Applications are now open for the European Parliament Sakharov Fellowship 2026, a fully funded international fellowship programme designed for human rights defenders from non-EU countries. The fellowship will bring together 14 human rights activists for an intensive two-week training programme in Europe.
The European Parliament Fellowship 2026 will take place from 7–20 June 2026 in Brussels and an EU Member State. Selected fellows will receive full financial support, including travel, accommodation, and a daily living allowance throughout the programme duration.
Program Summary
- Host Organisation: European Parliament
- Host Countries: Brussels and an EU Member State
- Programme Location: European Parliament, Brussels
- Category: Fellowships | Human Rights Programmes
- Eligible Countries: Non-EU Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Travel Costs | Accommodation | Daily Allowance
- Programme Dates: 7–20 June, 2026
- Deadline: February 15, 2026
Program Details
The Sakharov Fellowship Programme is designed to strengthen the capacity of human rights defenders to promote positive change in their communities. Participants will receive in-depth training on European Union policies while gaining practical exposure to the work of the European Parliament and other EU institutions.
During the fellowship, participants will engage with Members of the European Parliament, EU officials, and members of the international human rights community in Brussels. The programme includes interactive workshops on communication and advocacy, safety and security, combating misinformation, resilience and well-being, and documentation of human rights violations.
Fellows will also have opportunities for personal advocacy and professional networking. Upon completion of the programme, participants will become members of the Sakharov Community of Human Rights Defenders and will continue to collaborate with EU Delegations in their home countries. The fellowship prioritises gender balance, diversity, and representation from different regions and backgrounds.
Program Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Return travel expenses
- Accommodation for the entire training period
- A daily living allowance from 7–20 June 2026
- Exposure to a prestigious European institution and international human rights network
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Sakharov Fellowship, applicants must:
- Be citizens of non-EU countries
- Have a proven record of human rights advocacy, either individually or through an NGO or organisation
- Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the English language
- Be fully available to participate in the two-week training programme in Europe
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Valid passport
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Educational transcripts or degree certificates
- Proof of professional or advocacy experience
- Any other relevant supporting documents
How to Apply
To apply for the European Parliament Sakharov Fellowship, interested and qualified candidates should:
- Apply through the online application form
- Provide personal and contact information, residency details, and English proficiency level
- Describe experience in human rights defence and advocacy
- Select two human rights areas relevant to their work
- Indicate current occupation and organisational role
- Explain motivation for joining the fellowship programme
- Provide educational background details
- Submit contact information of one referee
- Review all provided information carefully
- Click “Submit” to complete the application
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