The Mozilla Foundation Fellowship 2027–2028 is now open to talented technology innovators, researchers, independent builders, and creative advocates from around the world. The programme offers funding of up to US$125,000 over 12 months to individuals developing technology that promotes public benefit, strengthens digital rights, and gives people greater control over their lives.Organised by the US-based Mozilla Foundation, this international fellowship supports individuals working on important technology challenges. The programme has two main pathways: Embedded Fellowships, which involve working with an established civil society organisation, and Independent Fellowships, which allow experienced innovators to lead their own projects.

For the 2027–2028 cohort, Mozilla plans to award 10 fellowships. Successful applicants will receive financial support, project funding, leadership development, professional guidance, and opportunities to collaborate with other technology innovators.

The fellowship is conducted remotely and lasts 12 months, making it accessible to eligible applicants in different countries. There is no published IELTS requirement or application fee. However, applicants must submit their initial Letter of Intent in English.

If you are developing technology that addresses social challenges, improves digital infrastructure, or makes emerging technologies more accessible, the Mozilla Foundation Fellowship 2027–2028 may provide an opportunity to advance your work.

Mozilla Foundation Fellowship 2027–2028 Details

• Host Organisation: Mozilla Foundation

• Fellowship Name: Mozilla Foundation Fellowship
• Fellowship Period: 2027–2028
• Eligible Applicants: International applicants
• Number of Fellowships: 10
• Duration: 12 months
• Study or Work Location: Remote
• Embedded Fellowship Funding: US$100,000
• Independent Fellowship Funding: US$125,000
• Application Language: English
• IELTS Requirement: No IELTS score is listed
• Application Fee: None listed
• Application Deadline: 17 December 2026
• Fellowship Starting Date: 1 June 2027

What Is the Mozilla Foundation Fellowship?

The Mozilla Foundation Fellowship is an international programme that supports people building technology for the public good. It brings together technical innovators and creative advocates who are working to address important challenges in the digital world.

Since 2011, Mozilla has supported more than 200 fellows across 37 countries. Its fellowship programme encourages responsible technology development, public participation, digital inclusion, and greater accountability in the technology sector.

For the 2027–2028 cycle, the foundation is offering two main fellowship pathways. Applicants can either work with a selected civil society organisation or develop an independent project under Mozilla's priority areas.

The programme is particularly suitable for individuals who have demonstrated technical ability, understand the needs of their communities, and can explain how their proposed work will produce meaningful public benefits.

Benefits of the Mozilla Foundation Fellowship 2027–2028

The fellowship provides financial assistance and professional development opportunities throughout the 12-month programme. The funding depends on the pathway selected by the applicant.

1. Embedded Fellowship: US$100,000

The Embedded Fellowship provides a total award of US$100,000. Fellows work with a selected civil society host organisation on a technology challenge that supports the organisation's mission.The financial package is divided into two parts:

• Personal stipend: US$75,000.
• Project budget: US$25,000.

The stipend supports the fellow during the programme, while the project budget covers approved project-related expenses.

2. Independent Fellowship: US$125,000

The Independent Fellowship offers a total award of US$125,000 to individuals who have the experience and ability to lead their own projects.The funding includes:

• Personal stipend: US$100,000.
• Project budget: US$25,000.

Independent Fellows have greater freedom to develop and manage projects within Mozilla's published focus areas.

Additional Fellowship Benefits

In addition to financial assistance, both pathways include several professional benefits.

• Remote participation throughout the 12-month fellowship.
• Leadership development opportunities.
• Programme guidance and professional support.
• Access to an international network of technology innovators.
• Paid travel to important fellowship gatherings.
• Opportunities to collaborate with other fellows and civil society organisations.

Applicants should understand that the total award includes restricted project funding. The project budget should not be treated as additional personal income.

Mozilla Foundation Fellowship Focus Areas

The 2027–2028 fellowship supports projects that address emerging technology challenges and promote public participation. Most applicants must propose projects with a strong technical foundation.The main focus areas include:

1. Neurotechnology, Biotechnology and Physical AI

Mozilla welcomes projects examining the development and public impact of neurotechnology, biotechnology, and physical artificial intelligence.Proposals should explain how the technology can be developed or used responsibly while protecting individual rights and public interests.

2. Compute, Energy and Quantum Technology

This category covers important technology infrastructure, including computing systems, energy technologies, and quantum technology.Applicants can explore projects that improve access, strengthen infrastructure, or address challenges associated with the development of these technologies.

3. Raising p(bloom)

This focus area examines ways to increase the benefits of artificial intelligence and address barriers that prevent different communities from participating in its development.Projects should consider how AI can serve more people and produce wider public benefits.

4. Business Models for an AI-Driven Web

As artificial intelligence agents increasingly influence how people use the internet, new questions are emerging about the future of online business models.Mozilla welcomes proposals that examine these changes and support a more accountable and accessible web.

5. Shared Security and Technology Audit Infrastructure

Small organisations often lack the resources needed to assess technology risks and maintain strong security systems.Projects in this category may develop shared tools, security resources, and auditing infrastructure that help smaller organisations protect their digital operations.

6. Sovereign AI and Public Infrastructure

This category supports work involving sovereign artificial intelligence, public technology infrastructure, and the long-term maintenance of essential digital systems.

7. Creative Advocacy

One Independent Fellowship is reserved for a creative advocate.This opportunity is intended for individuals who use creative approaches to challenge harmful technology practices and encourage public participation.

8. Wildcard Projects

Applicants whose work does not fit neatly into the listed categories can consider the Wildcard option.

However, the proposed project must still advance Mozilla's broader mission of building technology that gives people greater control over their lives.

Eligibility Criteria for the Mozilla Foundation Fellowship 2027–2028

The fellowship is open to individuals from different countries. Applicants do not need to belong to a particular university or hold a specific academic qualification.

However, candidates must meet the programme's professional, funding, and project requirements.To be considered, applicants should:

• Demonstrate relevant experience in technology, research, advocacy, or related work.
• Present a clear project that supports Mozilla's mission.
• Explain the expected public benefits of the proposed work.
• Show the ability to complete the project within the fellowship period.
• Be legally eligible to receive funding from the United States.
• Be able to enter into a grant agreement with Mozilla.
• Have access to a bank account that can receive payments in US dollars.
• Submit application materials in English.

Mozilla does not publish a compulsory degree or GPA requirement for this fellowship. Applicants should therefore focus on demonstrating their experience, previous work, technical ability, and understanding of the proposed project.

The fellowship is designed to support public benefit. Projects focused mainly on private commercial gain, political campaigning, or lobbying are excluded under the foundation's grant guidelines.

Eligibility for Embedded Fellowship Applicants

Candidates applying for the Embedded Fellowship must demonstrate a suitable connection between their proposed work and the selected host organisation.The available hosts for this cycle include:

• BASAibu, Indonesia.
• Fundación Kamanau, Chile.
• LAS Art Foundation, Germany.
• Quantum Village, United States.
• Slum & Rural Health Initiative, Nigeria.

Applicants should review the host descriptions and identify the organisation whose work best matches their experience and project objectives.

Most hosts can accommodate remote participation. However, applicants must consider the organisation's working hours, time zone, and location preferences.

Participation Requirements

Fellows should have sufficient time to complete their projects and participate in programme activities.

The expected commitment includes approximately five to ten hours each month for cohort activities, with additional time required around major fellowship gatherings.

Full-time exclusivity is not a general requirement.

How to Apply for the Mozilla Foundation Fellowship 2027–2028

The application process begins with an online Letter of Intent (LOI). Applicants cannot submit a full application immediately because the foundation invites shortlisted candidates to complete the next stage.Follow these steps to prepare your application.

Step 1: Review the Official Fellowship Guidelines

Visit the Mozilla Foundation fellowship page and read the 2027–2028 call for applications.

Examine the available fellowship pathways, funding arrangements, focus areas, and grant eligibility guidelines.

Decide whether the Embedded or Independent Fellowship is more appropriate for your experience and proposed project.

Step 2: Identify a Suitable Project

Develop a project that addresses a clear technology challenge.Explain the problem, the people or communities affected, and how your proposed solution will help.

Your proposal should demonstrate public benefit and show how the project connects with at least one of Mozilla's focus areas.

Step 3: Prepare Your Letter of Intent

The Letter of Intent requires applicants to provide information about their background and proposed work.Prepare the following details:

• Your current location and professional affiliation.
• Relevant experience and previous achievements.
• Links to published work, projects, or professional activities.
• A summary of your proposed project.
• The intended users and beneficiaries.
• Current project progress.
• Expected outputs and quarterly milestones.
• Your technical contribution and approach.
• The public benefits of the project.
• Your plans for open working and collaboration.
• Relevant external support.

Pay particular attention to the word limits in the application form. The project summary allows 200 words, the project one-liner allows 30 words, and the milestones section allows 150 words.Embedded applicants must also explain why their selected host organisation is suitable. Independent applicants should identify the relevant fellowship focus area.

Step 4: Complete the Online Application Form

Access the official Mozilla Foundation application portal and complete the Letter of Intent.

Ensure that your answers are clear, accurate, and consistent with the information requested.

The application must be submitted in English. Translation tools can be used to help applicants understand or prepare their responses.

Mozilla also requires applicants to disclose any use of artificial intelligence during preparation.

Step 5: Review and Submit Your Application

Review all your answers before submitting the form.Submitted applications cannot be edited. If you save a draft, retain the unique resume link sent to your email address through FormAssembly.

Once you are satisfied with the information, submit the Letter of Intent and keep your confirmation.

Shortlisted candidates will receive an invitation to complete the full application.

Applicants with unresolved eligibility questions can contact the fellowship team at [email protected].

Important Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should pay attention to Mozilla's submission rules when preparing their materials.

Submitting an incomplete application: Make sure every required section is completed before submission. The form cannot be edited after it has been submitted.

Choosing the wrong fellowship pathway: Embedded and Independent Fellowships have different working arrangements and funding levels. Select the option that matches your experience and project plans.

Using artificial intelligence to write the entire application: Mozilla permits AI assistance for brainstorming, clarification, and translation. However, applicants must write their own responses and disclose AI assistance. Fully generated application answers fall outside the stated policy.

Ignoring the project budget: Remember that US$25,000 of either fellowship award is allocated to project expenses. Plan your personal finances using the actual stipend amount.

Submitting a project without public benefit: Explain who will benefit from your work and how the project will contribute to Mozilla's mission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international applicants apply for the Mozilla Foundation Fellowship?

Yes. The programme welcomes eligible individuals from different countries. However, applicants must be legally able to receive US funding and enter into a grant agreement with Mozilla.

Is an IELTS certificate required?

No IELTS score is listed as an application requirement. However, all application materials must be submitted in English.

Can I apply without a university degree?

The published call does not specify a compulsory degree or GPA requirement. Relevant professional experience and demonstrated ability are important.

Do I need a nomination to apply?

No. Applicants can submit their applications directly. Self-nominations are also welcome. A nomination provides an additional route to an invitation to submit a Letter of Intent, but it does not replace the application.

Can I apply with a project that has not launched?

The application requests information about current project progress, but the published requirements do not state that every project must already be launched. Applicants should provide credible evidence of their preparation, development work, and ability to deliver the proposed outcomes.

Will Mozilla own the project I develop?

Applicants should review the grant agreement and applicable intellectual property terms before accepting an award. The published application information does not establish a blanket ownership arrangement for every fellowship project. Do not assume that Mozilla automatically owns all work created during the fellowship.

Is the Mozilla Foundation Fellowship fully funded?

Yes, the programme provides substantial financial support through two funding pathways. The Embedded Fellowship offers US$100,000, while the Independent Fellowship provides US$125,000. Each award includes a personal stipend and a restricted project budget.

Mozilla Foundation Fellowship 2027–2028 Application Deadline

Applicants should pay close attention to the official application dates. Mozilla does not accept late submissions or deadline extensions.

The important dates for the 2027–2028 cohort are:

• 17 December 2026: Letter of Intent deadline at 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time (UTC−8).
• 16 February 2027: Shortlisted applicants are expected to receive invitations.
• 12 March 2027: Full application deadline at 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time (UTC−8).
• 30 April 2027: Final applicants are notified.
• 1 June 2027: Fellowship programme begins.

The first deadline is particularly important because only shortlisted candidates will proceed to the full application stage.

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