Columbia University Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) 2027–2028: Apply Now for New York Fellowship

Applications are officially open for the Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) hosted by the Institute for the Study of Human Rights (ISHR) at Columbia University, New York. This prestigious fellowship combines Ivy League coursework, leadership training, and high-level networking with global NGOs, UN officials, and international donors.

Key Highlights & Funding

• $0 Application Fee: Submitting your application is 100% free—zero registration or submission charges.
• Fully Funded Opportunity: ISHR works directly to secure funding for admitted fellows, covering full tuition, housing in NYC, travel to/from New York, health insurance, and a stipend for living expenses.
• Note: In rare instances where external donor funding is unavailable, shortlisted candidates may be given the option to self-fund or seek institutional support.

Eligibility Criteria

• Grassroots Advocacy Experience: Must be an active practitioner working with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on human rights issues (e.g., gender equality, LGBTQI+ rights, labor rights, environmental justice, indigenous rights, migration, disability rights).
• Ineligibility: Full-time students, academics, and government officials are not eligible.
• Institutional Endorsement: You must submit an endorsement letter in English from your current NGO confirming that you will return to your organization after finishing the program.
• Language Skill: High proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory.
• Education: A bachelor’s degree is preferred, but substantial field experience is given priority.

International & Regional Eligibility

• Indian Applicants: Fully eligible. Candidates working with grassroots organizations in India meet the target regional criteria.
• Global International Applicants: Open to activists from all developing countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.
• NGO Requirement: Applicants must be currently employed full-time by a grassroots non-governmental organization (NGO) in their home country. Full-time students, academics, and government officials are not eligible.
• Endorsement: Candidates must submit an official support letter from their NGO confirming they will return to their work after completing the program.

Deadlines & Terms

This single application cycle covers two separate program cohorts at Columbia University:

• Fall 2027 Term: September 2027 – mid-December 2027
• Spring 2028 Term: January 2028 – early May 2028

Application Deadline: October 15, 2026 (at 11:59 PM US Eastern Time).