Columbia University Human Rights Advocates Program 2027-2028 in USA

Share this opportunity

Make Scholarships Edge preferred on Google

The Columbia University Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) 2027-2028 is now accepting applications from experienced human rights advocates worldwide. Hosted by the Institute for the Study of Human Rights (ISHR) at Columbia University, this international fellowship supports grassroots human rights defenders through a fully immersive residency in New York City. The program brings together advocates working on issues such as gender equality, LGBTQI+ rights, labor rights, disability rights, environmental justice, indigenous peoples’ rights, migration, and other human rights fields.

The Columbia Human Rights Advocates Program aims to strengthen the skills of activists through academic learning, networking, and collaboration with Columbia University faculty and experts. The next cohorts will take place from September to December 2027 and January to May 2028. ISHR makes every effort to secure funding for selected participants, covering the cost of participation whenever funding is available. If you are an experienced human rights advocate looking for an international fellowship in the USA, this Columbia University opportunity is worth considering.

Participants will engage in seminars, workshops, lectures, and networking events while developing practical strategies to strengthen their advocacy work. They will also collaborate with fellow human rights defenders from different countries and return to their organizations with new knowledge and professional connections.

WhatsApp Channel

Join Now

Columbia University Human Rights Advocates Program 2027-2028 Details

Host Country: United States
Host Institution: Columbia University
Institute: Institute for the Study of Human Rights (ISHR)
Program: Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP)
Program Duration: Approximately four months
Eligible Applicants: Human rights advocates from around the world

Also Check: United Nations Volunteer Abroad Program 2026

Benefits of the Columbia University HRAP 2027-2028

Selected participants may receive:

Funding support secured by ISHR whenever available
Opportunity to study and collaborate at Columbia University
Academic mentoring and professional guidance
Participation in seminars, lectures, and workshops
Networking with international human rights advocates
Opportunity to present advocacy projects
Access to Columbia University’s academic community
Professional development through practical learning
International exposure and collaboration opportunities

Note: ISHR conducts the selection process first and then works to secure funding for shortlisted participants. In cases where funding cannot be secured, shortlisted applicants may be asked to obtain their own financial support.

Also Check: Harvard Visiting Research Scholarship Program 2027 in USA

Who Can Apply?

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

Be actively working as a human rights advocate with a non-governmental organization (NGO).
Demonstrate significant experience in human rights advocacy.
Show a long-term commitment to the human rights field.
Have the ability to complete graduate-level academic work.
Work primarily at the grassroots level.
Be fluent in English.
Have support from their organization and agree to return after completing the program.
A bachelor’s degree is preferred but not mandatory.

Also Check: UNITAR Youth and Women Programme 2026 in Japan

Priority Areas

The program welcomes advocates working on issues including:

Sexual and gender-based violence
Minority rights
LGBTQI+ rights
Labor rights
Indigenous peoples’ rights
Migration
Health and public health
Social exclusion
Environmental justice
Disability rights
Corporate social accountability

Additional funding opportunities are currently available for:

Advocates working on LGBTQ+, disability, or sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Latin America and Africa.
Two advocates working on human rights issues in the fisheries sector in Southeast Asia.
One advocate from Russia, Eurasia, or Eastern Europe.

Who is Not Eligible?

The following applicants are generally not considered:

Full-time students
Academics
Government officials
Applicants from high-income countries unless they represent marginalized communities

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

Completed application form
Two signed letters of recommendation in English
Institutional support letter signed by their supervisor
University diploma and/or transcript (highest degree)
Any additional supporting documents requested during the application process

Applicants whose organizations receive donor funding are encouraged to submit at least one recommendation from a donor organization.

Selection Process

Selection includes several stages:

Initial review of applications
Due diligence and background verification
Interviews with HRAP alumni from the applicant’s country or region
Final interview with ISHR’s Director of Capacity Building
Verification of recommendations and organizational partnerships

All applicants will be informed of their application status by late February 2027.

How to Apply for the Columbia University Human Rights Advocates Program?

Applicants should complete the online application before the deadline. Those who prefer not to use the online form may submit the PDF application by email. All application materials must be prepared in English, including recommendation letters and the institutional support letter.