The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is the world’s premier open Internet standards-development body. The Internet Society Fellowship to the IETF is available to technology professionals, advanced IT students, and other qualified individuals from developing and emerging economies.
Fellows to the IETF attend an IETF meeting where they are paired with an experienced mentor and are expected to make a positive contribution to IETF work.
The Fellowship to the IETF helps to increase the diversity of inputs to, and global awareness of the IETF’s vital work. At the same time, the Fellows participate in the development of open Internet standards and best practices and make valuable connections with global peers with similar interests.
Fellowships are available to first-time and returning Fellows.
The Fellowship Award
Internet Society Fellows to the IETF receive the following assistance:
- Travel, accommodation, meeting registration fees, and a ticket to the IETF social event;
- Introduction to a mentor from their area of interest to help them prepare for the meeting, network with other Experts, and successfully navigate the week-long meeting;
- A stipend for incidental expenses; and
- A certificate of participation.
Expectations for the Fellows
Internet Society Fellows are expected to:
- Prepare in advance of the IETF meeting by reading relevant IETF documents and working- group discussions in their areas of interest;
- Attend the IETF newcomers tutorial, plenary sessions, and working-group sessions throughout the week;
- Share the experience and knowledge gained at the IETF with their local communities when they return home;
- Participate in the NGL programme participant network; and
- Assist with administrative aspects of the programme, including completion of a follow-up survey.
Before you apply for an Internet Society fellowship to the IETF
What are the benefits of the programme?
The key benefits of the ISOC Fellowship to the IETF programme are that it:
- Exposes and encourages participation in the IETF process from emerging and developing economies.
- Creates connections between new and established open Internet standards developers.
- Reinforces the importance of multi-disciplinary leaders in fostering the sustainability, robustness, security, stability and development of the Internet.
- Empower Internet professionals by broadening their experience and enabling their participation in open Internet standards development.
- Provides opportunities for Fellows to participate in the global Internet ecosystem and to interact and engage with the broader Internet engineering community.
- Increases the visibility of Fellows and prepares them to deliver more meaningful impacts at the local and regional level.
When are the Fellowships available?
Fellowships are available for each of the three IETF meetings held each year. See the IETF web site for the meeting schedule.
Who should apply?
Internet Society Fellowships to the IETF are for Internet Society members from emerging or developing economies who have the technical skills and experience to contribute to the work of the IETF.
Selection criteria
Selection for the Fellowships is competitive. All applicants must be members of the Internet Society and must meet the selection criteria.
Please note, no age limits apply to Fellowships to the IETF.
How to apply
Applications are now closed. Please see the timetable below for a schedule of activities for the current selection process.
When are the Fellowships available?
Fellowships are available for each of the three IETF meetings held each year. See the IETF web site for the meeting schedule.
Timeline for IETF 88 Application Review and Selection
- June 10: Applications open for ISOC Fellowship to the IETF
About the IETF
The IETF (along with its related organizations) is a large, open, international community of network designers, operators, vendor experts, researchers, and other interested technologists. While much of the IETF’s work takes place through mailing lists, there are three physical IETF meetings each year. The in-person experience of IETF meetings can help promote a stronger understanding of the standardization process, encourage active involvement in IETF work, and facilitate personal networking with others who have similar technical interests.
More Information
- Background of the Fellowships to the IETF
- Become a sponsor of the Fellowships to the IETF
- Become a mentor
- IL Programme Announcement Mailing List
For any other information, please contact Leaders@InternetSociety.org.