The Internet Society has opened applications for its Peering Fellowship Programme 2026, a six-month professional development initiative designed to strengthen Internet infrastructure and interconnection across emerging regions.

This programme focuses on improving how Internet traffic is exchanged globally by supporting professionals who work on peering, routing, and Internet exchange point (IXP) development. The goal is to make Internet access more affordable, reliable, and resilient, particularly in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East.

About the Peering Fellowship

The Peering Fellowship is a structured learning and engagement programme aimed at Internet infrastructure professionals. It equips participants with both technical and policy skills needed to improve local and regional Internet connectivity.

Over six months, fellows engage in training, collaboration, and real-world industry participation, including attendance at major regional peering events.

The programme supports the Internet Society’s broader mission of promoting an open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy Internet.

What Fellows Will Experience

Selected fellows will participate in a combination of virtual learning and in-person engagement designed to build technical expertise and professional networks.

Key programme components include:

Participation in online training sessions and collaborative forums
Technical training in routing, Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), and peering operations
Exposure to Internet policy and advocacy discussions
Direct engagement with industry experts and global infrastructure professionals
Attendance at a major regional peering event
Implementation of a local impact project focused on improving Internet interconnection

Fellows are also expected to actively contribute to discussions and share weekly insights on developments in Internet infrastructure and policy.

Regional Peering Events

A key feature of the fellowship is participation in a regional industry conference, where fellows connect with leading stakeholders in Internet infrastructure.

Depending on their region, fellows may attend:

Africa: AfPIF in Kigali (18–21 August 2026)
Latin America and Caribbean: LACNIC/LACNOG in Mendoza (19–22 October 2026)
Asia-Pacific: Peering Asia in Osaka (2–6 November 2026)
Middle East: Event to be confirmed

The fellowship covers travel, accommodation, and a stipend for event-related expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet several professional and regional requirements to be considered for selection.

Required qualifications include:

Residency in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, or the Middle East
At least 3 years of experience in Internet infrastructure or related fields such as:
- Network engineering
- Internet routing
- Internet Exchange Point (IXP) operations
- Peering and interconnection
- Internet policy development
Basic proficiency in English communication
Ability to commit approximately 4–6 hours per week for the duration of the programme
Availability for virtual sessions scheduled between 12:00 and 16:00 UTC
Reliable Internet access and appropriate digital tools

Additional conditions:

Applicants must not have previously participated in the Peering Fellowship or related Internet Society fellowship programmes (from 2024 onward)
Participants must be able to attend one assigned regional peering event
Prior participation in similar fellowship programmes disqualifies applicants

Programme Structure and Expectations

The fellowship is designed to be highly interactive and practical. Participants are expected to:

Engage consistently in all virtual learning activities
Contribute to group discussions and technical exercises
Develop applied solutions that address local Internet infrastructure challenges
Build relationships within a global network of Internet professionals

The programme also encourages participants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States, supporting greater global inclusion in Internet development.

Selection Process

The selection process involves two stages of review conducted by independent committees. Importantly, reviewers do not have access to personal demographic information such as names or gender, ensuring a fair and unbiased evaluation process.

Applicants are assessed based on:

Technical experience
Motivation and leadership potential
Relevance of work to Internet infrastructure development
Ability to contribute to local and regional impact

Successful candidates are notified after the review period, with final selections announced in June 2026.

Key Timeline for 2026

Applications open: 27 April 2026
Application deadline: 17 May 2026
Review period: 18 May – 19 June 2026
Selection notifications: Late June 2026
Programme duration: July – December 2026
Regional peering events: August – November 2026

Benefits of the Fellowship

Participants receive comprehensive support throughout the programme, including:

Expert-led technical training in Internet infrastructure
Access to a global professional network
Opportunities to engage directly with industry leaders
Travel support for regional peering events
Financial assistance for accommodation and event participation
Hands-on experience in solving real-world connectivity challenges

Call for Action: The Internet Society Peering Fellowship 2026

The Internet Society Peering Fellowship 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for experienced Internet professionals to deepen their technical knowledge and contribute to strengthening global connectivity. Through a blend of training, collaboration, and real-world engagement, the programme supports the development of a more resilient and inclusive Internet infrastructure, particularly across emerging regions.

VISIT HERE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding