Internet Society Early Career Fellowship 2026 for young emerging Leaders.
Application Deadline: 17 February 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 Internet Society Early Career Fellowship. The Early Career Fellowship empowers a new, diverse generation of Internet champions who will bridge the gap between technology and policy, becoming advocates for the open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy Internet.
Fellows will have access to Internet luminaries—today’s leading thinkers and organizations—while getting direct support to nurture their professional growth.
As a fellow, you’ll learn leadership, communications, and advocacy and project management skills, empowering you to bring your ideas to life.
A cohort of 15 fellows is selected once a year to participate in the six-month program. Fellows can develop their knowledge and skills through seminars, events, courses, discussion sessions, and project work. They will also have networking, mentoring, and collaboration opportunities. The program culminates in a final project presentation by each fellow at a closing symposium.
Requirements
Candidates must be early career professionals working in the Internet ecosystem in a technical, policy, economic, or social capacity who have initiated or are interested in projects designed to grow or strengthen the Internet.
Candidates with the following are welcome to apply:
- An undergraduate/vocational degree or at least three years of work experience in an Internet-related field
- Less than ten years of working experience in an Internet-related field
- An innovative and impactful project proposal for growing and/or strengthening the Internet
- Reliable access to broadband Internet connection and relevant device
- Availability to fully participate in the 5-month experience
- Proficiency in verbal and written English
To apply, applicants must:
- Commit a minimum of six hours per week for coursework, seminars, individual project work, and other program activities
- Complete the required six months
- Attend all required seminars or sessions and manage time zone differences
Application Timeline:
- 29 January 2026: Application submissions open
- 17 February 2026: Application submissions close
- By 2 April 2026: Fellows selected
- 5 April 2026: Cohort kick off
