Travel to Portugal Fully Funded – NextGen ICANN88 Program 2027

Applications are now open for the NextGen@ICANN88 Program 2027, giving young students from around the world an opportunity to attend the ICANN88 Community Forum in Lisbon, Portugal.

The programme is designed for university students interested in Internet governance, technology, digital policy and the development of the global Internet.

Selected participants will receive financial support covering economy-class airfare, hotel accommodation and a stipend, allowing them to attend the international meeting in Portugal with major travel and participation costs covered.

There is no application fee, and eligible applicants from different regions around the world can apply.

The ICANN88 meeting will take place from 13–18 March 2027, while the application deadline is 9 October 2026.

NextGen ICANN88 Program 2027 – Quick Overview

Programme: NextGen@ICANN88
Organizer: ICANN
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Meeting dates: 13–18 March 2027
Funding: Fully funded support
Eligible applicants: University students worldwide
Age requirement: 18–30
Application fee: None
Deadline: 9 October 2026

What Is the NextGen@ICANN Program?

NextGen@ICANN is a youth-focused programme that introduces university students to the world of Internet governance and the ICANN ecosystem.

It gives participants an opportunity to learn how the global Internet is coordinated, understand the multistakeholder model and interact with professionals and other young people interested in Internet-related issues.

Selected participants receive coaching and mentoring before and during the ICANN meeting. They are also expected to actively participate in programme activities and deliver a presentation during the meeting.

What Does the NextGen ICANN88 Program Cover?

Selected participants receive a grant of support designed to cover key costs associated with attending the ICANN88 meeting in Lisbon.

The support includes:

Economy-class airfare
Hotel accommodation
Stipend

This provides selected participants with financial support to attend the meeting in Portugal.

Who Can Apply?

To be considered for the NextGen@ICANN88 Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or doctoral programme.
Be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of the ICANN88 meeting.
Currently live and study in the region of the respective ICANN meeting.
Have an interest in Internet governance, technology, digital policy or related areas.
Demonstrate a genuine interest in engaging with the ICANN community.

Applicants can come from eligible ICANN regions, including:

Africa
Europe
Asia Pacific
Latin America and the Caribbean
North America

What Will Selected Participants Do?

The programme is not simply a funded trip to Portugal. Participants are expected to actively engage throughout the programme.

Selected participants will be expected to:

Attend required NextGen sessions and ICANN activities.
Complete relevant learning activities before the meeting.
Participate in coaching and mentoring sessions.
Give a 10-minute presentation during the ICANN meeting.
Network and engage with other participants and members of the global Internet governance community.

Participants should therefore be prepared to actively contribute rather than simply attend the event.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the NextGen@ICANN88 Program 2027 is:

9 October 2026

Applications should be submitted before the deadline.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply online through the official ICANN NextGen@ICANN application portal.

Application steps: