Frequently Asked Questions: ICANN NextGen@ICANN Program
Application
How do I apply to participate in the NextGen@ICANN Program?
In order to have access to the NextGen@ICANN Program application form, you need to have an ICANN account. To sign up for an ICANN Account, go to account.icann.org and click on "Create Account" link where you will be directed to the "Create an ICANN Account" page. Fill out the required information for both steps and click "Submit." This account will give you access to various applications within the ICANN ecosystem, including access to the NextGen@ICANN Program Applicant Portal. Click on the "NextGen Application" tile to begin your NextGen@ICANN Program application.
For more information, please review these instructions.
What is the age limit of the NextGen@ICANN Program?
You must be between the ages of 18 and 30 to participate in the NextGen@ICANN Program. If you do not meet the NextGen@ICANN eligibility criteria, please explore the ICANN Fellowship Program.
How do I submit my NextGen@ICANN Program application?
Step 1: Sign up or log in to your ICANN Account. See information above for steps on how to sign up for an ICANN Account.
Step 2: Login to the NextGen@ICANN Applicant portal. From your ICANN Account, click on the NextGen Application tile. This will redirect you to a page where you need to click on "Log in with your ICANN account." before signing into the portal.
Step 3: Complete the Applicant Profile. In the portal, click on "Edit" Applicant Profile. Fill out the information and save.
Step 4: Complete Application. Once your applicant profile is complete, a new option will appear to begin your application. Click on the "Get Started" square to begin. Fill out the application. You will have the option to save as a draft to continue your application at a later time. Once you complete your application, click on the "Save" button.
Step 5: Submit Application. After clicking "Save" on your application form, you will have the option to submit your application. Once all of the necessary information has been completed, click on the green "Submit" button. You will receive a confirmation email from no-reply@email.zenginehq.com. If you did not receive a confirmation email, please make sure to check your spam filter.
For more information, please review these instructions.
Can I submit my application in any language?
The online application form must be written in English. If English is not your first language, you are encouraged to translate your responses into English for the application. If an application is completed in a language other than English, the NextGen@ICANN Team cannot guarantee that the content will be read and/or understood for its original meaning.
All supporting documentation (such as attendance records, links to blogs, certificates, etc.) may be provided in other languages.
How many times can I apply for the NextGen@ICANN Program?
There are no limits to the number of times you can apply to the NextGen@ICANN Program.
If selected, however, you are allowed to participate only once in the NextGen@ICANN Program.
Which ICANN Learn Courses are required?
If selected to the NextGen@ICANN Program, as a prerequisite, you must complete 102 Introduction to ICANN. This course is available in English (102.1), Spanish (102.2), French (102.3), Arabic (102.4), Russian (102.5), Chinese (102.6), and Portuguese (102.7). You are also required to complete Intro to the NextGen@ICANN Experience (120.1) and DNS Fundamentals (602.1).
How do I take an ICANN Learn course?
First, sign in to your ICANN Account through ICANN Learn at https://learn.icann.org. If you do not yet have an ICANN Account, click on "Create Account" to sign up.
On the ICANN Learn dashboard, click the catalog icon. You will find the required courses under the Newcomers tab. You do not have to complete the entire course in one sitting; ICANN Learn will save your progress. Once you have completed the required courses, download your certificate in the left-hand corner of the specific course launch page. Alternatively, you can access your certificate by clicking on the transcript icon on the ICANN Learn dashboard. Certificates can be downloaded in pdf format and uploaded into your application directly.
Can I submit my application form or supporting documentation after the application round closes?
No. Please take careful note of the application closing date listed at https://www.icann.org/public-responsibility-support/nextgen.
Selection
Who reviews the applications and how are the NextGen@ICANN participants chosen?
The Selection Committee is composed of representatives appointed by their Supporting Organization (SO) or Advisory Committee (AC). The Selection Committee reviews all eligible applications and scores them according to the Applicant Selection Criteria. The Selection Committee will take into account the overall needs of each region and community group in ICANN's multistakeholder model.
The NextGen@ICANN Program will support twelve (12) participants per ICANN Public Meeting, and three (3) Mentors. All selected candidates will be requested to submit their Statements of Interest (SOIs), which will be made publicly available and will be deleted once the meeting is over.
How will I know if I am selected?
All successful candidates are announced on the ICANN website, approximately four months before the meeting. Successful candidates also receive a follow-up email and are expected to accept the invitation within a week. If a candidate does not accept the invitation, a pre-established list of alternates will be used to fill the vacated position.
Travel
How will my travel be covered?
All travel including airfare and accommodations will be booked and paid for by ICANN directly. Any additional charges related to travel are the responsibility of the NextGen@ICANN participant. Please visit the Community Travel Support Guidelines for more information.
How will the stipend work?
A stipend not to exceed US $500.00 will be provided to offset reasonable individual expenses (such as meals, transport to/from the airport, and incidentals). A stipend will be wired to NextGen@ICANN participants once they have proven that they have received their visa (if applicable) and their flight booking has been completed by ICANN's Travel Agent.
If a NextGen@ICANN participant wants to guarantee receipt of his/her stipend prior to the meeting, he/she must meet both visa and flight requirements 30 days prior to the ICANN Meeting. Anything less than 30 days will mean that the NextGen@ICANN applicant may not receive his/her stipend before the meeting.
Do I need insurance?
Acquiring and paying for any and all insurance, including but not limited to travel insurance, is the responsibility of the NextGen@ICANN participant. Carrying proof of insurance is suggested.
ICANN will, however, reimburse travel insurance expenses only if travel insurance is required to apply for a visa. For reimbursement, the supported traveler must provide proof that the insurance is required.
I would like to add personal or other business segments to my travel. What do I do?
Please refer to the Community Travel Support Guidelines and the Community Travel Support website for more information.
What travel documents are needed?
- A valid passport **
- Travel documents as required by your country of origin
- A visa may be required by the host country for the ICANN Public Meeting; it is very important that you check with your local consulate agency
- Transit visas may be required to connect in certain cities or countries; please check with your local consulate agency
**All travel documents must be consistent with the name on your valid passport.