Are you a dedicated internet professional from Africa, Asia-Pacific, or Latin America & the Caribbean? The Internet Society Peering Fellowship 2025 offers an exceptional Fully Funded Fellowship designed to empower 15 emerging leaders with the tools and experience needed to build stronger, more affordable, and resilient internet ecosystems. This 6-month fellowship includes regional travel, technical training, and global networking opportunities, all fully sponsored by the Internet Society (ISOC), a renowned global non-profit based in Geneva.

If you are engaged in internet governance, technical operations, policy, or business development, this is your opportunity to gain first-hand experience at key peering and interconnection events while receiving expert mentorship and support. The fellowship’s goal is to develop local champions who can influence internet infrastructure development in underserved regions and promote inclusive connectivity around the world.

This highly competitive program supports professionals from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States, making it a top-tier opportunity under Technology Fellowships for Developing Countries, Internet Governance Programs, and Global Leadership Opportunities in tech.

📌 Fellowship Details

• Host Organization: Internet Society (ISOC), Geneva, Switzerland

• Fellowship Duration: 6 months

• Fellowship Period: June – November 2025

• Program Locations:

  • Nigeria (AfPIF – African Peering & Interconnection Forum)

  • Philippines (Peering Asia)

  • TBA (Third event location to be announced – likely Latin America)

🌐 About the Internet Society Peering Fellowship 2025

The internet is only as strong as the infrastructure behind it. Peering, or direct interconnection of internet networks, plays a crucial role in reducing latency, lowering bandwidth costs, and improving network resilience. The Peering Fellowship is designed to give you the knowledge and hands-on experience to actively shape regional peering ecosystems through:

• Regional participation at global peering forums

• Online technical training and mentorship

• Real-time problem-solving and policy discussions

• Networking with top-tier internet infrastructure experts

This opportunity is aligned with Internet Infrastructure Scholarships, Digital Development Fellowships, and Leadership Programs in ICT.

💡 Fellowship Benefits

Fellows will receive a wide array of fully funded support, including:

• Round-trip airfare to the designated peering event

• Hotel accommodation during the event

• Fixed stipend to cover meals, transportation, or incidentals

• Certificate of Completion from the Internet Society

• Mentorship from global leaders in peering and internet policy

• Recognition in Internet Society’s global communications

• Access to peer network and learning resources

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Internet Society Peering Fellowship 2025, you must:

• Be a resident or citizen of countries in the Africa (AfPIF), Asia-Pacific (Peering Asia), or Latin America & Caribbean (LACNOG) regions

• Actively work in internet-related fields: peering, transit, routing, ISP operations, internet governance, or technical development

• Have at least three years of experience in the internet industry

• Hold a valid passport (expiring no earlier than June 2026)

• Be available to travel and attend one of the following key events:

  • AfPIF: August 19–21, 2025 (Nigeria)

  • LACNOG: October 6–10, 2025

  • Peering Asia: November 4–6, 2025 (Philippines)

• Be fluent in English (spoken and written)

• Have access to broadband internet and devices for virtual sessions

• Be committed to engaging fully in the six-month learning journey

• Candidates from LDCs and Small Island States are highly encouraged to apply

📝 How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the following steps:

1. Visit the official Internet Society Peering Fellowship Application Portal

2. Fill out your personal, educational, and professional information

3. Provide at least one professional reference

4. Respond to all interconnection and peering-specific questions

5. Upload a valid passport copy and any supporting documents

6. Agree to the terms and submit your completed application

🗂️ Required Documents:

• Valid passport (minimum validity through June 2026)

• Optional: CV, certificates, supporting letters

📅 Fellowship Timeline

• Application Deadline: May 31, 2025

• Fellowship Start: June 2025

• AfPIF Event (Nigeria): August 19–21, 2025

• LACNOG (Latin America): October 6–10, 2025

• Peering Asia (Philippines): November 4–6, 2025

• Program Conclusion: November 2025

Applicants will be contacted via email following the review of submissions. Due to the competitive nature of this fellowship, only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

🌍 Why Apply?

The Internet Society Peering Fellowship 2025 is more than just a trip or a course—it’s a transformational leadership experience. You’ll leave with deep technical insight, international connections, and a mission to improve connectivity in your home country or region. This is your opportunity to become a recognized Internet Infrastructure Leader and drive real change in the way people connect.