A New Opportunity for the Next Generation of Internet Governance Leaders
If you are a university student interested in Internet governance, digital policy, the Domain Name System (DNS), or the future of a stable and secure Internet, ICANN has opened a new opportunity worth paying attention to. The NextGen@ICANN88 fellowship 2026 applications are now open for students who want to participate in the ICANN88 Community Forum in Lisbon, Portugal, scheduled for 13–18 March 2027.
The application window opened on 31 August 2026 and closes on 9 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC. Successful applicants are scheduled to be announced on 17 December 2026. The program is aimed at university students living and studying in the European region who are interested in the future of the Internet and want to understand how ICANN’s multistakeholder model works in practice.
What Is NextGen@ICANN?
NextGen@ICANN is a youth engagement program designed to introduce university students to ICANN and the broader Internet governance ecosystem. Rather than simply attending an Internet policy event, participants get an immersive introduction to ICANN’s work, Internet governance, policy development, and the systems that support the Internet’s stability, resiliency, and reliability.
ICANN plays a specific role in coordinating the global system of unique Internet identifiers, including domain names and IP address-related functions within its remit. Its work sits alongside other organizations and communities in the Internet ecosystem, including the IANA functions, regional Internet registries such as RIPE NCC and APNIC, and broader Internet governance organizations and forums.
For students who are new to the field, NextGen@ICANN can be a practical entry point into discussions that connect technical coordination with policy, community participation, and global Internet governance.
NextGen@ICANN88 Fellowship 2026 Applications: Key Dates
The most important thing right now is the deadline. ICANN opened the NextGen@ICANN88 application round on 31 August 2026. Applications must be submitted by 9 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC. Selected participants will be announced on 17 December 2026.
- Application opens: 31 August 2026
- Application deadline: 9 October 2026, 23:59 UTC
- Selected participants announced: 17 December 2026
- ICANN88 Community Forum: 13–18 March 2027
- Location: Lisbon, Portugal
- Source: https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/call-for-applications-nextgenicann88-31-08-2026-en
Who Can Apply for NextGen@ICANN88?
The program is intended for university students who meet ICANN’s NextGen eligibility requirements. Applicants must be enrolled as an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student and be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of the ICANN meeting. For ICANN88, applicants should be living and studying in the European region.
Applicants should also demonstrate a genuine interest in Internet governance, the future of the Internet, and topics covered at ICANN meetings. If selected, participants are expected to attend the ICANN meeting and required program activities and to actively participate.
Another important requirement is a presentation. NextGen participants are expected to deliver a presentation during the meeting. ICANN’s program information says the presentation can relate to research, an activity connected with ICANN’s work, an ICANN-related website, a thesis project, or a similar topic.
What Does the Program Offer?
One of the biggest attractions is the opportunity to learn directly from the ICANN community. Participants receive coaching and guidance, and experienced mentors support them through the program. ICANN also requires participants to take part in courses and presentations beginning six weeks before the Public Meeting.
For eligible selected participants, the program provides a grant of support covering economy-class airfare, hotel, and a stipend. Participants are responsible for securing and paying for their own visas. Any optional travel or health insurance is also at the participant’s own expense.
This combination of structured learning, mentoring, networking, and participation can make the program especially useful for students considering careers in Internet policy, digital governance, cybersecurity policy, DNS operations, technology policy, research, or international Internet institutions.
How Are Applications Evaluated?
A strong application is not simply about saying that the Internet is important. ICANN evaluates applicants against specific criteria. The selection process looks for evidence of interest in ICANN and the Internet ecosystem through current work, activities, public dialogue, studies, or research.
Applicants should also explain how joining NextGen@ICANN would benefit them personally and contribute to a wider community, such as their university, country, or region. The quality of the applicant’s response to an Internet topic also matters, as does a demonstrated desire to join and contribute to the ICANN community.
- Show a clear and sustained interest in Internet governance or ICANN-related issues.
- Connect your studies, research, projects, volunteering, or public engagement to the Internet ecosystem.
- Explain what you hope to learn and how you will use that knowledge afterward.
- Give a thoughtful, original view on an Internet-related topic rather than relying on generic statements.
- Show that you want to participate in the ICANN community, not just attend an international event.
How to Make Your Application Stand Out!
Start by treating the application as a story rather than a checklist. Explain what sparked your interest in Internet governance and what you have done with that interest. A university research project, policy paper, student initiative, technical project, community activity, or public discussion can all help demonstrate genuine engagement when clearly connected to your goals.
Be specific about your learning goals. Instead of saying you want to ‘learn more about ICANN,’ identify the areas you want to understand, such as DNS policy, domain name governance, Universal Acceptance, DNS abuse, Internet governance processes, or the roles played by different stakeholders.
It is also useful to show that you understand ICANN’s role without confusing it with every part of Internet governance. ICANN is one important institution in a larger ecosystem. Demonstrating awareness of how technical organizations, governments, civil society, academia, businesses, and users interact through multistakeholder processes can strengthen your perspective.
Don’t Wait Until the Final Week
Because the deadline is 9 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC, applicants should avoid leaving the submission until the last minute. Review the eligibility requirements, prepare your answers, check your supporting information, and make sure your ICANN Account is ready before submitting.
ICANN states that an ICANN Account is required to apply. Applicants should also remember that applying means agreeing to attend the ICANN meeting with the NextGen@ICANN group and participate in required events if selected.
Why NextGen@ICANN88 Matters for Internet Governance!
Internet governance is becoming increasingly important as governments, companies, technical communities, researchers, and civil society debate issues ranging from DNS abuse and cybersecurity to digital inclusion, emerging technologies, and the future of online infrastructure. Programs such as NextGen@ICANN help bring younger voices into these conversations.
The value goes beyond one meeting. Students who build a foundation in Internet governance can continue participating through ICANN community groups, regional Internet organizations, the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), the Internet Society, regional Internet registries, academic networks, and other policy and technical communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do NextGen@ICANN88 applications close?
Applications close on 9 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC.
Who is eligible for NextGen@ICANN88?
University students aged 18–30 who are living and studying in the European region and meet ICANN’s other requirements.
When is ICANN88?
The ICANN88 Community Forum is scheduled for 13–18 March 2027 in Lisbon, Portugal.
What support do selected participants receive?
The program provides support for economy-class airfare, hotel, and a stipend. Visas and optional insurance are the participant’s responsibility.
Do applicants need an ICANN Account?
Yes. ICANN says an ICANN Account is required to submit a NextGen@ICANN application.
Get Ready to Join NextGen@ICANN88
The NextGen@ICANN88 fellowship 2026 applications offer an exciting pathway for eligible students who want to move from simply reading about Internet governance to participating in it. With mentoring, structured learning, networking, and exposure to the ICANN community, the program can provide a strong foundation for future involvement in Internet policy and governance.
If you meet the requirements, this is a good time to prepare a thoughtful application. Do not focus only on what NextGen@ICANN can give you—show ICANN what perspective, curiosity, research, and energy you can bring to the community.
Ready to take the next step? Review the official ICANN requirements and submit your NextGen@ICANN88 application before 9 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC. If Internet governance is the direction you want to explore, this could be your first real seat at the table.
Dipankar Barua is an internet governance advocate from Dhaka, Bangladesh, who believes that voices from the Global South must be heard in the rooms where the internet’s future is decided. As an ICANN advocate and VSIG member, he actively engages in multistakeholder policy processes spanning DNS security, digital inclusion, and responsible AI governance. With an academic grounding in Computer Science and AI, and over 15 years of applied IT experience, Dipankar bridges the gap between technical communities and policy spaces — writing, participating, and advocating for a more open, equitable, and inclusive internet for all.
