The Internet Society Fellowship Program is a 10-month remote experience for people who want to strengthen the Internet in their own communities. Fellows get a mentor, a project stipend of up to USD $5,000, and travel support to an Internet event like the IGF or AfPIF. But note this carefully: you cannot apply directly. You must first complete the free Pre-Fellowship Training before 22 November, and only then will the application link be emailed to you. Fellowship applications close on 18 December.
What Fellows Actually Get
Every fellow is paired with a dedicated mentor who works in the same track and project area, guiding your work through check-ins and expert sessions.
You can receive a project stipend of up to USD $5,000 — but only after you submit a project budget and it is approved. The money covers real project costs like workshops, training materials, and community events, not personal expenses.
Fellows also get travel support to an Internet event such as the IGF or AfPIF, plus membership in the Internet Society Alumni Network — a connection to Internet leaders worldwide after the fellowship.
The Hidden Gate: Training Comes First
Most fellowships let you apply right away. This one does not. You must enroll in and complete all Pre-Fellowship Training modules before 22 November — the self-paced training opened on 23 September. Once completion is confirmed, the application link arrives by email within 24 hours. Joining the training grants no benefits by itself; it only unlocks the right to apply.
Three Tracks to Choose From
Pick one track and one sub-track when you enroll — your mentor and project follow that choice.
- Internet Policy and Mobilization: builds advocates who influence Internet policies and mobilize communities. Sub-tracks: Internet Policy, Community Mobilization.
- Internet Connectivity: builds technical champions in peering, community networks, and infrastructure. Sub-tracks: Peering, Community-Centered Connectivity.
- Internet Safety and Security: develops cybersecurity researchers and online safety champions. Sub-tracks: Systems Security, Online Trust and Safety.
All fellows also take shared modules on the Internet ecosystem, leadership, project management, advocacy, and communications.
Your Community Project Is the Core
The centerpiece is a real project you design and run over six months in your own community, country, or region — with clear objectives, activities, deliverables, and outcomes.
Examples include policy briefs, training programs, workshops, awareness campaigns, toolkits, and technical resources. You start shaping this plan during the training, and final outputs are due 3 December.
Who Fits — and Who Should Skip This
This suits people who are locally rooted and globally aware: you understand your community’s problems and can connect them to bigger Internet issues like connectivity, policy, or online safety. The program targets both experienced Internet changemakers and emerging leaders, so no senior title is required.
The official page looks for action-oriented people who do real-world work, strong communicators who explain complex topics simply, and collaborators who work across communities, civil society, government, and industry.
Be honest about the requirements. You need strong English reading, speaking, and writing skills, reliable Internet access with proper equipment for virtual sessions, a valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond travel dates, and at least four hours per week for ten months. You also cannot be currently taking part in an Internet Society fellowship. No age limit or country list is stated, but the passport requirement means travel is expected.
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organizer | Internet Society (ISOC) |
| Duration | 10 months, with a 6-month mentored project |
| Location | Remote and global; project runs in your own community |
| Weekly commitment | Minimum 4 hours per week |
| Funding | Project stipend up to USD $5,000 (approved budget required) |
| Travel | Support to attend an Internet event (e.g. IGF, AfPIF) |
| Training deadline | 22 November — finish Pre-Fellowship Training |
| Application deadline | 18 December, rolling basis |
How to Apply: The Seven Steps
- Enroll in the Pre-Fellowship Training and select your track and sub-track.
- Complete all training modules before 22 November.
- Receive the fellowship application link by email within 24 hours.
- Submit the application no later than 18 December.
- Review and selection run from 21 December to 29 January.
- Outcome offers go out on 19 February.
- The fellowship begins on 22 February.
Applications run on a rolling basis, so earlier submissions are reviewed earlier. There is no public application form — if you have no link in your inbox, your training is not finished or your completion is not confirmed yet.
Smart Moves Before You Start Training
Arrive with a project idea, not a blank page. Since the training builds your project plan, walk in with one or two concrete community problems — a village with no reliable connectivity, or young people needing online safety training. A specific problem beats a broad theme. Show evidence, not ambition: gather screenshots, links, or letters from community partners now, so your application reads as ready to deliver.
Write everything yourself. AI tools are allowed for brainstorming, but essays must reflect your own experience — submissions go through text verification, and plagiarism or uncredited AI text leads to disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does this fellowship pay a salary or cover all my costs?
A: No. The official page offers a project stipend of up to USD $5,000 tied to an approved project budget, plus travel support to an Internet event and a mentor. No salary or living allowance is mentioned.
Q: Can I apply without doing the training?
A: No. You must complete all Pre-Fellowship Training modules before 22 November. Only then is the application link emailed to you.
Q: Is there an age limit or a list of eligible countries?
A: No age limit or country list is stated on the official page. The stated requirements are English proficiency, reliable Internet access, a valid passport, and the weekly time commitment.
Q: What makes a strong project proposal?
A: The official guidance favors a clearly defined problem, practical goals, evidence of your past work, community connections, collaboration across sectors, and a plan for the project to continue after the fellowship.
Does this fellowship pay a salary or cover all my costs?
No. The official page offers a project stipend of up to USD $5,000 tied to an approved project budget, plus travel support to an Internet event and a mentor. No salary or living allowance is mentioned.
Can I apply without doing the training?
No. You must complete all Pre-Fellowship Training modules before 22 November. Only then is the application link emailed to you.
Is there an age limit or a list of eligible countries?
No age limit or country list is stated on the official page. The stated requirements are English proficiency, reliable Internet access, a valid passport, and the weekly time commitment.
What makes a strong project proposal?
The official guidance favors a clearly defined problem, practical goals, evidence of your past work, community connections, collaboration across sectors, and a plan for the project to continue after the fellowship.
