APrIGF 2026 Fellowship Application guideline

This year, APrIGF is excited to continue with a hybrid conference in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The aim of the APrIGF Fellowships is to bring diversity into the Internet Governance community by fostering the participation of underrepresented communities in the Internet Governance discussions. Through the program, fellows can develop a greater understanding of pressing and emerging Internet Governance issues in the Asia-Pacific region and globally, and network with peers from diverse Internet Governance fields.

Fellows are selected to represent the diversity of different economies, genders and stakeholders including Academia, Civil society representatives, Government/IGO, Private sector, Technical and students.

Fellowship Program Sponsors and Partners

Host & Co-Hosts

Sponsors

APrIGF Fellowship applications are open to both new and experienced participants. Selected Fellows may be offered a full or partial reimbursement of travel expenses and same-gender twin-shared accommodation during the conference days, depending on the evaluation of the Fellowship Committee based on a points system with the set of criteria listed below. The number of selected fellows depends on the budget available for the fellowship Program.

FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS: 19 June 2026 at 00:00 UTC – 03 July 2026 at 23:59 UTC

FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM 2026 RESULTS ANNOUNCEMENT: TBC

ELIGIBILITY: Individuals with nationality from below and residing in the Asia-Pacific region

Requirements for Selected Fellows (Must Read)

VACCINATION

All passengers travelling to Nepal by air or land route no longer need a proof of vaccinated certificate OR Negative PCR test report of COVID-19. However, please double-check before traveling.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

All fellows are required to purchase a suitable and adequate level of travel insurance at their own expense before arriving in Nepal. While there are currently no health notices about covid or any other illnesses, a comprehensive level of cover is recommended.

PASSPORT & VISA

Please check if you have a valid passport until the end of the trip. Most countries expect at least 6 months remaining in passports before allowing entry, and whether a valid visa to enter Nepalis required.

Fellows who are selected to travel to Nepal and who require a visa must do so at their own expense. We will be happy to assist in case you need any supporting documents for the application such as the invitation letter for fellows who require a Visa to enter Nepal.

GRATIS VISA (Free Visa)

Gratis Visa is issued free of cost in case of following categories of visa applicants:

• Children below 10 years except US citizens
• Up to 30 days for SAARC citizens (except Afghanistan) visiting Nepal for the first time in a given visa year
• Afghan citizens are eligible for Gratis Visa on Arrival only upon the recommendation of Department of Immigration
• Non Residential Nepalese (NRN) card holder issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA)/ Nepal’s Diplomatic Missions abroad)
• Chinese nationals

CHECK VISA ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Foreigners traveling to Nepal can obtain an entry visa, commonly known as an On-Arrival Visa, at the port of entry. Additionally, this visa can be issued by Nepalese Diplomatic Missions abroad. The tourist visa allows for an initial stay, which can be extended, but the total duration of stay must not exceed 150 days within a single visa year, which runs from January to December.’

VISA FEES

When traveling to Nepal, the entry visa fees are structured based on the duration of stay:

• 15 Days: USD 30
• 30 Days: USD 50
• 90 Days: USD 125

Find more information in the following links

Nepal Immigration Website: https://ntb.gov.np/plan-your-trip/before-you-come/tourist-visa
Local Host Website: https://2026.aprigf.asia/visa-and-customs/

Note: As per Nepal Government policy, nationals of following countries are requested to acquire visa prior to arrival from the nearest Diplomatic Missions of Nepal: Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, Iran, Syria and refugees with travel documents.

Evaluation Criteria Priorities

Nationality & City of Residence

• Is the applicant from a developing or least developed country and Individuals with nationality and residing in the Asia-Pacific region? (as listed above)
• Does the country which the applicant represents contribute to the diversity of countries?
• How many participants from the country have attended past conferences or have been fellows? (check 2025 events)

Engagement

• Has the applicant engaged in any global, regional and local IG initiatives or other Internet-related activities before? If so, please provide details of engagement.
  Prior engagement in the community, especially global, regional and local IG initiatives and other IG initiatives, increases the chance of an applicant receiving a Fellowship.
• Has a clear plan/vision for community engagement or other contribution to APrIGF, after the conference

Contribution to Diversity

• Is the applicant’s plan likely to help with the equal participation of women and gender diverse communities at global, regional and local level?
• Is the applicant’s plan likely to enhance the multistakeholderism concept?

Return Fellowship

• No person may be granted the APrIGF Fellowship more than twice.
• To encourage new faces, past fellows are less likely to be accepted than new applicants in general.

Engagement Requirements of Fellows

Pre-Conference

• Attend online introductory course(s) on Internet Governance as designated.
• Attend the pre-conference preparation webinar for Fellows.
  • Introduction to the Code of Conduct and Complaints Committee process
• Join the 2026 Fellows mailing list discussions and required communication channel.
• Coordinate with your assigned mentor and buddy group, and attend group coordination calls.
• Become part of the Drafting Committee in the preparation of the Synthesis Document. For reference: https://ap.rigf.asia/news/2025/aprigf-2025-synthesis-document-published/
• Make use of your social media presence to promote the event, sessions and activities, by actively creating and sharing posts online. (encouraged)

During Conference

• Participate in the capacity building sessions on Day 0.
• Coordinate within the assigned buddy group and attend at least 50% of all sessions during the 3-day main conference.
• Attend Fellows-mentors meet-up sessions and report to the mentor about the sessions they have attended.
• Join in various activities with the assistance of mentors/Fellowship Committee. For example (but not limited to):
  • Participate in the APrIGF Townhall sessions about Synthesis Document.
  • Give a group presentation during a dedicated session on Day 3.
• Make use of your social media presence to promote the event, sessions and activities, by actively creating and sharing posts online. (strongly encouraged)

Post Conference

• Share your key takeaways or the issues highlighted from APrIGF in any popular format, e.g. blog post, video log, recording, etc. and send a link to the Secretariat within 2 weeks after the conference.
• Participate in the post-conference buddy group call to review the program experience.
• Consent to be added to the Fellows alumni network mailing list and social media groups. (encouraged)
• Join the MSG as an Observer Member for 1 year at least. (encouraged)
• Fellows are expected to use the APrIGF experience to further engage in the local community development initiatives. (encouraged)

Fellowship Support

1. Accommodation – The Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) will provide same-gender twin-shared accommodation including breakfast and Internet for all fellows during the conference. Fellows will be responsible for their own personal belongings and for keeping their shared spaces clean and tidy.
2. Flight ticket – APrIGF will contribute to the cost of travel (ticketing is purchased by the Fellow and reimbursement of the agreed amount will be provided after the event). The travel contribution will be based on a typical economy class airfare. Fellows are responsible for any additional costs associated with their travel and transfers, such as baggage fees, seat upgrades, different dates, airport handling, missing flights etc.
3. A stipend up to USD 100 (in local currency) will be provided at the beginning of Day 0, subject to final confirmation of the Fellowship budget.
4.  Any other expenses at the fellows’ own cost –
   • Requirement for Visa fee, Travel insurance, local transport during the conference and transport for Visa purposes

Important Note: The Fellowship program will run virtually if the conference runs virtual.

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