The NextGen ICANN88 Program is a funded opportunity for university students who want to learn about Internet governance and participate in an ICANN Public Meeting. ICANN88 will take place in Lisbon, Portugal, from March 13 to 18, 2027. The current application round is specifically aimed at eligible students living and studying in the European region.
Selected participants receive support for economy airfare, hotel accommodation and a stipend. ICANN also provides coaching and requires active participation before and during the meeting. Applications for this round close on October 9, 2026 at 23:59 UTC.
NextGen ICANN88 Program Details
The NextGen ICANN88 Program introduces students to ICANN’s role in the technical governance of the Internet and to its multistakeholder policy model. Participants learn about Internet governance, the Internet ecosystem and policy development while building a pathway into the wider ICANN community.
ICANN88 is the Community Forum scheduled for Lisbon from March 13 to 18, 2027. Participants are expected to attend required preparation activities before the meeting and to take part actively throughout the event.
Program | NextGen@ICANN88 |
|---|---|
Organizer | Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) |
Location | Lisbon, Portugal |
Meeting dates | March 13–18, 2027 |
Age requirement | 18–30 years at the time of the meeting |
Support | Economy airfare, hotel and stipend |
Deadline | October 9, 2026 at 23:59 UTC |
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NextGen ICANN88 Program Benefits
Each selected participant receives a grant of support covering economy-class airfare, hotel accommodation and a stipend. ICANN states that participants are responsible for obtaining their own visas and that visa, travel-insurance and health-insurance costs are not covered by this support.
The program also includes coaching, guidance and structured preparation for the meeting. Participants gain direct exposure to ICANN’s policy work and are expected to prepare a short presentation connected to their studies or Internet-governance interests.
Also Check: the WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship for another funded international conference opportunity.
Related opportunity: Applicants comparing another current event can review Istanbul Youth Summit and compare its eligibility, funding and application timeline with this opportunity.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be enrolled as an undergraduate, graduate or doctoral student and be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of ICANN88. For this Lisbon round, candidates must currently be living and studying in the European region.
Applicants should have a genuine interest in Internet governance, the future of the Internet or topics connected with ICANN’s mission. Selected participants must be able to attend ICANN88 and the required activities, and they must be willing to deliver a short project presentation during the meeting.
Also explore: For another published Guidance Gem option in a related area, see European Youth Assembly and compare its eligibility, funding and application timeline with this opportunity.
Requirements and Required Documents
An ICANN account is required to access the NextGen application form. The application itself must be written in English, although ICANN says supporting documentation may be provided in other languages.
Applicants should be ready to explain their academic interests, their connection to Internet-governance topics and how participation would benefit both them and their wider community. Supporting items such as relevant work, certificates or other evidence may strengthen the application when the portal allows them.
How to Apply for the NextGen ICANN88 Program
Applications are submitted through the official ICANN NextGen Applicant Portal. Candidates must first have an ICANN account and then open the NextGen Application tile inside the account area.
Complete the form in English and make sure every required field is submitted before the round closes. ICANN’s FAQ says successful submission generates a confirmation email, so applicants should check their inbox and spam folder after submitting.
Application Deadline
The NextGen ICANN88 Program application window runs from August 31 to October 9, 2026 at 23:59 UTC. ICANN plans to announce selected participants on December 17, 2026.
Late or incomplete applications are not accepted after the round closes. Candidates should therefore finish the portal submission early enough to verify that the confirmation email has arrived.
Frequently Asked Questions
The NextGen program has specific regional, age and student-status requirements, so applicants should check those conditions before starting the form. ICANN publishes both the current round dates and detailed FAQs on its official website.
Funding covers the major meeting-travel costs but does not cover every expense. The answers below highlight the current ICANN88 rules that are most important for applicants.
Who can apply for NextGen@ICANN88?
Undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students aged 18–30 who are living and studying in the European region may apply for the Lisbon round.
What costs does ICANN cover?
ICANN provides support for economy airfare, hotel accommodation and a stipend. Visa and optional travel or health insurance costs remain the participant’s responsibility.
When will ICANN88 take place?
ICANN88 is scheduled in Lisbon, Portugal, from March 13 to 18, 2027.
Conclusion
The NextGen ICANN88 Program gives eligible European-region students a funded route into Internet governance through direct participation in an ICANN Public Meeting. The combination of travel support, mentoring and structured preparation makes it useful for students who want to understand how global Internet policy is discussed and developed.
Applicants should create their ICANN account early, prepare clear responses about their interests and complete the online application before October 9, 2026 at 23:59 UTC. Check the official NextGen page for any update before final submission.
