Internet Society Peering Fellowship 2026
Internet Society
Quick Facts
A word from Eli, founder of Rise Africa Scholars
MSc Information Security — Unicaf Scholar
While you wait for a fully funded opportunity, don’t put your education on hold. I completed my MSc through Unicaf — studying online from Nairobi while working full-time. The tuition discount made it genuinely affordable, and the degree is from an accredited UK university.
If you’re serious about advancing your career now, I’d encourage you to explore it. I only recommend what I’ve used myself.
About This Scholarship
The Peering Fellowship is a six-month professional development programme designed to equip 20 Internet infrastructure professionals with technical and policy skills to improve local and regional Internet connectivity and peering operations. Fellows participate in virtual training, attend a regional peering event, engage with industry experts, and implement local impact projects focused on Internet interconnection.
What This Scholarship Covers
- Travel and accommodation to regional peering event
- Stipend for event-related expenses
- Online training sessions and collaborative forums
- Technical training in routing, IXPs, and peering operations
- Exposure to Internet policy and advocacy discussions
- Networking with global infrastructure professionals
Who Can Apply
- 1 Must be based or living in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, or the Middle East
- 2 Must have at least 3 years of experience in Internet infrastructure or related fields (network engineering, Internet routing, IXP operations, peering and interconnection, or Internet policy development)
- 3 Must have basic proficiency and comprehension in English communication
- 4 Must be able to commit approximately 4-6 hours per week for the six-month duration
- 5 Must be available for virtual sessions scheduled between 12:00 and 16:00 UTC
- 6 Must have reliable Internet access and appropriate digital tools
- 7 Must be able to attend one assigned regional peering event in their region
- 8 Must not have previously participated in the Peering Fellowship or related Internet Society fellowship programmes from 2024 onward
- 9 Participants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States are encouraged to apply