Internet Society Fellowship Program 2027
The Internet Society Fellowship Program 2027 supports emerging leaders and experienced practitioners working to improve the Internet in their communities. Applicants in Nigeria fall within its global eligibility statement, subject to meeting all programme requirements. Completing the prerequisite training makes participants eligible to apply; it does not guarantee selection or funding.
Opportunity Summary
| Provider | Internet Society |
|---|---|
| Opportunity type | Fellowships |
| Cycle | 2027 |
| Duration | 10 months, including six months of project implementation. |
| Funding | Selected fellows receive a project stipend of up to USD $5,000, subject to submission and approval of the project budget, plus travel support for a relevant global or regional Internet event and mentorship. These benefits do not automatically apply to pre-fellowship trainees; this is not stated to be a fully funded award. |
| Application deadline | Rolling applications after completing prerequisite training. The page gives conflicting final deadlines of 18 December 2026 and 22 December 2026. Required pre-fellowship training enrollment is before 22 November 2026. |
About the Opportunity
The fellowship combines leadership learning, expert sessions, mentorship and a practical project. Its three tracks are Internet Policy and Mobilization, Internet Connectivity, and Internet Safety and Security. Sub-tracks cover Internet policy, community mobilisation, peering, community-centred connectivity, systems security, and online trust and safety.
Fellows must design and implement a project with clear objectives, activities, deliverables and intended outcomes. Possible outputs include policy briefs, research reports, training programmes, workshops, technical resources and awareness campaigns. Regular progress reporting and final outputs must demonstrate impact. Project execution is scheduled for 1 June–30 November 2027, with four to six hours of work per week during that phase.
Important dates need confirmation. Training enrolment must take place before 22 November 2026. Fellowship applications are rolling after training completion, but the programme page lists conflicting final deadlines of 18 December and 22 December 2026. It also gives both 22 February and 24 February 2027 for onboarding. Applicants should not assume the later dates apply.
The award is not described as fully funded. Its stipend is approved project funding, not a salary or unconditional personal allowance. Benefits are reserved for selected fellows, not everyone taking the preliminary courses.
Funding and Benefits
- A dedicated mentor aligned with the fellow’s project area and track or sub-track.
- A project stipend of up to US$5,000, subject to submission and approval of the project budget.
- Travel support to attend a relevant global or regional Internet event.
- Access to a global network of Internet leaders and, after graduation, the Internet Society Alumni Network.
Who Can Apply?
- Open to anyone interested in developing knowledge and skills in the programme’s Internet-related fields; selection is competitive.
- Select a track and sub-track, enrol in the prerequisite training before 22 November 2026, and complete the required modules before applying.
- Develop a realistic, locally grounded project plan aligned with the Internet Society’s mission and achievable within the fellowship.
- Have strong English reading, speaking and writing skills.
- Have continuous Internet access and suitable equipment for virtual sessions and calls.
- Be available for weekly sessions and commit at least four hours per week throughout the 10-month programme.
- Hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond anticipated fellowship-related travel dates.
- Not currently be participating in a 2026 Internet Society fellowship.
What Nigerian Applicants Should Know
- Nigerians are covered by the statement that the programme is open to anyone; Nigeria is not individually named.
- Virtual training and calls are confirmed, but the complete remote-participation arrangements and a host country are not specified.
- Event travel support does not establish visa sponsorship or relocation support; neither is stated.
- Applicants in Nigeria must meet the same Internet access, equipment, English, time-commitment and passport requirements as other applicants.
Required Documents
- Project plan or proposal developed during the prerequisite training.
- Short-answer essays.
- Project budget for approval of the project stipend.
How to Apply
- Begin with Pre-Fellowship Training enrolment, not direct fellowship submission. Complete the short form and choose a track and sub-track.
- Complete the required self-paced modules and develop your project proposal within the specified training period.
- Eligible participants should receive the fellowship application link by email within 24 hours of completing the modules.
- Submit the fellowship application through that emailed link. Confirm the final deadline because the page gives both 18 December and 22 December 2026.
Visit the official application page
Application Tips
Preparation advice: choose a specific local Internet challenge and explain a practical response, who will benefit and how you will measure results. Use genuine examples of relevant work, community relationships and collaboration. Explain how the project can continue beyond the fellowship. You need only an area of interest when starting training, not a finished proposal.
The Internet Society permits AI for brainstorming or structural editing, but essays and proposals must reflect your own insights and authentic experience. Plagiarism or uncredited AI-generated narratives will result in disqualification. Aim to submit before the earlier published deadline while seeking confirmation of the conflicting dates.
Information checked 8 November 2026.
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