NextGen@ICANN Program — ICANN88 Community Forum, Lisbon

About this opportunity

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is calling for applications for the NextGen@ICANN Program, whose participants attend the ICANN88 Community Forum in Lisbon, Portugal, 13–18 March 2027. ICANN wants to hear from university students living and studying in the European region who are interested in the future of the Internet and participating in the Public Meeting. If ICANN88 is held virtually, the NextGen@ICANN Program will also be held virtually. The NextGen@ICANN Program provides opportunities for university students to better understand how ICANN contributes to the technical governance of the Internet and the multistakeholder model. Through an immersive program, participants learn about topics such as the Internet ecosystem, Internet governance, and policy development at ICANN. The program also provides insight into how to engage and contribute to the work that supports the stability, resiliency, and reliability of the Internet. NextGen@ICANN runs in conjunction with ICANN Public Meetings and is geared toward students who are 18–30 years old, living or studying in the region hosting the selected ICANN meeting. Participants are required to attend courses and presentations six weeks before the ICANN Public Meeting, and are expected to give a 10-minute presentation during the meeting. Experienced mentors support participants throughout the program. ICANN's mission is to help ensure a stable, secure and unified global Internet by coordinating the unique identifiers that make the Internet work.

Who can apply

• University students
• Aged 18–30 years old
• Living or studying in the region hosting the selected ICANN meeting (European region for ICANN88)
• Interested in the future of the Internet and in participating in the ICANN Public Meeting
• Committed to attending the required courses and presentations six weeks before the Public Meeting
• Willing and able to give a 10-minute presentation during the meeting

What you get

• Fully immersive participation in the ICANN88 Community Forum, 13–18 March 2027
• Travel to attend an international Internet governance forum (Lisbon, Portugal)
• Deep understanding of the Internet ecosystem, technical governance and the multistakeholder model
• Insight into policy development at ICANN
• Training in how to engage with and contribute to multistakeholder Internet governance
• Experienced mentors supporting participants throughout the program
• Curriculum course and presentations six weeks before the Public Meeting
• Platform to give a 10-minute presentation during the ICANN Public Meeting

How to apply

1. 1
   Review eligibility

   Check that you meet all criteria before starting your application.

2. 2
   Prepare documents

   Gather transcripts, recommendation letters, and any required essays or statements.

3. 3
   Submit application

   Apply directly through the official link below. Deadline: 9 October 2026.