Study in USA | Harvard Law School Henigson Fellowship at
A transformative opportunity now awaits emerging human rights advocates who are ready to translate legal theory into tangible global impact. The prestigious Henigson Human Rights Fellowships for 2026, administered by the Harvard Law School Human Rights Program (HRP), are officially open for applications. This competitive program targets dedicated law graduates who possess a profound commitment to advancing international human rights within developing nations through direct, frontline engagement.
This fellowship stands apart as a definitive career-launching platform, not merely an academic accolade. It strategically bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world advocacy. By providing a substantial stipend, facilitating placements with global NGOs, and granting access to Harvard’s influential human rights network, the Henigson Fellowship empowers passionate individuals to convert their dedication into sustained, meaningful change.
Fellowship Benefits and Professional Pathway
Securing a Henigson Human Rights Fellowship unlocks a powerful postgraduate year dedicated to hands-on justice work. Fellows immerse themselves for ten to twelve months within human rights organizations across low and middle-income countries. Consequently, they contribute directly to urgent legal and advocacy initiatives on pressing global issues.
The comprehensive support package includes:
- A robust stipend totaling $27,000 for living expenses and project support.
- A $1,500 contribution toward mandatory international health insurance.
- Need-blind funding, meaning financial background does not affect selection.
- The opportunity to supplement the award with additional grants up to $18,000.
- A curated placement with impactful NGOs working on fronts like refugee rights, gender equality, labor justice, strategic litigation, and grassroots mobilization.
Ultimately, this structure provides Harvard Law graduates with invaluable professional experience, expert mentorship, and a tangible contribution to their field, thereby solidifying their trajectory in global human rights.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship maintains specific eligibility requirements to identify candidates with aligned experience and dedication. This opportunity is exclusively available to Harvard Law School graduates who demonstrate a verified commitment to international human rights practice.
Ideal candidates typically include:
- Juris Doctor (JD) or Master of Laws (LLM) graduates from Harvard Law School only.
- Current third-year JD and LLM students who will graduate in May 2026.
- Then, recent alumni who are currently engaged in judicial clerkships or full-time public interest work.
- Individuals who actively participated in human rights or public interest activities during their time at HLS.
- Importantly, preference is given to applicants who have not previously received post-graduate fellowship funding from Harvard Law School.
- Also, all proposed projects must operate within a low or middle-income developing country.
- Furthermore, the sponsoring host organization must be a human rights-focused NGO, not an academic or research institution.
How to Apply
If you are a Harvard Law graduate driven to pursue justice on a global scale, this fellowship represents your next essential step. For complete application guidelines and further details, visit the Harvard Law School Human Rights Program fellowship page.
Application Process and Critical Deadlines
The application procedure follows a deliberate two-stage timeline. Prospective fellows must initiate contact with the Human Rights Program well before the final submission date.
First, candidates must email Abadir Ibrahim by March 2, 2026, to discuss their proposal and secure approval for their chosen host organization. Following this vital step, the final, complete application must be submitted through the official channel by March 16, 2026.
Seize this chance to build your professional legacy, gain unparalleled experience, and contribute to human rights progress where it is needed most.
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