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NextGen@ICANN88 Programme 2026: Fully Supported Opportunity for Young Students Interested in Internet Governance

Emmanuel Mensah
NextGen@ICANN88 Programme 2026: Fully Supported Opportunity for Young Students Interested in Internet Governance
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The NextGen@ICANN88 Programme 2026 is inviting eligible young students to apply for an opportunity to participate in the global Internet governance community through the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

The programme is designed for young people who are interested in Internet governance, the future of the Internet, digital policy, technology and other issues addressed within the ICANN ecosystem. Selected participants will receive coaching, guidance and travel support to attend an ICANN meeting, giving them an opportunity to learn directly from experts, engage with the international ICANN community and begin building a pathway toward long-term participation in Internet governance.

For the current application round, the programme is associated with the ICANN88 Community Forum, which will take place in Lisbon, Portugal, from 13–18 March 2027. Applications are open from 31 August 2026 until 9 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC.

What Is the NextGen@ICANN Programme?

The NextGen@ICANN Programme is a youth-focused initiative established to encourage greater participation by young people in ICANN and the wider Internet governance ecosystem.

ICANN recognizes that the future of the Internet depends not only on established experts and institutions, but also on bringing new generations of people into discussions about how the global Internet operates and evolves. The NextGen@ICANN Programme therefore seeks to identify young people who have the potential to become future contributors to the ICANN community.

The programme introduces participants to important areas of ICANN’s work while helping them understand the bottom-up, multistakeholder model used in Internet governance. Participants can learn how different stakeholders contribute to discussions and decision-making processes that affect the Internet at regional and global levels.

For students interested in technology, digital transformation, cybersecurity, Internet policy, communications, governance, law, computer science, public policy or related areas, the programme can provide an opportunity to gain exposure to an international environment where important conversations about the Internet take place.

Why Consider NextGen@ICANN88?

Participating in NextGen@ICANN can provide more than attendance at an international conference. The programme is structured to help young participants understand the ICANN ecosystem and gradually become involved in the wider Internet governance community.

Selected participants receive coaching and guidance, as well as financial support associated with attending the relevant ICANN meeting. This makes the programme particularly valuable for students who want international exposure but may otherwise find it difficult to attend a major global meeting independently.

ICANN describes participation in a NextGen@ICANN meeting as an ideal first step for young people beginning their journey into the ICANN ecosystem. Participants are expected not simply to attend but to engage meaningfully with the programme and meeting activities.

Some of the potential benefits include:

What Is the ICANN88 Community Forum?

The current NextGen application round is for ICANN88, the Community Forum scheduled to take place in Lisbon, Portugal, from 13 to 18 March 2027.

ICANN meetings rotate among different geographic regions. The ICANN88 meeting falls within the Europe region. According to the programme’s eligibility requirements, applicants generally need to be living and studying in the region of the respective ICANN meeting.
This means that students interested in applying for the current ICANN88 NextGen opportunity should carefully verify that they meet the geographic requirement for the Europe-based meeting.

Who Can Apply for NextGen@ICANN88?

The NextGen@ICANN Programme has specific eligibility requirements. Applicants should carefully review these conditions before beginning an application.

1. Applicants Must Be Students

Applicants must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate, graduate or doctoral student.

This means the programme is intended for people who are actively pursuing higher education rather than applicants who have already completed their studies and are no longer enrolled.

Eligible study levels include:

The source does not limit eligibility to a single academic discipline. Therefore, applicants should focus on demonstrating how their studies, research, activities or interests connect with Internet governance, the future of the Internet or subjects relevant to ICANN.

2. Applicants Must Be Between 18 and 30 Years Old

Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years of age at the time of the ICANN meeting.

For ICANN88, the relevant meeting takes place in March 2027, so applicants should ensure that they satisfy the age requirement at the time the meeting occurs, rather than looking only at their age on the application date.

3. Applicants Must Live and Study in the Relevant Region

A major requirement is that applicants must be currently living and studying in the region of the respective ICANN meeting.

ICANN rotates its meetings through five geographic regions:

  1. Africa
  2. Europe
  3. North America
  4. Latin America
  5. Asia Pacific

For the current NextGen@ICANN88 application, the meeting is scheduled for Lisbon, Portugal, in the Europe region. Consequently, the regional eligibility requirement is particularly important for applicants considering this round.

ICANN also notes that if applications are accepted from regions other than the region in which a particular meeting is taking place, that information will be made publicly available before applications open for that meeting.

4. Applicants Should Have an Interest in Internet Governance

Applicants should demonstrate an interest in Internet governance, the future of the Internet and other topics covered at ICANN meetings.

This is important because the programme is not simply a general international travel opportunity for students. Applicants are expected to have a genuine interest in the issues addressed by ICANN and the Internet governance ecosystem.

An applicant can therefore strengthen their application by clearly explaining their connection to Internet-related issues through their studies, research, projects, professional activities, public discussions or other relevant engagements.

What Will Selected Participants Be Expected to Do?

Being selected for NextGen@ICANN comes with active participation requirements.

Participants are expected to attend the relevant ICANN meeting and required events and to participate actively throughout the programme. The opportunity is therefore best suited to students who are genuinely interested in learning, engaging and contributing rather than simply attending the event as observers.

Participants Must Present a Project

One of the notable requirements is that selected participants must be willing to deliver a 5–10-minute project presentation at the meeting.

The presentation can focus on different types of work, including

This requirement provides applicants with an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, interests and ability to communicate an Internet-related subject to an international audience.

Applicants should therefore think carefully about the project they could present if selected.

What Financial Support Does NextGen@ICANN Provide?

One of the major attractions of the programme is the financial support available to selected participants.

Each selected participant receives a grant of support covering:

This support is designed to enable selected students to attend the ICANN meeting and participate in the required programme activities.

However, applicants should be aware that the support does not cover every travel-related expense.

Visa Costs

Participants are responsible for securing their own visas for travel, and the cost of obtaining the visa is at the participant’s own expense.

Applicants should therefore investigate visa requirements well in advance if they are selected, particularly because international travel arrangements may require additional documentation and processing time.

Travel and Health Insurance

If a participant wishes to obtain travel insurance or health insurance, those costs are also the participant’s responsibility.

Applicants should take this into consideration when planning for participation.

How Are NextGen@ICANN Applicants Selected?

Meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee selection.

ICANN evaluates applications using a number of selection criteria designed to identify applicants who demonstrate genuine interest in Internet governance and the potential to contribute to the community.

The selection criteria include:

Demonstrated Interest in ICANN and the Internet Ecosystem

Applicants should demonstrate their interest in ICANN and the broader Internet ecosystem through examples of their current work, activities, studies, research or public dialogue on the web.

This means applicants should not simply state that they are interested in Internet governance. They should provide evidence that supports that interest.

Value of Participation to the Applicant and Their Community

Applicants are assessed on how clearly they explain the value that participating in NextGen@ICANN would provide to them personally and to a wider community.

The wider community could include a:

Applicants should therefore consider not only what they hope to gain, but also how they could use the experience and knowledge gained through participation to benefit others.

Quality of the Applicant’s View on an Internet Topic

The application also considers the applicant’s ability to express their views on an Internet-related topic.

This makes the quality of written responses particularly important. Applicants should aim to communicate their ideas clearly, demonstrate genuine understanding and present thoughtful perspectives on relevant Internet issues.

Desire to Join the ICANN Community

Applicants should demonstrate that they genuinely want to become part of the ICANN community.

The programme is intended to support future engagement, so applicants who can clearly explain their interest in continuing to participate in Internet governance may be better positioned to demonstrate alignment with the programme’s objectives.

Long-Term Interest in ICANN-Related Topics

ICANN also considers whether an applicant has demonstrated a long-standing interest in topics related to ICANN’s work.

Applicants should therefore consider how their academic background, research, projects, professional interests or other activities demonstrate sustained engagement with Internet-related subjects.

Desire to Understand and Engage With Regional ICANN Work

Applicants are also assessed on their desire to engage with and improve their understanding of ICANN’s work in their region.

This reinforces the importance of explaining why participation is relevant not only to the applicant personally but also to the Internet governance environment in their region.

How to Prepare a Strong NextGen@ICANN Application

Although selection is competitive, applicants can take practical steps to make their applications stronger.

Demonstrate Genuine Interest

Avoid relying on generic statements about loving technology or wanting international exposure. Instead, connect your experience to specific Internet governance issues.

For example, an applicant could discuss relevant:

The objective should be to show evidence of genuine engagement rather than simply claiming interest.

Explain the Impact of Participation

Applicants should clearly explain why NextGen@ICANN matters to their personal development and how participation could benefit their university, country or region.

A strong response should make a clear connection between:

Current experience → ICANN opportunity → knowledge gained → future contribution.

This can help demonstrate alignment with the programme’s objective of developing future members of the ICANN community.

Prepare a Relevant Project

Because selected participants are expected to present a project for 5–10 minutes, applicants should consider what work they could potentially showcase.

A thesis, research project, Internet-related initiative, relevant website or other activity may provide a suitable foundation for the presentation.

Demonstrate Your Regional Perspective

Since eligibility and participation are linked to ICANN’s geographic regions, applicants should consider how Internet governance issues affect their own region.

Explaining a regional Internet challenge, policy issue, digital inclusion question, cybersecurity concern or other relevant subject may help demonstrate the applicant’s understanding of the broader Internet ecosystem.

Application Requirements and ICANN Account

Applicants should be aware that an ICANN Account is required to apply for the NextGen@ICANN Programme.

The application is submitted through ICANN’s application platform, and prospective applicants should make sure they have the necessary account access before attempting to submit their application.

Applicants can access the official application route through the NextGen@ICANN programme page and should follow ICANN’s instructions for the relevant application round.

NextGen@ICANN88 Application Deadline

The NextGen@ICANN88 application period opened on 31 August 2026 and closes on 9 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC.

This is the key deadline prospective applicants should keep in mind.

The selection announcement for ICANN88 is scheduled for 17 December 2026.

Important Dates at a Glance

Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day to submit their applications. Creating an ICANN Account, reviewing eligibility, preparing application responses and identifying a suitable project for presentation can all take time.

APPLY HERE

Geographic Eligibility: Which Countries Can Apply?

The programme’s eligibility is based primarily on ICANN geographic regions, rather than a simple worldwide open application model.

ICANN identifies five meeting regions:

Applicants are generally expected to be living and studying in the region of the respective ICANN meeting.

For ICANN88, the meeting is scheduled in Lisbon, Portugal, and the listed region is Europe. Therefore, the current application round is aimed at eligible students living and studying in the Europe region, subject to any specific announcement by ICANN concerning applications from other regions.

The source does not provide a country-by-country list of eligible countries for ICANN88, so applicants should use ICANN’s official regional classification rather than assuming that every country is eligible based solely on geographical proximity.

There is also no race-based restriction stated in the eligibility information provided. The requirements focus on age, student status, residence and study location, interest in Internet governance, ability to attend and willingness to participate and present a project.

What Makes NextGen@ICANN Different?

Many international opportunities provide students with funding or access to events, but NextGen@ICANN places significant emphasis on participation and long-term engagement.

The programme is designed to help young people understand the Internet governance ecosystem and progressively become involved in the ICANN community.

This makes it particularly relevant to students who want to develop expertise in areas where technology intersects with policy, governance and international cooperation.

The opportunity can be especially valuable for students interested in fields such as

The programme itself does not restrict applicants to these fields in the eligibility information provided, so applicants should focus on demonstrating their genuine connection to ICANN-related topics.

Visit HERE for more information about the NextGen@ICANN88 Programme 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions About NextGen@ICANN88

Is NextGen@ICANN a scholarship?

No. It is not a traditional academic scholarship. It is a youth participation and development programme that provides selected students with coaching, guidance and financial support to attend an ICANN meeting.

The support includes economy-class airfare, hotel accommodation and a stipend.

Do applicants have to be university students?

Yes. Applicants must be enrolled as an undergraduate, graduate or doctoral student.

What is the age requirement?

Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of the ICANN meeting.

Can applicants from any country apply?

Not necessarily. Eligibility is linked to the region of the ICANN meeting. For ICANN88, the meeting is in Lisbon, Portugal, within the Europe region, and applicants are expected to be living and studying in the relevant region.

Does ICANN cover airfare?

Yes. Selected participants receive a support grant covering economy-class airfare.

Does ICANN provide accommodation?

Yes. The support grant covers hotel accommodation for selected participants.

Is a stipend provided?

Yes. The NextGen@ICANN support package includes a stipend.

Does ICANN pay for visas?

No. Participants must secure their own visas and pay the associated costs themselves.

Are participants required to present?

Yes. Selected participants must be willing to present a project lasting 5–10 minutes during the meeting.

When does the ICANN88 application close?

The application closes on 9 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC.

Conclusion

The NextGen@ICANN88 Programme 2026 offers eligible young students an opportunity to move beyond simply studying technology and become more actively involved in conversations about the future of the Internet.

Through coaching, guidance, travel support, accommodation and a stipend, selected participants can attend the ICANN88 Community Forum in Lisbon and engage directly with the international Internet governance ecosystem. The programme also provides participants with an opportunity to present their own research or project and begin developing a longer-term relationship with the ICANN community.
The opportunity is particularly relevant for students who are 18–30 years old, currently enrolled in undergraduate, graduate or doctoral studies, living and studying in the relevant ICANN meeting region, and genuinely interested in Internet governance and the future of the Internet.

For the current ICANN88 round, eligible applicants should take note of the 9 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC deadline and prepare their applications carefully. Beyond meeting the basic eligibility requirements, applicants should demonstrate their existing interest in ICANN and Internet-related issues, explain how participation would benefit them and their wider community, and show their potential to become an engaged member of the ICANN ecosystem.

For young students seeking international exposure, knowledge, networking and a structured introduction to global Internet governance, NextGen@ICANN88 represents a valuable opportunity to learn, participate and contribute to discussions shaping the future of the Internet.

For more global Fellowship opportunities, visit OFY HERE.

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