The Peering Fellowship 2026, hosted by the Internet Society, offers a unique opportunity for professionals dedicated to improving Internet access and infrastructure. This six-month, fully funded fellowship is designed for individuals from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Fellows will participate in both virtual training and in-person peering events, gaining hands-on experience and building a global network. If you are passionate about making Internet access more affordable, reliable, and resilient, this program is for you.
About the Peering Fellowship
- Host Country: Multiple regions (Africa, APAC, LAC, Middle East)
- Duration: Six months (July – December 2026)
- Dates:
- Application submissions open: 27 April 2026
- Application submissions close: 17 May 2026
- Content coverage: July – December 2026
- Peering events: August – November 2026
- Benefits: Virtual training, in-person peering event attendance, travel and accommodation support, networking with global experts, and professional development.
- Deadline: 17 May 2026
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Financial Benefits
- Round-trip airfare to a regional peering event
- Hotel accommodation for the duration of the event
- Fixed stipend for additional expenses during the event
- Access to virtual training sessions and collaborative forums
- Technical and advocacy-based training in Internet infrastructure
- Networking opportunities with industry professionals
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Program Details
The Peering Fellowship is tailored for 20 professionals who are actively engaged in Internet interconnection and peering. The program includes virtual content sessions, technical training, and the opportunity to attend a major peering event in your region. Fellows will develop expertise in routing, IXPs, and Internet policy, while also building connections with peers and industry leaders. The program is structured to maximize both learning and impact, with a focus on driving advancements in local and regional Internet infrastructure.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Applicants must be based or living in Africa, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), or the Middle East.
- Encouraged Applicants: Individuals from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States are especially encouraged to apply.
- Event Attendance: Ability to attend the peering event in your region:
- Africa: AfPIF, 18-21 August, Kigali, Rwanda
- LAC: LACNIC/LACNOG, 19-22 October, Mendoza, Argentina
- APAC: Peering Asia, 2-6 November, Osaka, Japan
- Middle East: Event to be confirmed
- Experience: Minimum of 3 years in Internet infrastructure and development, with knowledge or involvement in network building, operations, routing, IXPs, peering/interconnection, or Internet policy.
- Language: Basic comprehension and communication in English.
- Commitment: Ability to participate fully for six months, dedicating 4-6 hours per week, and deliver on assigned tasks.
- Technical Requirements: Reliable Internet connection and appropriate devices for virtual participation.
- Other Requirements:
- Not previously selected as a Peering/AfPIF fellow
- Not selected as an Internet Society fellow from 2024 to date
- Available for virtual sessions between 12:00 and 16:00 UTC
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How to Apply for the Peering Fellowship?
To apply for the Peering Fellowship 2026, submit your application online through the official Internet Society website. All applications will be reviewed in a two-stage process by independent committees. Make sure to review the eligibility criteria and prepare your application carefully. For more details and to access the application form, visit the official website below.
Yasir is currently a master’s student at Bilkent University on a fully funded scholarship. He has a strong passion for technology, innovation, and creating meaningful impact through digital platforms. Yasir’s goal is to make education more accessible by helping students discover global opportunities and take confident steps toward their future.