A system is provided for configuring an application for operation onboard a mobile node that includes a plurality of communication interfaces for accessing a plurality of types of networks. The system includes a network entity that can send a request for an application-specific profile for operating an application onboard the mobile node, the request including information identifying the application. In response, a profile server can create/retrieve an application-specific profile based upon the request. The application-specific profile includes one or more application-specific preferences and/or one or more application-specific settings, where at least one of the application-specific preference(s) and/or setting(s) can be interpreted into one or more policy rules capable of at least partially controlling selection of one or more of the communication interfaces of the mobile node during operation of the application. The application can thereafter be configured at least partially based upon the application-specific profile independent of user input.