MO

Mozilla Fellows Program

Global

by Mozilla Foundation

The Mozilla Fellows Program supports technologists, activists, policy experts, and artists working to ensure the internet remains a global public resource that is open, accessible, and safe for all.

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Funding

$75,000–$100,000 stipend + up to $25,000 project budget

Duration

6–10 months

Geography

Global

Eligibility

Open to technologists, researchers, activists, journalists, artists, and policy professionals worldwide. No formal degree requirement — Mozilla values demonstrated expertise and commitment to internet health. Must be able to work legally in your country of residence for the duration of the fellowship.

Application

Annual (applications typically open in late spring)

Deadline

July 2026

AI & Machine LearningOpen SourcePolicy & GovernmentSocial Impact

About This Fellowship

Mozilla's fellowship program is one of the most respected programs at the intersection of technology and public interest. Since its inception, it has supported hundreds of fellows who have gone on to shape policy, build tools, and lead movements around digital rights, AI accountability, online privacy, and open-source technology.

The program runs two tracks. Embedded Fellows are placed with partner organizations — such as newsrooms, civil liberties nonprofits, or research labs — where they work on specific projects aligned with Mozilla's mission. Independent Fellows pursue their own self-directed projects, with mentorship and support from the Mozilla network. Both tracks receive a competitive stipend, a dedicated project budget, and access to Mozilla's global community of technologists and advocates.

Mozilla Fellows work on some of the most pressing challenges in tech today: AI governance, algorithmic transparency, data privacy, content moderation, and the digital divide. The program is particularly well-suited for people who sit at the intersection of technical expertise and social consciousness — those who want to build a better internet, not just a more profitable one.

What You Get

Mozilla provides comprehensive support designed to let fellows focus entirely on their work for the duration of the program.

  • $75,000–$100,000 stipend (varies by track and location), paid in monthly installments
  • Up to $25,000 in project and travel funding for research, prototyping, convenings, or publication
  • Health insurance supplement for US-based fellows; equivalent support for international fellows
  • Dedicated program staff providing mentorship, strategic guidance, and logistical support
  • Access to the broader Mozilla network — including past fellows, staff, and partner organizations worldwide
  • Platform and amplification: Mozilla actively promotes fellows' work through its channels, events, and media relationships

Fellowship Tracks

The program offers two tracks to accommodate different working styles, career stages, and project types.

  • Embedded Track: Fellows are placed with a host organization (e.g., a newsroom, research lab, or advocacy group) for 6–10 months, working on a jointly defined project
  • Independent Track: Fellows pursue a self-directed project of their own design, with regular check-ins and support from Mozilla program staff
  • Both tracks participate in a shared cohort experience including onboarding, mid-term gathering, and a final showcase
  • Fellows are expected to produce tangible outputs — code, research, policy recommendations, tools, or publications

How to Apply

The application process is competitive but straightforward. Mozilla values clarity of vision and demonstrated commitment over traditional credentials.

  • Submit an online application including a project proposal, CV/resume, and two references
  • Project proposals should clearly articulate the problem, your approach, expected outputs, and why Mozilla is the right home for this work
  • Shortlisted candidates participate in a video interview with Mozilla program staff
  • Final selections are made by a review committee comprising Mozilla staff, past fellows, and external experts
  • Typical acceptance rate is approximately 3–5% of applicants

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