The Digital Public Infrastructure Scholarship offers a fully funded opportunity to join the ITU Academy’s course on accelerating digital public infrastructure with safeguards. This program equips government implementers and digital practitioners with a Safeguards-by-Design framework to build resilient, trust-based digital systems.
The course is organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with generous funding from the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative. It is designed for professionals from developing countries who are actively involved in national digital transformation initiatives.
Benefits of Digital Public Infrastructure Scholarship 2026
- Free course for selected participants (funded by the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative)
- Online instructor-led training with live sessions via Zoom
- Access to expert instructors and peer exchange
- Capstone project with country simulations
- ITU certificate upon successful completion (score >70%)
Eligibility Criteria for the Digital Public Infrastructure Scholarship 2026
- Government officials, policymakers, and civil society practitioners from developing countries, particularly women, are encouraged to apply
- Hold an undergraduate degree or have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience
- Possess a fluent level of English
- Complete an application questionnaire, attach an up-to-date CV, and provide a motivation letter or employer recommendation
- Selection conducted by course organizers based on entry requirements, application questionnaire, and motivation
How to Apply for the Digital Public Infrastructure Scholarship 2026
- Complete the application questionnaire
- Attach an up-to-date CV
- Provide a motivation letter or employer recommendation
- Submit the application via the ‘Apply here’ button on the course page
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Digital Public Infrastructure Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Digital Public Infrastructure Scholarship?
The Digital Public Infrastructure Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity to attend the ITU Academy course ‘Accelerating digital public infrastructure with safeguards’. It covers tuition and provides training on building resilient digital systems using a Safeguards-by-Design framework.
Who can apply for this scholarship?
Government officials, policymakers, legal professionals, ICT specialists, digital transformation leaders, and civil society actors from developing countries are eligible. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree or have five years of relevant experience.
What are the benefits of the scholarship?
The scholarship is fully funded, meaning the course is free for selected participants. It includes online instructor-led training, access to expert instructors, peer exchange, a capstone project, and an ITU certificate upon successful completion.
What is the deadline to apply?
The registration deadline is 28 June 2026. The course runs from 28 July to 25 August 2026. Applications must be submitted before the deadline.
How do I apply for the Digital Public Infrastructure Scholarship?
To apply, complete the application questionnaire, attach an up-to-date CV, and provide a motivation letter or employer recommendation. Submit your application via the ‘Apply here’ button on the official course page.
What is the course format and duration?
The course is online instructor-led via Zoom, consisting of 6 live sessions of 2 hours each (total 12 hours). Sessions include expert inputs, case studies, collaborative whiteboarding, and a capstone project. There is also a self-learning module between sessions.
What topics are covered in the course?
Topics include Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) principles, safeguards as accelerators, digital identity systems, data exchange platforms, institutional readiness, and sustainable financing models. The course uses a Safeguards-by-Design framework.
Is there a certificate upon completion?
Yes, participants who achieve a total score higher than 70% will receive an ITU certificate. Assessment includes a pre-class questionnaire (10%), attendance and participation (40%), and a final capstone project (50%).
Can I apply if I am not a government official?
Yes, the course is open to legal professionals, policymakers, ICT specialists, digital transformation leaders, and civil society actors involved in national digital transformation. A background in public administration, legal services, or digital transformation is preferred.
What language is the course conducted in?
The course is conducted in English. Live translated captions will be available via Zoom to support participants.
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