing the pre-fellowship training by November 22, 2026. The final application deadline is December 18, 2026. Start the training now at learning.internetsociety.org.
Official Links
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply from any country?
Yes. The fellowship is open to applicants from any country in the world.
Do I need a university degree?
No specific degree is required. The fellowship is open to professionals, academics, and community leaders. What matters is the quality of your project proposal and your ability to carry it out.
What is the pre-fellowship training?
The pre-fellowship training is an online course hosted at learning.internetsociety.org. It is a prerequisite for applying. Completing it gives you access to the full application link. The training is available now, and you must finish it by November 22, 2026.
Is the fellowship full-time?
No. Fellows commit approximately 4 hours per week to the program. You can continue your existing work or studies alongside the fellowship.
What is the project stipend used for?
The stipend of up to $5,000 is intended to fund the direct costs of your fellowship project, such as research expenses, community outreach activities, or tools and resources your project needs. It is not a living allowance.
Which internet events can fellows attend?
Fellows are assigned to one of three events depending on their track and region: the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), the Africa Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF), or the Network and Distributed System Security Symposium (NDSS). Travel and registration costs are covered by ISOC.
Is there an application fee?
No application fee is stated in the official call.
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