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Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) 2027-2028, Columbia University

Offered by Institute for the Study of Human Rights (ISHR), Columbia University.

New York Deadline: 15 Oct 2026

Type

Fellowship

Stipend

No fixed stipend. ISHR seeks funding for shortlisted advocates; in some cases shortlisted advocates may be asked to secure their own funds to attend.

Duration

Approximately one semester on campus at Columbia University: either September to mid-December 2027, or January to early May 2028 (applicant selects preferred term).

Location

New York

Where

Abroad

Experienced grassroots human rights…

About the Human Rights Advocates Program

The Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) at Columbia University's Institute for the Study of Human Rights (ISHR) is now accepting applications for its Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 cohorts. Founded in 1989, HRAP leverages the resources of Columbia University and of New York City as a hub of NGOs and international organizations to provide human rights advocates with academic, skill-building, mentoring, and networking opportunities.

Through seminars, participation in University courses, and workshops led by staff from leading human rights organizations, as well as meetings with policymakers and funders, advocates share their experiences, reflect critically on their work, and plan future campaigns. More than 350 advocates from nearly 100 countries have attended the program since its creation, and alumni now work with prominent human rights organizations, serve in national governments and at the UN, teach at universities worldwide, and remain on the frontlines of human rights.

Focus Areas

The program is designed for human rights activists working with NGOs on issues including:

• Sexual and gender-based violence
• Minority rights
• LGBTQI+ rights
• Labor rights
• Migration
• Health
• Social exclusion
• Environmental justice
• Disability rights

Who Can Apply

Participants are selected on the basis of their work experience in human rights, commitment to the field, and demonstrated ability to pursue graduate-level studies. Eligibility requirements include:

• Advocates must work at the grassroots level with an NGO.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Applicants from high-income countries will not be considered, except for those representing marginalized communities, so advocates from India and other developing countries qualify.
• Full-time students, academics, and government officials will not be considered; applicants holding full-time jobs pursuing their advocacy efforts are preferred.
• A bachelor's degree is preferred but not required.
• Preference is given to those who have not previously had opportunities to travel and study internationally.
• Advocates must provide proof of institutional endorsement (in English) from their organization and must commit to returning to that organization upon completion of the program.
• Only one application per organization may be submitted; more than one application means all applications from that organization are disqualified.

Program Timing

This application call covers two separate HRAP programs, and applicants select their preferred term. ISHR plans to offer HRAP on campus from September 2027 to mid-December 2027, and again from January 2028 to early May 2028. This timing is subject to change.

Supporting Documentation

Applicants must submit the following, all in English:

• Two signed letters of recommendation from people who can attest to the applicant's work as a human rights advocate. Unsigned letters are not accepted (electronic signatures are accepted), and recommenders must provide their contact information, ideally a work email address.
• A signed institutional letter of support from the applicant's supervisor confirming support for the HRAP application. This cannot also serve as one of the two recommendation letters, and the proof of institutional endorsement cannot be one of the recommendation letters.
• If the organization has funding from an external source, at least one letter from a donor is strongly recommended.
• A copy of the applicant's university diploma and/or transcript (the highest degree, if multiple).

Funding

ISHR welcomes applications from qualified human rights advocates from all regions of the world. After its stringent selection process, ISHR makes every effort to secure funding for shortlisted advocates to attend the program. In certain cases where ISHR cannot secure funding, shortlisted advocates may be asked to secure the funds needed for admission. Dedicated funder support enables ISHR to admit advocates working on LGBT, disability and/or SRHR rights in Latin America and/or Africa; the Packard Foundation supports two advocates working on human rights abuses in the fisheries sector in SE Asia; and the Harriman Institute at Columbia University supports one advocate from Russia, Eurasia, and Eastern Europe.

Selection Process and Notification

A stringent and thorough due diligence process is conducted to choose participants. Shortlisted applicants are asked to interview with HRAP alumni from their own countries and/or regions, and finalists interview with ISHR's Director of Capacity Building. ISHR also reaches out to recommenders and to any listed partner or donor organizations as part of the due diligence check. All applicants are notified of their status by late February 2027; the selection and funding processes are lengthy.

Applications Open 21 Jul 2026

Status Notification 28 Feb 2027

Fall 2027 Program on Campus 01 Sept 2027

Spring 2028 Program on Campus 01 Jan 2028

Contact

Institute for the Study of Human Rights (ISHR), Columbia University, HRAP admissions and technical questions ishr@columbia.edu

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