Applications are open for the NextGen@ICANN88 Program, an opportunity for eligible students interested in Internet governance and the future of the Internet to participate in the ICANN88 Community Forum in Lisbon, Portugal, taking place from 13–18 March 2027.
Selected NextGen@ICANN participants receive travel support covering economy-class airfare, hotel accommodation and a stipend to enable them to attend the ICANN meeting and required programme activities.
The programme is designed to introduce young people to ICANN, Internet governance and the bottom-up multistakeholder model used to contribute to discussions and decisions affecting the global Internet.
Applications for NextGen@ICANN88 opened on 31 August 2026 and close on 9 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC.
NextGen@ICANN88 Program 2027 at a Glance
Program: NextGen@ICANN
Meeting: ICANN88 Community Forum
Organization: Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Meeting Dates: 13–18 March 2027
Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students who meet the programme requirements
Age Requirement: 18–30 at the time of the ICANN meeting
Applications Open: 31 August 2026
Application Deadline: 9 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC
Selection Announcement: 17 December 2026
Travel Support: Economy-class airfare, hotel accommodation and a stipend
Visa Costs: Participant’s responsibility
Travel/Health Insurance: Participant’s responsibility if desired
Main Areas: Internet governance, ICANN, Internet policy and the global Internet ecosystem
What Is the NextGen@ICANN Program?
NextGen@ICANN is a youth programme designed to identify and support students who could become future participants in the ICANN community and wider Internet governance ecosystem.
ICANN uses the programme to increase awareness and participation among young people who have not yet become deeply engaged in its work.
Participants learn about ICANN’s mission and the bottom-up, multistakeholder model that guides its activities.
The programme also introduces students to ways they can contribute to discussions and decisions affecting the Internet at regional and global levels.
For selected students, attending an ICANN meeting as a NextGen participant can provide a structured introduction to the ICANN ecosystem.
What Is ICANN?
ICANN—the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers—works within the global Internet ecosystem.
For NextGen participants, the programme focuses on helping young people better understand ICANN’s mission, community and decision-making model while exploring topics connected with Internet governance and the future of the Internet.
Students interested in technology, Internet policy, digital governance and related subjects may therefore find the programme particularly relevant.
Where Will NextGen@ICANN88 Take Place?
The NextGen@ICANN88 opportunity is connected to the ICANN88 Community Forum in Lisbon, Portugal.
The meeting is scheduled for:
13–18 March 2027
The application round is associated with ICANN’s Europe region.
Applicants should pay particular attention to the programme’s regional eligibility requirements before submitting an application.
Who Can Apply for NextGen@ICANN88?
ICANN has established specific eligibility requirements.
Applicants must be:
- Enrolled as an undergraduate, graduate or doctoral student
- Between 18 and 30 years old at the time of the ICANN meeting
- Currently living and studying in the region associated with the respective ICANN meeting
- Interested in Internet governance, the future of the Internet and topics discussed at ICANN meetings
- Available to attend the ICANN meeting and all required events if selected
- Willing to actively participate during the meeting
- Prepared to deliver a 5–10 minute project presentation if selected
Applicants should confirm that they satisfy all applicable requirements before completing the application.
Regional Eligibility for ICANN88
ICANN meetings rotate through five geographic regions:
- Africa
- Europe
- North America
- Latin America
- Asia Pacific
The ICANN88 Community Forum is associated with Europe.
The general NextGen eligibility rule requires participants to currently live and study in the region of the respective ICANN meeting.
ICANN notes that if applications are accepted from additional regions for a particular meeting, that information will be publicly announced before the relevant application process.
Applicants should therefore verify the regional requirements for the specific application round rather than assuming that the programme is globally open for every meeting.
What Travel Support Does ICANN Provide?
One of the major benefits of NextGen@ICANN is the support available to selected participants.
ICANN states that each selected individual receives a grant of support covering:
- Economy-class airfare
- Hotel accommodation
- A stipend
This support is intended to enable participants to attend the ICANN meeting and participate in the required programme activities.
Does ICANN Pay for Visa Costs?
No.
Although selected participants receive support for economy airfare, hotel accommodation and a stipend, participants are responsible for securing their own visas at their own expense.
This distinction is important for international applicants.
Students should investigate visa requirements and potential costs early enough to understand their responsibilities if selected.
Does ICANN Cover Travel or Health Insurance?
The supplied programme information states that applicants who want to obtain travel or health insurance must do so at their own expense.
Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that every travel-related expense is covered by the programme.
The explicitly listed support consists of economy airfare, hotel accommodation and a stipend.
What Will Participants Learn?
The NextGen@ICANN Program is designed to help students understand important areas of Internet governance.
Participants can learn more about:
- ICANN’s mission
- Internet governance
- The global Internet ecosystem
- ICANN’s multistakeholder model
- Regional and global Internet discussions
- Ways to contribute to the ICANN community
The programme can also help students understand how individuals from different backgrounds participate in discussions affecting the future of the Internet.
Coaching and Guidance
Selected students receive coaching and guidance as part of their NextGen@ICANN experience.
This support is designed to help participants engage meaningfully with the ICANN meeting and begin a structured pathway into the ICANN ecosystem.
For students new to Internet governance, this can provide a valuable introduction to an area that may otherwise appear complex.
The 5–10 Minute Project Presentation
Selected participants must be willing to deliver a 5–10 minute project presentation during the meeting.
ICANN states that presentations may cover topics such as:
- Research currently being conducted
- Completed research
- Activities related to ICANN’s work
- An ICANN-related website with which the participant is affiliated
- A thesis project
- Other relevant work
Applicants should therefore consider what topic they could confidently present if selected.
Who Should Consider Applying?
The programme could be particularly relevant to eligible students interested in areas such as:
- Internet governance
- Internet policy
- Technology policy
- Domain names
- Digital governance
- Internet infrastructure
- Cybersecurity
- Information technology
- Computer science
- Telecommunications
- Digital rights
- Technology research
- Public policy
- International Internet governance
Applicants do not necessarily need to come from one specific academic discipline.
ICANN notes that previous NextGen participants have come from a variety of backgrounds.
What Does ICANN Look for in Applicants?
ICANN publishes selection criteria explaining how applications are evaluated.
1. Demonstrated Interest in ICANN and the Internet Ecosystem
Applicants should demonstrate their interest through examples of current work, activities, studies, research or participation in public dialogue.
This means applicants should provide concrete examples rather than simply stating that they are interested in technology.
2. Clear Value of Participation
Applicants should explain how participating in NextGen@ICANN would benefit them personally.
They should also demonstrate how participation could provide broader value to their:
- University
- Community
- Country
- Region
3. Ability to Express Views on an Internet Topic
ICANN evaluates the quality with which applicants communicate their views on an Internet-related topic in their application.
Applicants should therefore take time to develop clear and thoughtful responses.
4. Desire to Join the ICANN Community
Successful candidates should demonstrate a genuine desire to become part of the ICANN community.
The programme is intended to encourage longer-term participation rather than simply provide a one-time international travel opportunity.
5. Long-Standing Interest in ICANN-Related Topics
ICANN also considers whether applicants demonstrate sustained interest in subjects connected with its work.
Relevant studies, research, projects, volunteering or other activities could help demonstrate this interest where applicable.
6. Interest in Regional Engagement
Applicants should explain how they want to engage and improve their understanding of ICANN’s work within their region.
How to Strengthen Your Application
A strong application should directly address the published selection criteria.
Instead of making general statements such as “I am passionate about the Internet,” applicants can provide concrete examples of their involvement.
These might include relevant:
- University coursework
- Research
- Thesis work
- Technology projects
- Internet governance activities
- Public discussions
- Student organisations
- Digital policy initiatives
- Websites
- Community projects
Only include activities that you have genuinely undertaken.
Applicants should also explain what they intend to do with the knowledge and connections gained through the programme.
How to Apply for NextGen@ICANN88
Applications are submitted through ICANN’s official application system.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that you meet the age, student status, regional and participation requirements.
Step 2: Create an ICANN Account
Applicants need an ICANN Account to apply for the NextGen@ICANN Program.
Candidates who do not already have one should create an account before attempting to complete the application.
Step 3: Review the Selection Criteria
Read ICANN’s published selection criteria before drafting your responses.
Understanding how applications are evaluated can help you provide more relevant information.
Step 4: Prepare Your Application
Clearly explain your interest in ICANN, Internet governance and the wider Internet ecosystem.
Where possible, support your answers with genuine examples from your studies, research, projects or other relevant activities.
Step 5: Think About Your Potential Presentation
Remember that selected participants must be willing to present a 5–10 minute project during the meeting.
Consider relevant research, projects or activities that could form the basis of your presentation.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
Complete and submit the official application before:
9 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC
Applicants should avoid waiting until the final minutes in case they experience technical problems.
Application Timeline
The important dates for NextGen@ICANN88 are:
Applications Open: 31 August 2026
Applications Close: 9 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC
Selected NextGen Participants Announced: 17 December 2026
ICANN88 Community Forum: 13–18 March 2027
Applicants should save these dates and regularly check their application communications after submitting.
Documents and Information You May Need
The supplied ICANN programme page does not provide a complete document checklist for the ICANN88 application.
Applicants should therefore rely on the official application portal for the exact information and documentation required.
However, candidates should be ready to clearly explain their student status, interest in Internet governance, relevant work or studies, and reasons for wanting to participate.
Do not upload or prepare documents solely because they are commonly requested for other programmes unless ICANN’s application portal specifically requests them.
Application Mistakes to Avoid
Potential mistakes include:
- Applying without checking regional eligibility
- Applying when you will not be between 18 and 30 at the time of the meeting
- Not being enrolled as an undergraduate, graduate or doctoral student
- Providing vague answers about your interest in Internet governance
- Failing to demonstrate genuine interest in ICANN’s work
- Treating the programme mainly as a free trip
- Not explaining how participation would benefit your wider community
- Failing to prepare for the required presentation
- Assuming ICANN will pay visa expenses
- Assuming travel or health insurance is covered
- Missing the 23:59 UTC deadline
- Waiting until the last minute to submit
Applicants should make sure every claim in their application is accurate.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Internet governance affects how people, organisations, governments, technical communities and other stakeholders interact with the global Internet.
Yet students and young professionals may have limited opportunities to directly observe or participate in international discussions surrounding Internet governance.
NextGen@ICANN provides selected students with a structured entry point into this ecosystem.
Participants receive coaching and guidance while attending an actual ICANN meeting, allowing them to learn about the organisation’s work and explore ways of contributing over the longer term.
The travel support also reduces some of the financial barriers that could otherwise prevent students from attending an international ICANN meeting.
Is NextGen@ICANN Fully Funded?
It is more accurate to describe NextGen@ICANN as providing substantial travel support rather than simply claiming that every possible expense is fully funded.
ICANN explicitly states that selected participants receive support covering:
- Economy-class airfare
- Hotel accommodation
- A stipend
However, participants must obtain their own visas at their own expense.
Travel or health insurance, if desired, is also at the participant’s expense.
Applicants should therefore budget for expenses that are not explicitly covered by ICANN.
How Competitive Is NextGen@ICANN?
The supplied ICANN page provides selection criteria but does not state an acceptance rate for the ICANN88 application round.
It would therefore be inaccurate to claim a specific level of competitiveness.
Applicants should instead focus on the factors ICANN says it evaluates, including demonstrated interest, quality of responses, long-term interest in ICANN-related topics and willingness to become involved in the ICANN community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NextGen@ICANN?
NextGen@ICANN is a youth programme designed to introduce eligible students to ICANN, Internet governance and the wider global Internet ecosystem.
Where will ICANN88 take place?
The ICANN88 Community Forum will take place in Lisbon, Portugal.
When is ICANN88?
The meeting is scheduled for 13–18 March 2027.
When is the application deadline?
Applications close on 9 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC.
What is the age requirement?
Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of the ICANN meeting.
Can undergraduate students apply?
Yes. Undergraduate students can apply if they meet the other eligibility requirements.
Can master’s students apply?
Graduate students are eligible under the programme’s stated student requirement.
Can PhD students apply?
Yes. Doctoral students are included among the eligible student categories.
Does ICANN pay for flights?
Selected participants receive support covering economy-class airfare.
Does ICANN provide accommodation?
Yes. Hotel accommodation is included in the stated support.
Is there a stipend?
Yes. Selected participants receive a stipend as part of the programme’s grant of support.
Does ICANN pay for visas?
No. Selected participants must secure their own visas at their own expense.
Is travel insurance covered?
ICANN states that participants who want travel or health insurance must obtain it at their own expense.
Do participants need to make a presentation?
Yes. Selected NextGen participants must be willing to deliver a 5–10 minute project presentation at the meeting.
Do I need an ICANN account to apply?
Yes. ICANN states that an ICANN Account is required to submit an application.
When will selected participants be announced?
The published date for announcing selected NextGen@ICANN88 participants is 17 December 2026.
Final Thoughts
The NextGen@ICANN88 Program 2027 offers eligible students an opportunity to develop their understanding of Internet governance while participating directly in an international ICANN meeting.
Selected participants will attend the ICANN88 Community Forum in Lisbon, Portugal, from 13–18 March 2027, with support covering economy-class airfare, hotel accommodation and a stipend.
The programme is particularly relevant to students who already demonstrate genuine interest in Internet governance, technology policy, the future of the Internet or related areas and want to become more involved in the ICANN community.
Applicants should remember that the programme has specific age, student and regional eligibility requirements. Visa expenses and optional travel or health insurance are also not covered by the stated travel support.
Eligible students interested in the opportunity should prepare strong, evidence-based applications and submit them through the official ICANN application system by 9 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC.
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