ICANN89 Policy Forum 2027 in Canada (Fully Funded Fellowship)

Applications are open for the ICANN89 Fellowship Programme 2027, offering eligible individuals from around the world an opportunity to attend the ICANN89 Policy Forum in Vancouver, Canada.

Organised by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), this international fellowship provides an opportunity to engage with policymakers, technology experts, civil society representatives and professionals working in Internet governance.

Selected fellows will receive financial support, including round-trip international airfare, hotel accommodation, local transportation assistance and a $500 stipend. Participants will also benefit from professional training, mentorship and access to ICANN’s global network.

The ICANN89 Policy Forum will take place from June 14 to 17, 2027, in Vancouver, Canada.

ICANN89 Policy Forum 2027 – Overview

Host Organization: Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
Event: ICANN89 Policy Forum
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Programme Dates: June 14–17, 2027
Funding: Fully funded fellowship
Eligible Applicants: Candidates from all countries and regions
Minimum Age: 21 years
Application Deadline: December 5, 2026

Financial Benefits

Selected participants will receive financial assistance to attend the international policy forum.

The fellowship benefits include:

Round-trip international airfare: Travel support to and from Vancouver.
Hotel accommodation: Accommodation during the programme.
$500 stipend: Financial assistance for eligible participation-related expenses.
Local transportation: Support for transportation within the host location.
Training sessions: Preparation and learning opportunities before the event.
Mentorship: Guidance before, during and after the meeting.

This support is designed to make participation more accessible to individuals who might otherwise face financial barriers to attending an international conference.

About the ICANN Fellowship Programme

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is a global organization responsible for coordinating important parts of the Internet’s unique identifier systems, including the Domain Name System (DNS).

Its multistakeholder model brings together governments, businesses, technical experts, civil society organizations and Internet users to discuss policies that affect the global Internet.

The ICANN Fellowship Programme aims to increase participation from people with different professional, geographical and cultural backgrounds.

Through the programme, fellows receive exposure to important areas such as:

Internet governance and policy.
Domain Name System (DNS) operations.
Cybersecurity and Internet stability.
ICANN policy development.
Digital policy and international cooperation.
The global Internet ecosystem.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants from all countries and regions are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the programme’s requirements.

Candidates must:

Be at least 21 years old.
Demonstrate an interest in Internet governance, DNS, cybersecurity or ICANN-related policy work.
Complete the required ICANN Learn online course or courses.
Submit their application in English.
Meet the fellowship selection requirements.
Be available to participate in the ICANN89 Policy Forum.

Applicants must not be participating in another ICANN-supported travel programme during the fellowship.

How Are Fellows Selected?

Applications are assessed using several criteria to identify candidates who can contribute meaningfully to the ICANN community.

The selection process may consider:

Motivation: Your interest in ICANN’s mission and Internet governance.
Leadership potential: Your ability to contribute to policy discussions and community initiatives.
Diversity and inclusion: The perspectives and experiences you bring to the programme.
Community contribution: Your involvement in underserved or underrepresented communities.
Future participation: Your potential to remain active in the ICANN community after the fellowship.
Financial need: This may also be considered where applicable.

Applicants should explain how their academic background, professional experience or community activities relate to Internet governance and digital policy.

Required Application Documents

Applicants should prepare the following:

Online application form: Complete the official fellowship application.
Personal statement: Explain your motivation, interests and reasons for applying.
Updated CV or resume: Highlight your education, professional experience, leadership activities and community involvement.
Evidence of community engagement: Include relevant activities or contributions where applicable.
ICANN Learn course completion: Complete the mandatory online learning requirements.

Why Should You Apply?

The ICANN Fellowship offers more than an opportunity to travel to Canada. It provides a platform to develop professional knowledge and participate in international conversations about the future of the Internet.

Selected participants can:

Build professional relationships with Internet governance experts.
Learn directly from policymakers and technical professionals.
Gain experience attending a major international policy conference.
Develop leadership, communication and policy skills.
Share perspectives from their countries and communities.
Connect with members of the global ICANN Fellowship Alumni Network.

The programme may be particularly valuable for individuals interested in technology policy, digital rights, cybersecurity, Internet infrastructure and international development.

How to Apply for the ICANN89 Fellowship 2027

Applications are submitted online through ICANN’s official fellowship platform.

Follow these steps: