APNIC Policy Fellowship

The APNIC Policy Fellowship is a program designed to support emerging leaders in the APNIC community who are interested in Internet resource policy. Over 18 months, Fellows engage in a deep dive into the Policy Development Process (PDP), collaborating with mentors and peers to research, develop, and propose policies that respond to evolving technical and industry needs.

Throughout the program, APNIC provides a structured and well-supported experience, including interactive webinars, mentorship from policy experts, and opportunities for hands-on engagement with the community.

This immersive experience helps Fellows build skills in policy analysis, communication, and collaboration — preparing them to become active contributors to APNIC’s policy discussions and potentially transition into public policy roles across government, academia, and Internet-related organizations.

How to apply

Go to the APNIC Fellowship Management System and make a submission between 27 February and 13 March 2026. You’ll need an APNIC account to apply, register if you don’t have one already.

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Program goals

The Policy Fellowship pilot program is designed to help Fellows:

• Make a meaningful impact on Internet number resource (INR) policy in the Asia Pacific region.
• Develop and propose real policy ideas that respond to current and future technical challenges.
• Build expertise in policy analysis, communication, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Engage with a diverse community of mentors, experts, and peers across the region.

Who the Policy Fellowship is for

The Policy Fellowship is designed for individuals residing in the APNIC region who are ready to take the next step in their engagement with INR policy.

Eligibility criteria:

• Strong interest in Internet Number Resource (INR) policy and the APNIC Policy Development Process (PDP).
• Basic understanding of Internet operations, technical infrastructure, and governance frameworks.
• Prior participation in APNIC conferences, Network Operator Group (NOG) meetings, or regional Internet governance forums is highly desirable.
• Analytical thinking, strong communication skills, and a collaborative approach to working within diverse communities.
• Commitment to supporting and contributing to the Asia Pacific Internet community beyond the fellowship.
• Ability to dedicate at least two hours per week to fellowship activities over an 18-month program period.
• Proficiency in both spoken and written English.

While prior experience with APNIC Fellowships or policy development is welcome, it’s not required. What matters most is the motivation to learn, contribute, and grow as a policy leader. The list of current Policy Fellows may help you understand why you might want to apply.

Program commitment

Fellows are required to commit to the full duration of the eighteen-month program, which spans from April 2026 to October 2027, and includes regular online meetings and discussions. Additionally, they need to have dependable Internet connectivity with video conferencing capabilities.

Fellows will be required to:

• Attend APNIC 62, 63 and 64 in-person or online — detailed below under Fellowship Package.
• Subscribe to the APNIC Policy SIG mailing list.
• Read and analyse past proposals and policies.
• Attend mentorship sessions with Policy SIG Chair, Co-Chairs and SMEs.
• Work with other fellows and community members to brainstorm opportunities for new policies.
• Attend all scheduled online meetings with Policy Fellow participants.
• Support and mentor Fellows from the Technical Fellowship program.
• Attend all prescribed webinars.
• Submit a conference report after each conference attendance.
• Complete a Policy project by the end of the Fellowship. This could be proposing a policy at APNIC 64, reviewing guidelines or procedures or a project agreed by the APNIC Policy Manager.
• Commit up to two hours per week to program activities for 18 months.

Key dates

Note that you can only apply for one type of APNIC Fellowship per year.

Fellowship package

Successful applicants will receive:

Learning Program

• Access to Fellow-only online knowledge exchange sessions.
• Tailored program of Fellows‑only presentations delivered by industry experts, including opportunities for Q&A.
• Introduction to a community mentor who will guide and support the Fellow’s policy project.
• Support to complete selected APNIC Academy courses.
• Complimentary conference registration for three APNIC conferences as listed below.
• Complimentary access to all associated social events.
• A Certificate of Achievement upon completion.

Conference attendance

Fellows will participate in three consecutive APNIC conferences:

• APNIC 62 — Mumbai, India | 3 to 10 September 2026
• APNIC 63 — Hong Kong SAR, China | 28 February to 4 March 2027
• APNIC 64 — Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia | 3 to 10 September 2027

Travel support

Each Fellow will receive:

• A return economy-class air ticket to the conference location.
• Single-occupancy hotel accommodation, including breakfast, for the duration of each conference.
• A cash allowance (AUD 100–150) for incidental expenses.

Terms and conditions

See the APNIC Fellowship program terms and conditions.

Important information about applications:

• In relation to your application, please understand that APNIC has no obligation to select an applicant and that submitting an application does not guarantee selection.
• APNIC may vary, suspend, or cancel the program at any time prior to acceptance. Changes may occur without prior notice.
• Information provided by APNIC on this website or during the application process is not legal binding on APNIC.
• Applicants may submit an application to only one Fellowship category and type.