NetMission Academy 2026-27
Equipping young people across the Asia-Pacific to shape internet governance since 2009.
Join a cohort of young people exploring how the internet is governed, discussing today’s digital policy issues with peers and practitioners across the region.
Apply now → Applications close 20 October 2026About the Academy
The NetMission Academy is a series of online sessions designed to equip youth with the knowledge and skills to participate in Internet policymaking. Fellows explore Internet Governance and digital policy issues, and discuss them with peers from across the region, alongside industry practitioners and experts.
The eight-week program runs from late November to February, with a 3-week break around the holidays and the week of the global IGF. Alongside main sessions where fellows engage in dialogue with experts, they work in small groups with a peer mentor on a project they present at the end of the program.
Graduates go on to become NetMission Ambassadors, joining a wider community of youth advocates across the region and beyond. See what NetMission Ambassadors do → Fellows who contribute actively may also receive sponsorship to attend regional and global internet governance forums in person.
What you’ll do
Build a foundation
Three sessions on internet governance basics: Internet Governance 101, the Internet Governance ecosystem, and ICANN policies.
Go deep on this year’s theme: AI and the internet
Three sessions on how AI is reshaping issues the internet already grapples with, from public life and rights, to trust and safety, to the infrastructure behind it all.
Work in a small group
Join a sub-group with a peer mentor (“buddy”) who supports you through the program.
Complete a group project
Research a real issue with your group and present it at the end of the program.
Program schedule
Here’s how the weeks break down, from orientation to closing:
| Week | Main session (Thu, starts 12:30 UTC) |
Session introduction | Thematic coverage | Sub-group meeting (Sat, within 10:00-13:00 UTC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 26 Nov 2026 | (no session) | – | 28 Nov: Orientation & Welcome (mandatory) |
| 1 | 3 Dec 2026 | Session 1: Internet Governance 101 |
Multistakeholder Internet Governance | 5 Dec |
| 2 | 10 Dec 2026 | Session 2: The Internet Governance Ecosystem |
Institutions & stakeholders: who governs what, from ICANN and APNIC to IETF and the IGF | 12 Dec |
| 3 | 17 Dec 2026 | (no session) | The global Internet Governance Forum (IGF) runs 14-18 December in hybrid format this year. We encourage you to take part, whether in person or online. | (no meeting) |
| 4 | 24 Dec 2026 | (no session) | – | (no meeting) |
| 5 | 31 Dec 2026 | (no session) | – | (no meeting) |
| 6 | 7 Jan 2027 | Session 3: ICANN Policies |
DNS & domain policy: DNS abuse, the new gTLD round, and AI’s growing footprint in domain registration | 9 Jan (mandatory) |
| 7 | 14 Jan 2027 | Session 4: Digitised Public Life & AI-Driven Decisions |
Digital rights, access & accountability | 16 Jan |
| 8 | 21 Jan 2027 | Session 5: AI, Trust & Safety |
Cybersecurity, privacy & trust | 23 Jan (mandatory) |
| 9 | 28 Jan 2027 | Session 6: AI’s Global Supply Chains & Infrastructure |
Digital economy, infrastructure & inclusivity | 30 Jan |
| 10 | 4 Feb 2027 | Session 7: Group presentations |
See below | (no meeting) |
| 11 | 11 Feb 2027 | Session 8: Closing Ceremony & Way Forward |
– | (no meeting) |
Sessions start at 12:30 UTC and run 1-1.5 hours depending on the session. Unless marked (mandatory), sub-group meetings happen as needed for group project discussion. Your buddy confirms the exact time within the reserved Saturday window (10:00-13:00 UTC).
Week 10: Group presentations. Hear fellows’ synthesis of what they’ve learned, applied to specific issues and cases that matter to their own communities. It’s also a chance to collaborate with and learn from youth across different economies, for cultural exchange as much as policy exchange.
Who can apply
- Aged 35 or under on 28 November 2026 (the program’s first meeting).
- A national of an economy in the Asia-Pacific, and/or currently residing in the Asia-Pacific (see pages 14-15 in this document for the list of economies: dot.asia/BGC-004).
- Open to students, recent graduates, working professionals, and others. Priority is given to applicants currently enrolled in a tertiary institution.
What we ask of you
Time commitment
On average, 2-4 hours a week over the eight-week program: a weekly main session, occasional sub-group meetings, and some reading or research.
Curiosity and active participation
Come ready to take part: ask questions, share your community’s experience with the issues we cover, and offer your own views, even ones still taking shape. The discussions work best when fellows contribute alongside the speakers.
To be recognised as a graduate
At least 70% attendance across the sessions and the mandatory sub-group meetings (at least 8 out of the 11 total), and active participation in your group’s project (assessed by your buddies). Full attendance is not expected; the 70% threshold already allows for connectivity issues and life events.
What you’ll need
- A stable internet connection.
- A microphone and speakers (or a headset). Sessions are discussion-based, so you take part by speaking. A working camera is recommended, as video supports engagement in discussions.
- A Google account, since sub-groups (and NetMission’s working groups) coordinate on Google Chat.
Key dates
- 20 October 2026: Application deadline
- 22-30 October 2026: Interviews (shortlisted candidates)
- By mid-November 2026: Results announced
- 28 November 2026: Program begins (Week 0 orientation)
How to apply
- Apply: complete the online application form before 20 October 2026.
- Interview: shortlisted applicants are invited to a 40-minute group interview (22-30 October).
- Selection: successful applicants are notified by mid-November and join the cohort.
Good to know
Is it free?
Yes, the program is free to participate.
What language is it in?
Sessions are run in English.
Do I need to be a student?
No. Students, recent graduates, and working professionals can all apply; currently-enrolled tertiary students are given priority.
What if I can’t make every session?
Full attendance isn’t required. You need at least 70% attendance across the sessions and the mandatory sub-group meetings to graduate (at least 8 out of the 11 total), which allows for the occasional clash or connectivity issue.