.edu
Education
US Institutions Only
Restricted to accredited post-secondary US educational institutions. Managed by EDUCAUSE. Provides immediate academic credibility.
Restricted Extensions
Sponsored Top-Level Domains (sTLDs)
Sponsored TLDs are specialized domain extensions managed by specific organizations or communities with defined eligibility requirements. Unlike open gTLDs, these extensions like .edu, .gov, and .museum serve particular sectors and require verification before registration. They provide instant credibility and trust within their respective communities.
14
Sponsored TLDs
8,000+
.edu Domains
1,200+
.gov Domains
1985
First sTLDs
Understanding Sponsored TLDs
Domain extensions with strict eligibility for specific communities.
Sponsored Top-Level Domains are a special category of extensions where a sponsoring organization establishes and enforces rules for registration eligibility. These sponsors represent specific communities and ensure that only qualified entities can obtain domains under their TLD.
The sponsorship model provides several benefits: it maintains the integrity and trustworthiness of the namespace, ensures domains are used for their intended purpose, and creates instant recognition of the registrant's credentials. When you see a .edu website, you immediately know it belongs to an accredited educational institution.
Sponsored TLDs include some of the original domain extensions created in 1985 (.edu, .gov, .mil) as well as newer additions like .museum (2001), .aero (2001), and .coop (2001). Each operates under different policies set by their respective sponsors.
Major Sponsored TLDs
The most recognized restricted domain extensions and their requirements.
.gov
Government
US Government Only
Exclusively for US federal, state, and local government entities. Managed by CISA. Essential for official government communications.
.mil
Military
US Military Only
Reserved for US Department of Defense and military organizations. One of the original TLDs from 1985.
.museum
Museums
Verified Museums
For museums, museum associations, and museum professionals. Requires ICOM verification. Launched 2001.
.aero
Aviation
Aviation Industry
For the air transport industry including airlines, airports, and aerospace companies. Managed by SITA.
.coop
Cooperatives
Verified Co-ops
For cooperative associations worldwide. Requires verification of cooperative status per ICA guidelines.
.jobs
Employment
HR Verified
For human resource departments of companies. Managed by Employ Media LLC for SHRM.
.travel
Travel Industry
Travel Sector
For travel and tourism industry entities. Requires verification by the travel industry registry.
Eligibility Requirements
What you need to register a sponsored TLD.
Documentation
Most sTLDs require official documentation proving your eligibility—accreditation certificates, government ID, or industry membership proof.
Verification Process
Applications are reviewed by the sponsoring organization. Processing can take days to weeks depending on the TLD and verification complexity.
Ongoing Compliance
Registrants must maintain eligibility. Losing your qualifying status (accreditation, membership) can result in domain suspension.
FAQ
No. The .edu domain is restricted to accredited post-secondary US educational institutions only. It's managed by EDUCAUSE and requires proof of regional or national accreditation.
Restrictions maintain trust and credibility. When users see a .edu or .gov site, they know it's legitimate. Open registration would undermine this trust and enable abuse.
Yes. Many new gTLDs offer alternatives: .university and .college for education, .government for government entities, and industry-specific options like .law, .bank, and .insurance with their own verification requirements.