Preparing an ICANN89 Fellowship application for 2027 requires understanding one essential rule: the Policy Forum fellowship is reserved for applicants who have previously completed an ICANN Fellowship successfully.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is accepting applications from eligible alumni for the ICANN89 Policy Forum, taking place in Vancouver, Canada, from June 14 to 17, 2027.
Selected fellows receive approved international airfare, hotel accommodation and an expense allowance of up to USD 500.
However, meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee selection. Applicants should demonstrate meaningful interest and involvement in ICANN’s multistakeholder community.
Deadline: December 5, 2026, at 23:59 UTC.
This guide focuses on eligibility, mandatory training, the application process, selection criteria and travel responsibilities.
ICANN89 Fellowship Application: Key Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | ICANN89 Policy Forum |
| Location | Vancouver, Canada |
| Meeting dates | June 14–17, 2027 |
| Minimum age | 21 |
| Previous fellowship | Mandatory |
| First-time applicants | Not eligible |
| Application language | English |
| ICANN Learn | Applicable course requirements |
| Funding | Flights, hotel and expense allowance |
| Allowance | Up to USD 500 |
| Deadline | December 5, 2026 |
| Results | February 16, 2027 |
1. Check Whether You Qualify as an ICANN Fellowship Alumnus
Not every applicant interested in Internet governance can apply to ICANN89.
The official announcement states that the Policy Forum fellowship is available exclusively to individuals who have already completed an ICANN Fellowship.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants should have:
- Successfully completed an earlier ICANN Fellowship.
- Maintained an interest in ICANN-related policy or technical work.
- Met the minimum age requirement.
- Satisfied the programme’s previous participation limits.
- Complied with applicable training and community participation requirements.
The general fellowship terms allow a participant to receive an ICANN Fellowship up to three times.
Who Cannot Apply?
Applicants who have never completed an ICANN Fellowship are not eligible for the ICANN89 Policy Forum fellowship.
They should monitor other ICANN fellowship opportunities that accept newcomers.
This eligibility distinction is more important than nationality or academic major.
2. Understand What ICANN Expects From Alumni
The ICANN Fellowship Programme aims to strengthen participation in the global Internet governance community.
For an alumni-focused Policy Forum, applicants should demonstrate how their previous experience connects with future involvement.
Relevant areas may include:
- DNS policymaking.
- Internet security and stability.
- Domain name governance.
- Technical community participation.
- Digital policy discussions.
- Community education and outreach.
What Makes a Strong Application?
Applicants can explain:
- What they learned during their previous fellowship.
- How they participated in ICANN activities afterward.
- Which current policy topics interest them.
- What they hope to contribute during ICANN89.
- How they plan to remain involved after the meeting.
Specific examples are more useful than general statements about enjoying international conferences.
For comparison, our GovAI Summer Fellowship 2027 Application Guide explains a separate selection process focused on artificial intelligence governance and research.
3. Complete Your ICANN Learn Requirements
ICANN requires applicants to comply with relevant learning and training conditions.
The training requirements may differ depending on the applicant’s previous fellowship participation.
What Should Returning Applicants Do?
Before submitting the ICANN89 application:
- Open the official ICANN Fellowship instructions.
- Check which ICANN Learn course applies to returning fellows.
- Complete the course if required.
- Download or save the completion certificate.
- Upload the certificate if requested by the application form.
Previous fellowship guidance has required returning applicants to complete training on ICANN policy development processes.
Applicants must verify the exact course listed in the current ICANN89 application instructions rather than relying exclusively on older requirements.
4. Prepare Your Online Application
ICANN Fellowship applications must be completed through the official online system.
The form must be written in English.
Applicants may need to provide:
- Full name and contact details.
- Academic or professional background.
- Information about previous ICANN participation.
- Relevant technical or policy experience.
- Motivation for attending ICANN89.
- Examples of community engagement.
- Required training information.
The exact mandatory attachments are determined by the live application form.
Do not assume a CV or recommendation letter is required unless the official form requests one.
5. Write Convincing Application Responses
The selection committee evaluates how applicants may contribute to ICANN’s work.
Explain Your Previous Experience
Briefly identify your earlier fellowship and describe what you learned.
Show Evidence of Continued Engagement
Mention relevant meetings, working groups, discussions, courses or community initiatives in which you participated.
Only include genuine activities.
Identify Your Policy Interests
Explain which topics you want to explore, such as domain name policy development, DNS security or Internet governance.
Describe Your Contribution
State how you intend to share knowledge or support relevant community activities.
Keep Your Responses Specific
Avoid writing that you want to attend simply because Canada is an attractive travel destination.
Other competitive programmes also emphasize evidence of engagement. For example, the CEPS Climate Leadership Programme Application Guide discusses documenting practical policy involvement, although its 2026 application period has closed.
6. Submit Your ICANN89 Fellowship Application
Follow the official submission process.
Step 1: Visit the Fellowship Page
Go to the ICANN Fellowship Program.
Step 2: Review ICANN89 Eligibility
Confirm that the round is open to alumni and that you meet the participation requirements.
Step 3: Sign In
Use your ICANN account to access the application system.
Step 4: Complete Required Training
Finish the applicable ICANN Learn requirements and prepare supporting evidence.
Step 5: Open the ICANN89 Application
Select the correct fellowship round.
Step 6: Provide Your Information
Complete every required field in English, including questions about previous engagement and future contributions.
Step 7: Review Supporting Documents
Check whether any certificates or additional files must be uploaded.
Step 8: Submit the Application
Submit no later than December 5, 2026, at 23:59 UTC.
A saved draft is not a completed application.
Step 9: Monitor Your Email
Successful applicants are expected to be announced on February 16, 2027.
7. How Does ICANN Select Fellows?
A selection committee evaluates eligible applications.
Assessment considerations include:
- Previous engagement with ICANN.
- Motivation and relevance.
- Potential for future participation.
- Community representation.
- Regional participation needs.
- Alignment with ICANN’s work.
ICANN does not publish a guaranteed acceptance formula.
Applicants should focus on demonstrating genuine involvement and readiness to contribute.
8. Understand Travel Support and Responsibilities
Selected fellows receive approved travel arrangements through ICANN.
Airfare
ICANN books appropriate economy-class flights through its designated travel management company.
Accommodation
The organization pays for a standard hotel room during approved dates.
Expense Allowance
An allowance of up to USD 500 may help with meals, transportation and incidental expenses.
Visa Costs
Eligible visa costs may be reimbursed up to USD 200 under the programme’s conditions.
Health and Travel Insurance
ICANN does not provide health insurance.
Participants must arrange appropriate coverage and meet all Canadian entry requirements.
Completion Certificate
Fellows who fulfill programme requirements and submit the post-meeting survey may receive an ICANN Fellowship completion certificate.
9. Common ICANN89 Application Mistakes
Avoid the following:
- Applying without previous ICANN Fellowship completion.
- Ignoring previous participation limits.
- Missing required ICANN Learn training.
- Writing vague motivation responses.
- Failing to explain previous community engagement.
- Leaving the application in draft status.
- Missing the deadline in UTC.
- Assuming ICANN pays for health insurance.
- Booking flights without following ICANN instructions.
- Assuming a fellowship award guarantees a Canadian visa.
10. Alternative International Conference Application Guides
If you do not meet ICANN89’s alumni requirement, other programmes may have different eligibility arrangements.
For examples of international conference application processes, explore:
- Youth Diplomacy Forum in Turkey — an earlier conference covering leadership and international policy.
- Youth Leadership Conference in Canada — a previous Toronto event with several participation categories.
- One Future Conference in Toronto — an earlier international conference focusing on AI governance and global leadership.
These guides concern different organizers and previous application cycles. Their dates should not be used for 2027 opportunities without fresh verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can First-Time Applicants Apply for ICANN89?
No. This Policy Forum fellowship is restricted to previous ICANN Fellowship alumni.
Is a University Degree Required?
The programme does not require one particular academic major, but applicants must meet the official eligibility and participation conditions.
Is IELTS Required?
The application must be written in English. The official announcement does not identify IELTS as a universal requirement.
Is the Fellowship Fully Funded?
It covers approved travel and hotel accommodation, with up to USD 500 for expenses. Some costs, including insurance, remain the fellow’s responsibility.
Can Applicants Receive the Fellowship More Than Once?
Yes, subject to ICANN’s previous participation limits and eligibility rules.
When Are Results Announced?
February 16, 2027.
Final Application Checklist
Before submitting, verify that:
- You have successfully completed a previous ICANN Fellowship.
- You meet the age and participation requirements.
- Your ICANN account is active.
- You completed the applicable ICANN Learn training.
- Your answers describe genuine community involvement.
- All required attachments are uploaded.
- Your application is submitted, not saved as a draft.
- You have checked the December 5 deadline in UTC.
Conclusion
A strong ICANN89 Fellowship 2027 application demonstrates previous ICANN Fellowship experience, meaningful community engagement and a clear interest in Internet governance.
The programme provides financial support for selected alumni to participate in the ICANN89 Policy Forum in Vancouver, Canada.
Applicants should carefully follow the official instructions and submit their complete applications before December 5, 2026, at 23:59 UTC.
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