Below is a list of fellowships and prizes for human rights undergraduates and recent graduates, available through the Undergraduate Human Rights Program, Columbia University, and other institutions. Students are also encouraged to do their own research into fellowship opportunities to support their study and work in the field of human rights.
Internship Stipend
The Undergraduate Human Rights Program provides support to select undergraduate students to undertake an unpaid internship that is related to the field of human rights. All active CC and GS human rights majors and concentrators in the semester of their internship (and in the case of summer internships, students returning in the fall after the internship) are eligible to apply. The internship may be in the United States or abroad. You may visit our internship database to familiarize yourself with internships our students have completed in the past, along with their feedback. To apply, students may complete the Undergraduate Internship application, and contact uhrp@columbia.edu with any questions. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, contingent on the availability of funding, with a priority deadline one month prior to the semester the internship will take place.
Research Stipend
The research stipend is intended to offset the costs associated with human rights research undertaken by Columbia College and General Studies human rights majors or concentrators. Students must be in good academic standing and must comply with all university academic integrity and responsible conduct of research policies, including Institutional Review Board approval (if applicable). To apply, please submit this application form and supporting materials to uhrp@columbia.edu with the subject line “UHRP research stipend.” Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
In addition to the UHRP research stipend, Columbia College and the School of General Studies offer research funding to students, working on their senior thesis. For more information on how to apply and relevant deadlines, please visit the Columbia College and General Studies thesis funding pages.
Human Rights Research Award
The ISHR Human Rights Research Fellowship provides students with an opportunity to gain valuable research experience, while supporting the work of Columbia faculty conducting human rights-related research. Students who receive the Fellowship are expected to complete approximately 80-120 hours of research assistance during the academic year. The research opportunities selected for each academic year are circulated to students in the Fall semester. ISHR will award one stipend per research opportunity in the amount of $1,500. Priority will be given to HRSMA and UHRP students.
Conference Stipend
Human rights majors and concentrators in Columbia College and the School of General Studies who are invited to present a paper at a conference related to their academic work in human rights may be eligible to receive a reimbursement of up to $500 for conference expenses - such as registration fees, transportation, or accommodation. To apply, students should send this application form and supporting documentation to uhrp@columbia.edu with the subject line “UHRP conference stipend.” Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Myra Kraft Human Rights Awards
The Myra Kraft Awards honor the memory of Myra Kraft, beloved wife of Columbia College trustee Robert Kraft. Myra Kraft devoted her professional career to philanthropic pursuits, touching lives across the world, from Boston to small towns in northern Russia to Israel to South America and beyond. Two prizes are given annually for Academic Achievement and Exceptional Practical Experience in Human Rights Advocacy. Click here to see past winners and learn how to apply.
Miller Human Rights Awards
The Miller Human Rights Award will support graduate and undergraduate human rights students who seek to deepen their experience through study abroad or volunteer work. The placement should provide substantive and thoughtful engagement, through a human rights lens, with communities experiencing socio-economic inequities, forms of discrimination, or other types of institutional or societal marginalization. Applicants with placements in the Global South are especially encouraged to apply, although the nature of the work and its potential for addressing a significant need in a marginalized community is prioritized over a specific location/country. The Miller Award will support up to two undergraduate students per academic year. Click here to see pas winners and learn how to apply.
Alternative Spring Break Program Support
UHRP students can apply for funding from ISHR to participate in human rights-related projects as part of Columbia College's Alternative Break Program. Past trips involved working on gender equality in Ecuador, indigenous rights in southern Louisiana, and children's rights in West Bengal, India.
Human Rights Essay Contest
The aim of this contest is to encourage and acknowledge students who have written exceptional papers that address issues related to human rights in their academic work. Two cash prizes will be awarded to undergraduates. All Columbia University students are eligible and encouraged to participate. Students submitting papers need not be human rights concentrators. Read more about the contest and prizes here.
Additional Fellowships & Prizes
Columbia offers a number of fellowships that are relevant to human rights majors and concentrators, including public service, research, and travel grants. Prizes are also awarded each year for outstanding academic achievements and leadership in extracurricular activities. Information about fellowships can be found on the Columbia College and General Studies fellowship pages.
