Incredible Opportunity For Future Internet Leaders: ICANN85 Fellowship Application Now Open For African Students In India 2026 -

About the ICANN85 Fellowship Program

The ICANN85 Fellowship Program will take place at the Community Forum scheduled for 7–12 March 2026 in Mumbai, India, and applications are now open. The internet connects the world, but not everyone has an equal seat at the table where decisions about its future are made. That’s where the ICANN Fellowship Program comes in—a bold and transformative initiative designed to promote diversity, inclusion, and active participation in global internet governance.

The ICANN85 Fellowship Program is a prestigious initiative that provides individuals from underserved and underrepresented communities an opportunity to participate in the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) meetings. It empowers emerging leaders and active contributors in the global internet ecosystem by offering access to training, mentorship, and networking with key stakeholders involved in domain name systems (DNS), internet policy, cybersecurity, and related governance topics.

The program helps build capacity for meaningful participation and strengthens global inclusivity in internet decision-making processes. Selected fellows attend the ICANN Community Forum, where they gain insight into how internet policies are developed and contribute to important discussions that shape the future of the internet.

Eligible Fields

The program is open to a wide range of disciplines related to internet governance and infrastructure. Fields of relevance include:

Internet Governance
Domain Name System (DNS) Operations
Internet Security and Stability
Digital Policy and Civil Society
ICT and Telecom Regulation
Cyberlaw and Privacy

Whether you’re a policy advocate, IT professional, lawyer, or civic tech enthusiast, if your work or interests align with internet-related issues, this fellowship is for you.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the ICANN85 Fellowship, candidates must meet the following conditions:

Be 21 years or older by the start date of the ICANN85 meeting (7 March 2026)
Demonstrate interest in ICANN’s work areas such as DNS operations, internet policy, or cybersecurity
Complete mandatory ICANN Learn courses before the selection
Not be receiving any other ICANN travel support at the time of selection
Have received no more than two ICANN fellowships in the past. Returning fellows must demonstrate continued engagement in ICANN-related work
Policy Forum applicants must be Fellowship alumni

Note: Completing ICANN Learn courses and demonstrating a commitment to internet development locally or globally will enhance your chances of selection.

Selection Criteria

The fellowship is highly competitive, and selections are made based on:

Geographic, gender, and sectoral diversity
Level of experience or interest in internet governance
Past contributions to ICANN or local internet governance efforts
Completion of required ICANN Learn courses and mentorship involvement

In addition, two special recognition categories are available for outstanding applicants:

Tarek Kamel Fellowship Recognition – Awarded to exceptional returning fellows
Paul Muchene Fellow Award – For technical applicants from Africa

Eligible Countries

The ICANN85 Fellowship Program is open to applicants from all countries, with a strong preference for those from underserved and underrepresented regions, especially from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Small Island Developing States.

African students and professionals currently residing or studying in India are strongly encouraged to apply, as ICANN is committed to building a globally representative internet community.

Documents Required

To apply, you’ll need:

A completed ICANN Fellowship application form
Proof of identity (passport or national ID)
Resume or CV outlining your academic, professional, and civic engagements
Certificates of ICANN Learn course completion
(Optional) Letters of recommendation from organizations or mentors in the internet governance space

Benefits of the ICANN85 Fellowship Program

Selected fellows will receive a fully-funded experience to participate in the ICANN85 Community Forum either in-person in Mumbai or virtually. Benefits include:

Travel support to and from Mumbai, India
Accommodation and daily subsistence allowance during the conference
Training and mentorship before, during, and after the event
Access to ICANN sessions and working groups
Opportunity to join the ICANN global alumni network, which provides long-term engagement, collaboration, and visibility in the internet governance space
For virtual attendees, ICANN provides robust support for remote participation, ensuring an inclusive experience

How to Apply

Follow these steps to submit a successful application:

Create or log in to your ICANN Account on the official website
Navigate to the Fellowship Application Page for ICANN85
Complete the application form thoroughly and honestly
Enroll and complete the required ICANN Learn courses before the deadline
Upload supporting documents such as your CV and certificates
Submit your application before the deadline: 22 August 2025 at 23:59 UTC

Final Thoughts

The ICANN85 Fellowship Program is more than just an all-expenses-paid trip—it is a launchpad for emerging voices in the global internet community. For African students in India and other underrepresented groups, this is a golden opportunity to shape the policies and technologies that impact billions of users worldwide. By participating in this forum, you’re not just observing—you’re helping to build the future of the internet.

If you’re passionate about internet freedom, digital rights, cybersecurity, or governance, don’t miss this chance. Apply today and take your place at the global table where the internet’s future is decided.