Opportunity Title: INTERNET SOCIETY FELLOWSHIP 2026/2027

If you care about who gets online, who stays safe online and who has a say in how the Internet is run, this fellowship is built for you.

It is a 10-month programme that backs people turning local ideas into real projects that strengthen the Internet in their communities. It suits experienced changemakers and emerging leaders alike.

🧭 PICK YOUR TRACK

• Internet Policy and Mobilization
• Internet Connectivity
• Internet Safety and Security

🎁 WHAT FELLOWS GET

• A dedicated mentor matched to your track
• A project stipend of up to USD 5,000, released once your budget is approved
• Travel support to a global or regional Internet event, such as IGF, AfPIF or the NDSS Symposium
• Entry into the Internet Society alumni network

These benefits go to people who are selected. Enrolling in the training does not guarantee them.

⚠️ THE ORDER MATTERS
You cannot apply straight away. First, choose a track and sub-track and enrol in the free, self-paced pre-fellowship training. During it, you build your knowledge and draft a realistic project plan for your community. Once you finish all modules and completion is confirmed, your application link arrives by email within 24 hours.
The listing mentions a 2.5-month training period, yet modules must be finished by 22 November, under four weeks away. Start this week and check how long the modules take.

✅ WHO THEY WANT
People who are rooted in their community, focused on action rather than theory, comfortable working with government, industry and civil society, able to explain technical ideas simply, guided by evidence and committed for the long term.

You also need:

• Strong reading, speaking and writing in English
• Reliable internet and equipment for virtual sessions
• At least four hours a week for 10 months
• A passport valid six months beyond your travel dates
• You must not be a current 2026 Internet Society fellow

🗓 KEY DATES
Review: 21 December to 29 January. Results: 19 February 2027. Kick-off: 22 February 2027. Project work: 1 June to 30 November 2027. Final delivery: 3 December 2027.

💡 BANKABLE WISDOM TIPS

1. Enrol today. The training deadline is the real deadline.
2. Pick a problem you can finish in six months of project work. Smaller and finished beats big and half done.
3. Name your exact community: a town, a school, a market. Specific beats broad.
4. Collect evidence early, such as numbers on connectivity gaps or online safety problems where you live.
5. Check your passport expiry date now. Renewals take time.

👉 Start here: https://www.internetsociety.org/fellowship/