Internet Society Early Career Fellowship 2026 for young emerging Leaders.

Application Deadline: 17 February 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 Internet Society Early Career Fellowship, a prestigious program designed to empower emerging leaders poised to become influential champions of the Internet. This fellowship aims to cultivate a fresh, diverse cohort of Internet advocates who can effectively connect technological innovation with policy development, promoting an open, globally accessible, secure, and trustworthy digital environment.

Selected fellows will gain exclusive access to prominent figures and leading organizations within the Internet community, receiving dedicated mentorship and resources to support their career advancement. Throughout the fellowship, participants will enhance their leadership capabilities, refine communication and advocacy techniques, and acquire essential project management skills that enable them to transform innovative ideas into impactful initiatives.

Each year, a select group of 15 fellows is chosen to join this intensive six-month program. The fellowship experience offers a rich variety of learning opportunities, including seminars, interactive events, specialized courses, engaging discussion groups, and hands-on project work. Additionally, fellows benefit from extensive networking prospects, personalized mentoring relationships, and collaborative endeavors with peers. The program concludes with a final symposium where each fellow presents their culminating project, showcasing their growth and contributions.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should be early-career professionals actively involved in the Internet ecosystem, whether in technical, policy, economic, or social roles. Ideal candidates are those who have either already launched or are eager to initiate projects aimed at expanding or strengthening Internet infrastructure and governance.

• Possession of an undergraduate or vocational degree, or at least three years of relevant work experience within an Internet-related sector
• Fewer than ten years of professional experience in Internet-related fields
• A clear, innovative, and impactful project proposal focused on advancing or reinforcing the Internet
• Reliable broadband Internet access and a suitable device to participate fully in the program
• Commitment to dedicate adequate time and resources to the fellowship experience
• Proficiency in both spoken and written English

Program Commitment

Fellows are expected to allocate a minimum of six hours each week to engage in coursework, seminars, independent project activities, and other program components. Full participation throughout the six-month duration is mandatory, and fellows must attend all scheduled sessions, managing any time zone differences that may arise.

Important Dates

For those interested in applying or seeking more detailed information about the fellowship, please visit the official program webpage:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Internet Society Early Career Fellowship