Brief Information
Digital Security Fellowship 2026 is a regional research-oriented and capacity-building programme launched by SHARE Foundation for professionals in the Western Balkans. The programme combines online training, research development, mentorship, and regional networking opportunities.
If you are working at the intersection of technology, human rights, law, media, or digital policy, the Digital Security Fellowship 2026 offers a structured pathway to deepen your expertise and build impactful projects.
Key Dates & Details
- Application Deadline: 1 March 2026, 23:59 CET
- Location / Type: Online + North Macedonia (Working Meeting) + Montenegro (Final Conference)
- Eligible Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia
- Working Language: English
- Programme Phases: Online course, research proposal development, mentorship, final conference
- Organiser: SHARE Foundation
- Supported by: National Endowment for Democracy & Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans
Table of Contents
Overview
The Digital Security Fellowship 2026 approaches digital security as more than just technical protection. It explores how digital systems are built, governed, contested, and used in complex social and political environments.
The programme examines:
- Protection of digital systems, data, and communications
- Organisational digital security practices
- Incident response and long-term resilience
- Legal and regulatory implications
- Human rights and political dimensions of digital infrastructures
Participants will explore both everyday digital practices and high-risk security contexts. The Digital Security Fellowship 2026 supports interdisciplinary perspectives and encourages collaboration across media, civil society, research, and technology sectors.
For broader global insights into digital rights and internet governance, applicants may explore the official Access Now platform: https://www.accessnow.org/
Programme Structure
The Digital Security Fellowship 2026 consists of five interconnected phases:
1. Online Course (April – June)
The programme begins with a multi-week interactive online course, including:
- Online trainings
- Thematic workshops
- Peer discussions
- Exchange of practical experiences
This phase builds a strong theoretical and practical foundation in digital security.
2. Development of Research-Based Project Proposals
During the course, each participant develops a detailed proposal focused on a specific digital security challenge. Projects may include:
- Investigative and analytical research
- Advocacy and policy-oriented initiatives
- Technical and operational analysis
- Legal and regulatory studies
- Media and reporting approaches
3. Regional Working Meeting – North Macedonia (June)
All research proposals are presented at a regional working meeting in North Macedonia. This stage allows for peer feedback, refinement of ideas, and collaborative learning in a regional setting.
4. Advanced Mentorship Programme (June – August)
Selected participants continue into a funded mentorship phase in cooperation with SHARE Foundation. Mentorship supports:
- In-depth research
- Project development
- Professional guidance
- Finalisation of outputs
5. Final Conference – Montenegro (September)
Fellows who complete the mentorship programme present their final work at a regional conference in Montenegro, strengthening visibility and impact.
Eligibility
The Digital Security Fellowship 2026 is open to applicants from:
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Kosovo
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Serbia
Eligible profiles include:
- Journalists and media professionals
- Civil society actors and activists
- Human rights defenders
- Lawyers and legal experts
- Policy professionals
- Researchers and scholars
- Tech experts and digital rights practitioners
Both experienced professionals and those seeking to expand their digital security expertise are encouraged to apply.
Application Details
To apply for the Digital Security Fellowship 2026, applicants must complete the official online application form before the deadline.
🗓 Deadline: 1 March 2026, 23:59 CET
Applicants should be prepared to outline their professional background and their initial idea for a research-based project in digital security.
For any questions, you may contact: [email protected]
FAQ
1. Is the Digital Security Fellowship 2026 fully online?
The programme begins online but includes an in-person working meeting in North Macedonia and a final conference in Montenegro.
2. Do I need prior experience in digital security?
Prior experience is welcomed but not mandatory. The Fellowship is open to professionals seeking to deepen or expand their expertise.
3. Is financial support provided?
Selected participants in the mentorship phase receive funded support for project development.
4. What language is the programme conducted in?
The working language of the Digital Security Fellowship 2026 is English.
Official Link
For full details and to submit your application, visit the official call page:
👉 Apply here:
https://sharefoundation.info/en/call-for-applications-digital-security-fellowship/
Application form:
https://crm.shareconference.net/form/digital-security-fellowship-2026
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