Applications are now open for the UN OHCHR Fellowship Program 2026. This is a fully funded four-week program that will be held in Geneva, Switzerland, in June or July 2026. The fellowship program is a brilliant opportunity for Indigenous people who are deeply committed to human rights and who are interested in knowing the working of the UN system, primarily in the areas relating to Indigenous issues.
The fellowship was founded in 1997 to provide a mechanism for Indigenous peoples to gain skills and knowledge in order to more effectively support their communities and organizations.
The program also pays for the airfare, accommodation, and health insurance in addition to the training. During the program, fellows will receive the most efficient methods of participating in UN human rights mechanisms and also the opportunity to communicate with such bodies as the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) directly.
The new participants are decided by the fair regional and gender representation of past fellows, who have the right to vote. Based on the language track, the partner universities such as the University of Brasilia, the University of Deusto, and the People’s Friendship University of Russia, may also be involved in the selection process.
If you are an advocate for Indigenous rights, an activist, or a leader of your community, and you want to learn from the inside how the international systems of human rights work, this is an exceptional opportunity to extend your knowledge, develop your network, and increase your impact.
Are you ready to apply for the fully funded UN OHCHR Fellowship Program 2026 in Switzerland? Follow the steps below. 👇
Also Check: Commonwealth Professional Fellowships 2026 in UK
Table of Contents
Host Country:
- Switzerland
Financed By:
- Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN OHCHR)
Fellowship Duration:
- 4 Weeks
Eligible Programs:
- All academic disciplines (except for medical degrees)
Proram Languages:
The program is conducted in these languages:
- English
- Spanish
- French
- Portuguese
Benefits of the UN OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Program:
- Return flight ticket provided
- Living expenses covered
- Basic health insurance included
- Learn from experienced professionals
- Network with people from around the world
- Spend time in Europe
Also Check: Digital Humanism Fellowship in Austria 2025–26
Eligibility Criteria of UN OHCHR Fellowship Program in Switzerland:
- Must be an Indigenous person
- All education levels are welcome
- No age limit
- Upon completion, participants must share their knowledge by training members of their community
- Applicants must be nominated and supported by an Indigenous organization or community
- The supporting organization should have a strong and representative membership
- Must speak the language used in the training
- Indigenous women, members of the LGBTQI+ community, and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to submit their applications
Also Check: ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship | Fully Funded Fellowship in Switzerland
Required Documents for UN OHCHR Fellowship Program 2026:
- A valid passport or travel ID document must be submitted
- Your updated CV
- A letter of recommendation must be submitted from your Indigenous community or organization
Also Check: Fully Funded UN Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2026
How to Apply for the Indigenous Fellowship Program 2026?
- The application process is online
- Fill out both parts of the application form
- Complete all required fields
- Upload all necessary documents
- Submit a recommendation letter provided by your Indigenous community or organization
- Make sure everything is submitted before the deadline
- Incomplete applications won’t be considered
Also Check: KAUST Global Fellowship 2026
Deadline for UN OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Program 2026:
- September 15, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for the UN OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship 2026?
Indigenous people from any country, with no age limit, supported by an Indigenous organization. Applicants must speak the program language and commit to sharing their knowledge with their communities.
What does the UN OHCHR Indigenous fellowship Program cover?
The program is fully funded, covering airfare, living expenses, basic health insurance, and training in Geneva. Fellows also gain networking opportunities and practical skills to engage in UN human rights mechanisms.
How long is the fellowship and when will it be held?
The fellowship lasts four weeks and will take place in June or July 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland, depending on the program language track.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply for the UN OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Program 2026 is September 15, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
