NextGen ICANN88 Program 2027 in Portugal

NextGen ICANN88 Program 2027 in Portugal: Fully Funded

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The NextGen ICANN88 Program 2027 is now accepting applications from university students interested in Internet governance, Internet policy and the future of the global Internet. The program is organized by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and will bring selected students to the ICANN88 Community Forum in Lisbon, Portugal, from 13 to 18 March 2027.

The NextGen ICANN program is designed to introduce young students to ICANN and the broader Internet governance ecosystem. Participants learn about ICANN’s multistakeholder model, Internet policy development and issues related to the stability, security and reliability of the Internet. The program also includes coaching, guidance and mentoring from experienced members of the ICANN community.

Applications for NextGen ICANN88 opened on 31 August 2026 and will close on 9 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC. Selected participants are scheduled to be announced on 17 December 2026.

NextGen ICANN88 Program 2027 in Portugal Summary

Host CountryPortugal
Host OrganizationInternet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
Eligible NationalitiesStudents living and studying in the Europe region
Degree LevelUndergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral
Program BenefitsEconomy-class airfare, hotel accommodation, stipend, coaching and mentoring
Program Dates13–18 March 2027
Deadline9 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC

Also Check: IRENA Youth Forum 2027 in Abu Dhabi

NextGen ICANN88 Program 2027 Benefits

Selected students can also gain direct exposure to Internet governance discussions and interact with members of the ICANN community.

The program includes:

  • Economy-class airfare support
  • Hotel accommodation
  • A stipend of up to US$500
  • Coaching and guidance
  • Mentoring from experienced ICANN community members
  • Participation in the ICANN88 Community Forum
  • Opportunities to learn about Internet governance and policy development
  • A certificate of completion for participants who complete the program requirements

Participants are responsible for obtaining their own visa. ICANN may reimburse eligible visa costs up to US$200, subject to its travel support rules.

Also Check: One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026 in South Africa

Who Can Apply for NextGen ICANN88 Program?

The program is open to students who meet the ICANN NextGen eligibility requirements. Applicants must:

  • Be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or doctoral program.
  • Be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of the ICANN meeting.
  • Be currently living and studying in the region of the ICANN meeting.
  • Have an interest in Internet governance, the future of the Internet or topics covered at ICANN meetings.
  • Be available to attend the ICANN meeting and required program activities.
  • Be willing to give a 5 to 10-minute presentation on a relevant project, research topic, thesis, activity or other ICANN-related work.

How Are Applicants Selected?

ICANN assesses applications based on the applicant’s existing interest in ICANN and the Internet ecosystem. The selection process considers current studies, research, activities, and public engagement related to Internet topics.

Applicants are also assessed on:

  • Their understanding and views on an Internet-related topic
  • How participation would benefit them and their wider community
  • Their interest in becoming part of the ICANN community
  • Their long-term interest in ICANN-related subjects
  • Their willingness to improve their understanding of ICANN’s work

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