The NextGen@ICANN88 Program 2027 offers an opportunity for eligible students to participate in the ICANN88 Community Forum in Lisbon, Portugal, taking place from 13–18 March 2027.
The program is organized by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and is designed to introduce young people to Internet governance and the ICANN community. Selected participants receive travel support, accommodation, and a stipend to participate in the meeting.
NextGen@ICANN88 2027 – Overview
- Program: NextGen@ICANN88
- Host Organization: Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
- Location: Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹
- Event: ICANN88 Community Forum
- Meeting Dates: 13–18 March 2027
- Age Requirement: 18–30 years old
- Eligible Applicants: University students living and studying in the European region
- Study Level: Undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral students
- Funding: Travel support, hotel accommodation, and stipend
- Application Opens: 31 August 2026
- Application Deadline: 9 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC
- Selection Announcement: 17 December 2026
What Is NextGen@ICANN?
NextGen@ICANN is a program designed to help university students learn about Internet governance, the Internet ecosystem, and ICANN’s multistakeholder model.
Participants receive coaching and guidance and have the opportunity to engage with the ICANN community and learn more about how Internet-related policies and technical coordination are developed.
The program is intended to help young people build knowledge and experience that can support future participation in the global Internet governance ecosystem.
What Does the Program Cover?
Selected NextGen@ICANN participants receive a grant of support that covers:
✈️ Economy-Class Airfare
ICANN provides support for economy-class airfare for selected participants traveling to the meeting.
🏨 Hotel Accommodation
The program provides support for hotel accommodation during the ICANN meeting.
💰 Stipend
Selected participants also receive a stipend as part of the program support.
Important Visa Information
Applicants should carefully note that visa costs are not covered by the NextGen@ICANN grant. Participants are responsible for securing their own visa and paying the associated costs.
Travel or health insurance, if desired, is also the participant’s responsibility.
Who Can Apply?
According to ICANN’s official eligibility requirements, applicants must meet the following conditions:
1. Be a University Student
Applicants must be enrolled as an:
- Undergraduate student
- Graduate student
- Doctoral student
2. Meet the Age Requirement
Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of the ICANN meeting.
3. Live and Study in the European Region
For ICANN88, applicants must currently live and study in the European region, because ICANN88 is being hosted in Lisbon, Portugal, within the Europe region.
ICANN notes that regional eligibility can change depending on the meeting location and application round.
4. Have an Interest in Internet Governance
Applicants should demonstrate an interest in areas such as:
- Internet governance
- Internet policy
- Digital technology
- The future of the Internet
- ICANN’s work
- The global Internet ecosystem
5. Be Available to Participate
Selected participants must be able to attend the ICANN meeting and the required program activities.
Participants are also expected to actively participate throughout the program.
Presentation Requirement
An important part of the NextGen@ICANN program is the participant presentation.
Selected participants must be willing to give a 5–10 minute presentation during the meeting.
The presentation may cover areas such as:
- Current or completed research
- An Internet-related project
- An activity connected to ICANN’s work
- An ICANN-related website or project
- A thesis project
- Another relevant topic connected to Internet governance or ICANN
What Will Participants Learn?
The program provides participants with exposure to topics including:
- Internet governance
- The Internet ecosystem
- ICANN’s role
- Policy development
- The multistakeholder model
- Internet-related technical and policy discussions
- Opportunities to participate in the wider ICANN community
Participants are also supported by experienced mentors during the program.
Selection Criteria
ICANN evaluates applications using several factors.
Applicants may be assessed on:
- Their demonstrated interest in ICANN and the Internet ecosystem
- Current academic work, activities, or research
- Their explanation of how participating would benefit them and their community
- The quality of their response to an Internet-related topic
- Their interest in becoming involved with the ICANN community
- Their long-term interest in issues related to ICANN’s work
- Their motivation to improve their understanding of ICANN’s work in their region
How to Apply for NextGen@ICANN88
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet the age, student, regional, and interest requirements before beginning your application.
Step 2: Create an ICANN Account
ICANN states that applicants need an ICANN Account to apply for the NextGen@ICANN Program.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application
Prepare information about your academic background, Internet-related interests, research, activities, and reasons for wanting to participate.
Pay particular attention to the questions asking about your interest in Internet governance and ICANN.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Submit the application through the official ICANN application system before the deadline.
Application Deadline
The application period for NextGen@ICANN88 is:
📅 Opening: 31 August 2026
📅 Deadline: 9 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC
📢 Selected participants announced: 17 December 2026
The ICANN88 Community Forum will take place in Lisbon, Portugal, from 13–18 March 2027.
Official Application Link
👉 Official NextGen@ICANN Program & Application:
https://www.icann.org/public-responsibility-support/nextgen
👉 Official ICANN88 Call for Applications:
https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/call-for-applications-nextgenicann88-31-08-2026-en
Applicants should always use the official ICANN website to submit their application and confirm the latest eligibility requirements and deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NextGen@ICANN88 fully funded?
The program provides selected participants with a grant covering economy airfare, hotel accommodation, and a stipend. However, participants are responsible for obtaining and paying for their own visa.
Where will ICANN88 take place?
ICANN88 will take place in Lisbon, Portugal, from 13–18 March 2027. The meeting is scheduled to be held at the Lisbon Congress Center.
Who is eligible?
The NextGen program is intended for university students aged 18–30 who live and study in the region hosting the relevant ICANN meeting. For ICANN88, this means the European region.
Do I need to be studying technology or computer science?
Not necessarily. ICANN’s eligibility criteria focus on being a university student and having an interest in Internet governance, the future of the Internet, and topics covered at ICANN meetings.
Do I need previous ICANN experience?
The program is intended to introduce students to ICANN and the broader Internet governance ecosystem. Applicants are evaluated partly on their demonstrated interest in these areas.
Is the visa covered?
No. ICANN states that selected participants must secure their own visas and cover the associated costs.
Final Advice for Applicants
If you are interested in Internet governance, digital policy, technology, or the future of the Internet, carefully prepare your application before submitting it.
Explain clearly why you are interested in ICANN, what Internet-related work or research you have done, and how participation could help you contribute to your university, community, or region.
Most importantly, check the official ICANN website for any updates before applying.
🔗 Official Application:
https://www.icann.org/public-responsibility-support/nextgen
Good luck to all applicants! 🇵🇹🌍