Ever wondered who actually runs the Internet — not the apps or the Wi-Fi companies, but the system underneath it all? The NextGen@ICANN88 Program is ICANN's way of bringing university students into that world. If you're 18 to 30, studying in Europe, and curious about how the Internet is governed, ICANN will pay for you to spend a week in Lisbon, Portugal, learning from the people who keep the global Internet stable. The application window is open right now, and it closes on 9 October 2026 — so there's no time to waste.
In short: NextGen@ICANN88 is a fully funded program taking European university students to the ICANN88 Community Forum in Lisbon, Portugal (13–18 March 2027) to learn about Internet governance. Applications close 9 October 2026, and selected participants get economy airfare, hotel accommodation, and a stipend.
● Applications Open
Quick Overview
- Host Country: Portugal (Lisbon)
- Host Institution: ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers)
- Degree Level: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral students
- Program Duration: One week at the meeting (13–18 March 2027), plus pre-meeting sessions starting about six weeks earlier
- Funding Type: Fully funded grant (airfare, hotel, stipend)
- Deadline: 9 October 2026, 23:59 UTC
Benefits of the NextGen@ICANN88 Program
Here's the deal — this isn't a partial award or a discount code. ICANN covers the big costs so you can focus on learning. A few honest notes on what is and isn't included:
- Economy-class airfare — ICANN books and pays for your return flights to Lisbon.
- Hotel accommodation — Your stay is covered for the duration of the meeting.
- Living stipend — You receive a stipend to help with meals and day-to-day costs in Lisbon.
- Direct mentorship — Experienced mentors guide you through the program, the sessions, and the ICANN community itself.
- Real policy exposure — You'll sit in on the actual discussions where global Internet policy is shaped, not a classroom simulation.
- Professional network — You'll meet Internet governance professionals, researchers, and students from across the region — the kind of contacts that open doors later.
A note on honesty: visa costs are your own responsibility, and any travel or health insurance is also on you. Budget for those before you apply, so nothing surprises you later.
Eligibility Criteria for the NextGen@ICANN88 Program
The requirements are straightforward, but the regional rule is the one that matters most:
- Enrolled student — You must currently be an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student. Recent graduates aren't eligible for this round.
- Age 18 to 30 — You must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of the ICANN88 meeting in March 2027.
- Living and studying in Europe — This is the decisive one. For ICANN88, the program is geared toward students living and studying in the European region. If you're studying elsewhere, this particular round isn't for you — but future rounds rotate regions.
- Genuine interest — You should have a real interest in Internet governance, the future of the Internet, technology policy, digital rights, cybersecurity, or a related area. No prior ICANN experience is needed.
- Able to attend — If selected, you must be able to attend the full ICANN88 meeting and all required program events in Lisbon.
- Willing to present — Participants deliver a short 5 to 10-minute presentation during the meeting. Don't panic — it can be about your research, a thesis project, an ICANN-related activity, or even a website you're affiliated with.
How to Apply for the NextGen@ICANN88 Program
The application runs through ICANN's official portal. Here's how it works, step by step:
1. Create an ICANN Account — You'll need a free ICANN account before you can apply. Set one up on the ICANN website if you don't have one already. 2. Open the NextGen application portal — Find the official NextGen@ICANN application portal linked from the ICANN88 call for applications page. 3. Complete your profile — Fill in your personal details, your university enrollment information, and your contact details. 4. Write your application — Explain your interest in Internet governance and why you want to take part. Be specific — generic answers don't stand out in a competitive pool. 5. Submit before the deadline — Applications must be submitted by 9 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC. Late applications aren't accepted. 6. Wait for the announcement — Successful candidates will be announced on 17 December 2026 on the ICANN website. 7. Start the pre-meeting program — About six weeks before the meeting, you'll attend required courses and presentations online, and mentors will help you prepare your own presentation.
Required Documents
ICANN handles applications through its own account system. Based on the official guidance, make sure you have these ready:
- A valid ICANN Account (free to create on the ICANN website)
- Proof of current university enrollment (undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral)
- Personal identification details as requested in the portal
- Your written statement of interest in Internet governance
NextGen@ICANN88 Deadline
The application window runs from 31 August 2026 to 9 October 2026, 23:59 UTC. That deadline is firm — ICANN runs a tight, predictable selection calendar, and successful candidates are announced on 17 December 2026 on the ICANN website. If you miss it, you'll have to wait for the next round, which will be tied to a different meeting in a different region. Don't leave it to the last day; the portal and your written statement both deserve unhurried attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NextGen@ICANN88 really fully funded?
Yes, for selected participants. ICANN covers economy-class airfare, hotel accommodation, and a living stipend. What it does not cover: your visa costs and any optional travel or health insurance — those are your responsibility.
Can I apply if I don't study in Europe?
Not for this round. NextGen@ICANN88 is specifically geared toward students living and studying in the European region, since ICANN88 is being held in Europe. Future rounds rotate with the meeting locations, so keep an eye out for a round in your region.
Do I need to know about ICANN already?
No. That's the point of the program — it exists to introduce students to ICANN and Internet governance. You need genuine curiosity and a willingness to learn, not prior expertise.
What is the presentation about?
You deliver a 5 to 10-minute presentation during the meeting. It can cover your own research, a thesis project, an activity related to ICANN's work, or an ICANN-related website you're affiliated with. Mentors help you prepare it.
When does the program actually start?
Selected participants attend required online courses and presentations about six weeks before the meeting, then travel to Lisbon for the ICANN88 Community Forum from 13 to 18 March 2027.
Is there an application fee?
No. Applying is completely free.
What if ICANN88 is held virtually?
ICANN has stated that if ICANN88 is held virtually, the NextGen@ICANN Program will also be held virtually. At the time of writing, the meeting is planned in person in Lisbon.
Can graduate and doctoral students apply, or just undergraduates?
All three levels are eligible — undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students — as long as you're currently enrolled and aged 18 to 30.
Do I need an ICANN Account to apply?
Yes. An ICANN Account is required to access the NextGen application portal. Creating one is free.
How competitive is the program?
ICANN selects a limited group for each meeting, and the program is well known in tech-policy circles, so expect real competition. A clear, specific statement of interest — showing what you'd bring and what you want to learn — is your best lever.
Final Words
If you've ever wanted to see how the Internet is actually governed — the policies, the people, the process — this is one of the most direct doors in, and ICANN is paying the way. The catch is simply the calendar: 9 October 2026, 23:59 UTC. Get your ICANN account ready, write an application that sounds like you, and hit submit with time to spare.
