ICANN88 Fellowship 2027: Fully Funded Trip to Portugal

Have you ever looked at an international opportunity and thought, “I would love to be part of this, but I could never afford the travel?” That was the first thing that caught my attention about the ICANN88 Fellowship Program 2027.

This is not a traditional scholarship where you receive money to study at a university. Instead, it gives selected participants the chance to travel to Lisbon, Portugal, and take part in discussions about one of the most important things affecting our lives today: how the internet is governed and developed.

I went through the program details carefully before putting this guide together, because fellowship applications can sometimes look straightforward until you get to the eligibility requirements and application process. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what I found, who should consider applying, what is funded, and what you should do before submitting your application.

ICANN88 Fellowship Program 2027 at a Glance

What Exactly Is the ICANN88 Fellowship?

Before discovering this fellowship, I knew ICANN as an organisation associated with internet domain names. After looking deeper into its work, I realised that its role is much than what it is.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) brings together people from different parts of the internet to discuss issues involving domain names, IP addresses, DNS security, internet policy, and the future development of the global internet.

That is one of the reasons I think this opportunity is particularly valuable for applicants who come from regions or communities that are not always strongly represented in international internet policy discussions.

Selected fellows don’t simply arrive at the event, attend a few sessions, and fly home. The program includes training, mentorship, and opportunities to interact with people already involved in the ICANN community.

For someone interested in internet governance, cybersecurity, digital policy, technology, ICT, or digital rights, this can provide exposure that is difficult to get through a normal classroom or online course.

What Does ICANN Pay For?

One of the first things I check whenever I see a program described as “fully funded” is what the funding actually covers.

In this case, selected fellows receive several forms of financial support.

Round-Trip Airfare

ICANN provides round-trip economy airfare for selected fellows traveling to and from Lisbon. For applicants who have never attended an international conference because of travel costs, this is obviously a major benefit.

Accommodation

Selected fellows receive accommodation for the duration of the event. This means you don’t have to arrange and pay for a hotel completely out of your own pocket.

Stipend

The fellowship provides a stipend of up to USD 500 to help with daily expenses.

I would still recommend planning your personal budget carefully rather than assuming the stipend will cover every expense you might have while traveling.

Visa Support

Eligible fellows can receive reimbursement of up to USD 200 for visa-related costs. This can be especially helpful for applicants who need a visa to travel to Portugal.

Training and Mentorship

Fellows also receive access to pre-event and on-site training, as well as mentorship from members of the ICANN community. That mentorship component is something I would personally pay close attention to when preparing an application. Being able to learn directly from people working in the field can be just as valuable as attending the conference itself.

Who Can Apply for the ICANN Fellowship?

This is where I recommend slowing down before starting the application. A fully funded opportunity can look extremely attractive, but meeting the basic requirements is essential. According to the program information, applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Be 21 years of age or older at the time of application.
• Be eligible regardless of nationality; applicants can come from any country.
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in internet governance, cybersecurity, DNS, ICT, or digital policy.
• Complete the required ICANN Learn course(s) before submitting the application.
• Not currently participate in another ICANN-supported travel program.
• Previous ICANN Fellows may apply again, provided they have received no more than two previous ICANN Fellowships.

The fellowship can be relevant to a surprisingly broad range of applicants.

For example, you might be a student studying technology, a cybersecurity professional, an ICT specialist, an academic researcher, a government employee, a technical expert, or someone working in digital rights.

You don’t necessarily need to have an impressive job title.

Why I Think the ICANN Fellowship Is Worth Considering

When I compare international fellowships, I usually look beyond the words “fully funded.”

The real question is: What will you actually gain from participating?

In the case of ICANN88, there are several things that stand out.

First, you’re entering an international environment where people from governments, businesses, technical communities, civil society, academia, and other groups come together. Second, the program provides structured learning rather than simply sending participants to a conference. Third, the mentorship gives fellows an opportunity to learn from people with experience inside the ICANN community. And finally, the alumni network can continue to be useful after the event ends.

So, if your only goal is to travel to Portugal for free, I wouldn’t recommend building your application around that.

How to Apply for the ICANN88 Fellowship

The application process is not something I would leave until the final day.

Here is the order I recommend following.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Start by confirming that you meet the age and other eligibility requirements. Don’t spend hours preparing an application before confirming that you are actually eligible.

Step 2: Complete the Required ICANN Learn Course

The required ICANN Learn course must be completed before you submit your fellowship application. I would personally do this as early as possible. Waiting until the deadline is close could create unnecessary pressure.

Step 3: Read the Official Fellowship Information

Go through the official ICANN fellowship information carefully. Pay attention to the application questions, documentation requirements, eligibility rules, and instructions.

Step 4: Prepare Your Application

When writing your application, don’t simply tell ICANN that you “love technology” or “want to attend an international conference.” Explain your actual connection with internet governance. For example:

• What have you studied?
• What projects have you worked on?
• Have you participated in technology or policy-related activities?
• Why are internet governance issues important to you?
• What perspective can you contribute?
• How would you stay involved with the ICANN community afterward?

Specific examples are much stronger than generic statements.

Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline

The application deadline is 21 August 2026 

I strongly recommend submitting before the final day.

Step 6: Wait for the Results

According to the published timeline, fellowship results are expected to be announced on 10 November 2026.

If selected, you will then need to complete the relevant preparations for travel, visa arrangements, and any remaining program requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ICANN88 Fellowship free to apply for?

Yes. There is no application fee for the fellowship.

Is the ICANN88 Fellowship fully funded?

For selected fellows, the program provides major financial support, including round-trip economy airfare, accommodation, a stipend of up to USD 500, and eligible visa reimbursement of up to USD 200.

Can students apply?

Yes. Students can be considered if they meet the eligibility requirements and can demonstrate a genuine interest or relevant experience in areas connected to internet governance.

Can applicants from any country apply?

Yes. The fellowship is open internationally, with applicants from all nationalities eligible to apply, subject to the program’s requirements.

Can previous ICANN Fellows apply again?

Yes. Previous fellows can apply again if they have received no more than two previous ICANN Fellowships and meet the other requirements.

Final Thoughts

After going through the details of the ICANN88 Fellowship Program 2027, I think this is one of those opportunities where the value goes beyond the funding. Yes, having airfare, accommodation, visa support, and a stipend covered makes international participation much more accessible. But the bigger benefit is the opportunity to sit in an international environment with people working on the policies and technical systems that shape how the internet functions. If you’re genuinely interested in internet governance, cybersecurity, ICT, digital policy, technology, or digital rights, I wouldn’t ignore this one.

Check the official requirements, complete the required training, prepare thoughtful answers, and submit your application early.