The Internet Society Fellowship: Systems Security Sub-Track

1. Enroll in pre-fellowship training. Complete the short form (less than 5 minutes)
2. Take the pre-fellowship training. Complete all required modules and prepare your project proposal (app. 2 hours)
3. Submit the fellowship application. The application is on a rolling basis. Submit once the required training is complete. (1–2 hours)
4. Fellowship applications review and selection process. Review, ranking, and shortlist checks.
5. Fellowship outcome offer. Outcome communicated. Only applicants who receive and accept the offer continue as fellows.
6. Fellowship kick-off. 1.5-hour onboarding call

• 23 September 2026–22 November 2026: Open enrollment period for pre-fellowship training (self-paced)
• 18 December 2026: Fellowship applications close. Open on a rolling basis as soon as a trainee completes their modules.
• 21 December 2026–29 January 2027: Fellowship application review and selection
• 19 February 2027: Fellowship notifications and acceptance
• 22 February 2027: Kick-off and onboarding
• 22–26 March 2027: NDSS Symposium
• 1 June 2027–30 November 2027: Mentored project execution
• 3 December 2027: Final project delivery
• Early December 2027: Graduation ceremony

• Prerequisite training: Applicants must select a track and sub-track and enroll in the training and project development experience. The training must be completed before the applicant can apply for the fellowship.
• Project plan: During the 2.5-month training period, prospective applicants will build relevant knowledge and develop a realistic, locally grounded project plan aligned with the Internet Society’s mission. The proposed project must be achievable within the duration of the fellowship residency.
• Proficiency in English: Applicants must have a high level of reading, speaking, and writing skills in English.
• Reliable Internet access: Applicants will need continuous access to the Internet during all the phases of the program as well as the appropriate equipment to join virtual training sessions and calls.
• Weekly program dedication: Applicants must have the availability to take part in weekly sessions and be able to dedicate a minimum of four hours per week during the 10-month program.
• Valid passport: Applicants must hold a valid passport that remains valid for at least six months beyond anticipated fellowship-related travel dates.
• Not a current fellow: Applicants cannot be currently taking part in a 2026 Internet Society fellowship.

Each fellowship applicant is required to take the following courses prior to their application. It takes approximately 2 hours to complete them:

• What the Internet Needs to Exist
• What the Internet Needs to Thrive
• Internet Governance
• Introduction to Online Trust and Safety

In addition to the shared foundational modules, fellows will participate in track-specific expert sessions covering topics relevant to the Systems Security sub-track and project implementation.

• Responsible Research and Innovation
• Value-Based Security Design
• Security and Privacy in Community Networks

Applicants should select the project category that best aligns with their proposed project. Some projects may span multiple categories; in such cases, applicants should select the category that most closely aligns with the primary focus of their proposed work.

• Cybersecurity Research Translation: Projects that translate existing security research into accessible, actionable guidance for policymakers, civil society, or industry. This includes developing a policy brief or white paper, producing a practical security guide for a non-technical audience such as journalists or human rights defenders, and publishing an op-ed or delivering a briefing on a cybersecurity issue using research as the evidence base.
• Cybersecurity Awareness and Capacity Building: Projects that strengthen the security and resilience of organizations, networks, and digital infrastructure through cybersecurity knowledge and practice. Activities may include security training workshops, cybersecurity readiness assessments, incident response exercises, and the development of practical security resources for technical and institutional audiences.
• Security Research Governance and Public Interest Practice: Projects that strengthen the governance frameworks, institutional practices, and community processes that help cybersecurity research deliver positive outcomes for society. Activities may include developing guidance on ethical research practices, examining governance approaches for emerging security challenges, facilitating dialogue among researchers, policymakers, industry, and affected communities, and producing resources that help organizations understand the societal implications of cybersecurity research.

Looking for more information about the Internet Society Fellowship Program? Check out the Internet Society’s FAQs or contact the fellowship team.