Columbia University has opened applications for the 2027/2028 Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) for experienced human rights defenders from around the world.
The Columbia University Human Rights Advocates Program offers full sponsorship covering study and living expenses while providing participants with access to world-class academic training, professional networking, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities in the United States.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: Columbia University
- Host Country: USA
- Category: Fellowships | Trainings
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Sponsorship | Living Expenses | Travel Costs | Professional Development
- Deadline: October 15, 2026
Scholarship Details
Applications are now open for the 2027/2028 Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP), administered by the Institute for the Study of Human Rights (ISHR) at Columbia University. The prestigious programme is designed to strengthen the capacity of experienced human rights professionals by providing advanced academic engagement, practical training, and collaboration with internationally recognized scholars and practitioners.
Participants will enhance their advocacy skills, expand their professional networks, and gain practical knowledge that will help them create greater impact within their organizations and communities. The programme is specifically tailored for individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing justice, equality, and human rights across the globe.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Columbia University Human Rights Advocates Program, applicants must:
- Be a lawyer, journalist, doctor, teacher, social worker, community organizer, or another human rights advocate working with a non-governmental organization (NGO).
- Be actively engaged in areas such as:
- Sexual and gender-based violence
- Domestic violence
- Minority rights
- LGBT rights
- Labour rights
- Migration
- Public health
- Social exclusion
- Environmental justice
- Corporate social accountability
- Demonstrate significant experience and commitment to the human rights field.
- Show the ability to undertake graduate-level academic work.
- Not be a full-time student or government official.
- Be employed full-time or part-time while actively carrying out human rights advocacy.
- Work directly with grassroots communities.
- Be fluent in English.
- Obtain institutional endorsement from their organization and commit to returning after completing the programme.
- Be the only applicant representing their organization.
- Applicants from high-income countries will only be considered if they represent marginalized communities.
- Preference will be given to applicants who have had limited opportunities for international travel and study.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants for the Columbia University Human Rights Advocates Program will receive:
- Full sponsorship (for selected scholars)
- Living expenses
- Travel support
- Academic engagement at Columbia University
- Professional development opportunities
- Mentorship from internationally recognized scholars
- Collaboration with fellow human rights advocates
- Exposure to interdisciplinary human rights approaches
- Expanded international professional networks
- Leadership and advocacy capacity development
- Practical skills applicable to participants’ organizations and communities
Required Documents
To apply for this programme, applicants must prepare to submit:
- Two signed letters of recommendation
- University degree certificate and/or academic transcript (highest qualification)
- English language proficiency certificate
How to Apply
To apply for the Columbia University Human Rights Advocates Program:
- Visit the programme application webpage.
- Complete the online application form in English.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
- Alternatively, complete the PDF application form and send it via email to [email protected] if you do not wish to use the online application form.
- Kindly wait for feedback after submission.
To begin the application process, click HERE
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