Deadline 2026-04-20
Country Online
Level fellowship
Organization Internet Society
Field Internet Critical Properties and Enablers, Digital Transformation and Key Internet Issues, Digital Futures and Strategic Foresight, Systems and Design Thinking, Leadership and Decision-making, Digital Geopolitics, Advocacy and Communications, Leadership in VUCA environments
Funding fully funded Overview
The Internet Society Mid-Career Fellowship 2026 is a seven-month virtual program designed for mid-career professionals. It aims to enhance leadership skills and knowledge, enabling fellows to navigate uncertainty and disruption in the Internet space. The program selects 15 fellows and provides unparalleled access to world-class educational institutions and experts. It runs from June to December 2026, consisting of five modules with live lectures, assessments, and a culminating symposium.
Coverage
This is a virtual fellowship program, meaning there are no program fees, travel costs, or any other related expenses for participants. Upon successful completion, fellows will receive a Certificate of Completion from the Internet Society.
Eligibility
Applicants must be mid-career professionals in leadership roles within the Internet ecosystem (technical, policy, economic, or social capacity). A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in leading or managing teams or projects is required. Candidates should currently be working in an organization addressing digital challenges or undergoing digital disruption and transformation. A keen interest in problem-solving, working in multi-stakeholder and multi-disciplinary teams, and acquiring new knowledge is essential. Applicants must also be interested in ensuring the Internet remains open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy. Reliable internet access and relevant devices are necessary, along with the ability to participate fully for approximately six hours per week (calls typically 12:00–16:00 UTC). Proficiency in verbal and written English is mandatory. Candidates from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and Asia Pacific (APAC) are strongly encouraged to apply.
Requirements
Not clearly stated beyond the eligibility criteria. Applicants should expect to provide details of their professional experience and leadership roles in the application form.
How to apply
The application process is online. Candidates must carefully fill out the application form, answer all questions, and submit it before the deadline. Applications are reviewed confidentially by a selection committee through a multi-step evaluation process.
Notes
The fellowship's core content areas include the Internet Critical Properties and Enablers, Digital Transformation and Key Internet Issues, Digital Futures and Strategic Foresight, Systems and Design Thinking, and Leadership and Decision-making. The program also includes seminars on trends such as digital geopolitics, advocacy and communications, and leadership in VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) environments, along with practical case studies and cross-sector networking.
