Apply for Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) 2027/2028 at Columbia University Scholarship

Application Deadline: October 15, 2026

About the Program

Applications are now open for the 2027/2028 Human Rights Advocates Program. Administered through the Institute for the Study of Human Rights (ISHR) at Columbia University, this prestigious fellowship provides human rights professionals with an exceptional opportunity to strengthen their advocacy skills, expand their professional networks, and collaborate with leading scholars and practitioners in one of the world’s most respected academic institutions. The programme is designed for human rights defenders who have demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting justice, equality, and human dignity. Through intensive academic engagement, practical training, and professional networking, HRAP equips participants with the knowledge, tools, and partnerships needed to amplify the impact of their work within their organizations and communities. Whether your work focuses on civil and political rights, gender equality, environmental justice, freedom of expression, refugee rights, indigenous rights, disability rights, or other human rights issues, the Human Rights Advocates Program offers a unique platform to enhance your leadership and advocacy.

Eligibility Requirements

• The Program is designed for lawyers, journalists, doctors, teachers, social workers, community organizers, and other human rights activists working with NGOs on issues including sexual and gender-based violence, domestic violence, minority rights, LGBT rights, labor rights, migration, health, social exclusion, environmental justice, and corporate social accountability
• Participants are selected on the basis of their previous work experience in human rights, commitment to the human rights field, and demonstrated ability to pursue graduate-level studies. Full-time students or government officials will not be considered. Applicants holding full or part-time jobs pursuing their advocacy efforts are preferred
• Advocates must work at the grassroots level. Applicants from high-income countries will not be considered except for those representing marginalized communities. Fluency in English is required. Preference is given to those who have not previously had opportunities to travel and study internationally
• Advocates must provide proof of institutional endorsement from their organizations for their participation in the Program and must commit to returning to that organization upon completion of the Program. Only one application per organization should be submitted. More than one application means all applications from that organization will be disqualified. It is up to the applicant to make sure he/she is the sole applicant from his/her organization

Program Benefits

• Academic engagement at Columbia University
• Professional development opportunities
• Interaction with internationally recognized scholars
• Collaboration with fellow human rights advocates
• Exposure to interdisciplinary approaches to human rights
• Expanded international professional networks
• Opportunities to exchange experiences with practitioners from diverse regions
• Increased leadership and advocacy capacity
• Practical knowledge that can be applied within participants’ organizations

Scholarship Details

Only a very limited number of full scholarships will be awarded. Other admitted applicants will be asked to cover expenses such as living expenses and stipend.

How to Apply

Application Link: Click here to apply

Why This Program Matters

The Human Rights Advocates Program at Columbia University is one of the most prestigious human rights fellowships in the world. It provides grassroots human rights defenders with the opportunity to strengthen their advocacy skills, expand their professional networks, and collaborate with leading scholars and practitioners.

For human rights professionals working at the grassroots level on issues such as gender equality, environmental justice, refugee rights, and freedom of expression, HRAP offers:

• Academic engagement at Columbia University
• Professional development and leadership training
• Expanded international networks with fellow advocates
• Practical knowledge to apply within their organizations
• A limited number of full scholarships for selected participants

For More Information: Visit the Official Columbia University HRAP Page