The NextThe NextGen@ICANN86 Program is designed for university students aged 18–30 who want to understand how the Internet is governedThe NextGen@ICANN86 2026 program is a prestigious opportunity for university students aged 18–30 who want to understand how the global Internet works and how Internet governance decisions are made. For 2026, the program will take place during the ICANN86 Policy Forum in Seville, Spain, from 8–11 June 2026, giving young professionals direct exposure to ICANN’s policy development processes, technical governance mechanisms, and multistakeholder engagement model.
The NextGen@ICANN86 2026 initiative allows students to explore:
- How the DNS (Domain Name System) operates
- What roles ICANN plays in maintaining a unified global Internet
- How technical Internet policies are created
- How governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector collaborate in Internet governance
- What career opportunities exist in digital policy, cybersecurity, and global Internet infrastructure
If ICANN86 transitions to a virtual format, NextGen@ICANN86 2026 will be conducted fully online with no change to program content.
Key Dates & Details
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Window Opens | 1 December 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 9 January 2026 |
| Announcement of Selected Participants | 17 February 2026 |
| ICANN86 Policy Forum (Seville, Spain) | 8–11 June 2026 |
| Pre-meeting Coursework | Begins 6 weeks before ICANN86 |
Table of Contents
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for NextGen@ICANN86 2026, you must:
- Be 18–30 years old
- Live and study in the European region
- Be enrolled in a university program (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD)
- Have an interest in:
- Internet governance
- Digital policy
- Cybersecurity
- ICT regulation
- Communications or related fields
No previous technical knowledge is required — only motivation and curiosity.
Program Benefits — Why Apply?
Participating in NextGen@ICANN86 2026 provides:
✔ Structured Learning Program (6 Weeks)
Participants attend virtual training sessions on:
- DNS operations
- ICANN’s role in global Internet stability
- Policy processes and working groups
- Digital identity and security
✔ Mentorship
Each participant is paired with a senior ICANN community member who guides their learning.
✔ 10-Minute Presentation at ICANN86
Students must deliver a researched presentation on a topic related to Internet governance.
✔ Networking Opportunities
Connect with:
- Global policymakers
- Cybersecurity specialists
- DNS operators
- Academic experts
- Civil society leaders
✔ Career Pathways
Exposure to Internet governance can open doors to careers in:
- Policy development
- Technical standards
- Digital rights
- Cybersecurity engineering
- Global ICT diplomacy
How to Apply
Submit your application here:
👉 Apply for NextGen@ICANN86 2026:
https://webportalapp.com/sp/login_saml/nextgen_prod
Read the official ICANN announcement:
👉 https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/call-for-applications-nextgenicann86-01-12-2025-en
About ICANN
ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) coordinates the global system of domain names and IP addresses. Since 1998, ICANN has ensured that the Internet remains:
- Stable
- Secure
- Interoperable
- Accessible worldwide
NextGen@ICANN86 2026 helps students understand this ecosystem and prepares future leaders in digital governance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is NextGen@ICANN86 free?
Yes, participation is free. Participants must cover their own travel unless ICANN specifies otherwise.
2. Do I need prior knowledge about Internet governance?
No. Interest in technology, digital policy, privacy, cybersecurity, or governance is enough
3. Can non-European students apply?
No. For ICANN86, only students living/studying in the European region are eligible.
4. Will the program run if the meeting becomes virtual?
Yes, NextGen@ICANN86 will shift entirely online.
5. Do I need to prepare anything?
Yes, selected participants must:
Attend pre-meeting training
Deliver a 10-minute presentation at ICANN86
Discover more global career and development opportunities at:
👉 https://oppotify.com
