Funding

Fully Funded

Program dates

Jun 7, 2026 – Jun 20, 2026

Fellowship•Belgium · Brussels

Sakharov Fellowship for Human Rights Defenders

European Parliament

Application Deadline

Closed · February 15, 2026

Reopens ~Feb 2027

Official Page

The Sakharov Fellowship is run by the European Parliament as part of its Sakharov Prize network. Unlike the Sakharov Prize, it is not an award for achievements — it aims to develop the capacities of human rights defenders so they can advocate for and effect positive change. Each year up to 14 defenders from non-EU countries are selected for a two-week intensive training held in Brussels (Belgium) and Venice (Italy). The programme combines skills workshops with meetings inside the EU institutions and admission into a lasting network of alumni, the Sakharov Community.

Benefits & funding

  • Fully funded: return travel from the fellow’s country of residence, accommodation for the duration of the programme, and a daily living allowance.
  • Two-week intensive training (7–20 June 2026) in Brussels (Belgium) and Venice (Italy).
  • Workshops on communication, advocacy, security, disinformation, resilience, and documentation of human rights work.
  • Meetings with Members of the European Parliament and EU officials.
  • Membership of the Sakharov Community, the European Parliament’s network of human rights defenders.

Eligibility

  • Open to human rights defenders from non-EU countries (nationals of the 27 EU Member States are not eligible).
  • A proven record of campaigning for human rights — in an NGO, another organisation, or in an individual capacity.
  • A high level of English, sufficient to follow and contribute actively to the programme.
  • Selection considers gender balance and aims to represent a broad spectrum of human rights issues and geographical areas.
  • No formal degree or age requirement is stated.

Can you apply?

Open to all applicants

No nationality, residency, education, or experience limits are listed.

  • Appears to have an age limit “up to 14”

    confirm in the requirements

We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.

Application process

  1. 1
    Complete the online application form linked from the European Parliament Sakharov Fellowship page during the annual call.
  2. 2
    Submit before the deadline — midnight (CET) on 15 February 2026 for the 2026 cycle.
  3. 3
    A selection panel shortlists up to 14 fellows; unsuccessful candidates are not told the reasons.
  4. 4
    Selected fellows are notified by email, at the latest by 9 March 2026.
  5. 5
    Attend the two-week programme, 7–20 June 2026.

Program timeline

  1. Application deadline (midnight CET)

    Feb 15, 2026

  2. Selected fellows notified (at the latest)

    Mar 9, 2026

  3. Programme starts (Brussels)

    Jun 7, 2026

  4. Programme ends

    Jun 20, 2026