[ NETWORK SCHOOL ]

Network School grew out of Balaji Srinivasan's writing on network states - the idea that a startup society can form online and then acquire physical presence. In 2024, Balaji chose Forest City, Johor, as the site for the first campus: a largely undeveloped island near Singapore with affordable space and strong connectivity to Asia's tech hubs.

The first cohort ran from September 23 to December 23, 2024, a 90-day program that drew around 128 members from across the globe. That initial run tested the Learn, Burn, Earn, Fun model in a live residential setting and validated demand for something longer. Network School v2 launched March 1, 2025, with double the capacity at 256 members and a full year-long program.

By late 2025, cohorts had grown to 270+ members at peak, with programs like Ethereum NS and Solana Superteam using the campus as an operational base. The fellowship program expanded with a $100K funding track for global founders who commit to a full year onsite.

Network School is based at the Marina Forest Hotel in Forest City, Johor, Malaysia - a cluster of artificial islands about 30 minutes from Johor Bahru city center and roughly one hour's drive from Singapore.

Forest City sits within the Singapore-Johor Special Economic Zone, giving members easy cross-border access to Singapore for day trips, errands, and flights. The campus has bay views, a waterfront area, and the quieter atmosphere of a planned new city rather than a dense urban environment.

Nearest airports are Singapore Changi (SIN) and Johor Bahru Senai (JHB), both one to two hours away. Ride-hailing apps like Grab handle local travel, and the campus runs a dedicated round-trip shuttle to Singapore.

Network School runs on rolling monthly enrollment - new members can join on the 1st of any month. There is no published minimum stay; members typically commit to one to three months and extend from there. The current year-long program opened March 1, 2025.

Fellowship recipients commit to a full year on campus as a condition of the $100K grant. Members who extend their stay for two or more months can upgrade to larger apartment units within Forest City.

Membership costs $1,500 per month for a shared room, covering accommodation, three daily meals, 24/7 gym access, all events and workshops, coworking space, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Applying via the referral link gets you one week free. A private room costs approximately $3,000 per month (rate sourced from mid-2025 - confirm current pricing when you apply). Fellowship recipients have their full stay covered as part of the $100K funding package.

Network School welcomes families, and children have been present in every cohort. The campus sits on a low-traffic island with open outdoor areas and bay views - a practical environment for parents who work remotely alongside family life. Kids can use the gym, join campus sports, and participate in community events and social gatherings. Contact the team via ns.com for family room options and current family-specific guidance.

Apply via the referral link to get one week free at Network School.

Applications are submitted Apply now. Applications are open year-round at ns.com/apply. Fill out a short form, select your intended start date, and wait for acceptance. If approved, you complete a second step that includes paying your first month's rent. New cohorts start on the 1st of each month, so the time from application to move-in can be as short as a few weeks. To apply for the fellowship, visit ns.com/fellowship/apply.