Applications are now open for the prestigious European Parliament Sakharov Fellowship 2026. This is a fully funded fellowship opportunity designed for human rights defenders from non-EU countries. If you are passionate about advocating for human rights and want to gain practical exposure to European Union policies, this two-week intensive training program in Brussels and an EU Member State is the perfect platform for you.
About the Sakharov Fellowship
The European Parliament Sakharov Fellowship 2026 will select 14 human rights activists to participate in a comprehensive training program. The fellowship aims to empower defenders to bring positive change to their communities by connecting them with EU officials, Members of Parliament (MEPs), and the wider human rights community in Brussels.
- Program Dates: 7–20 June 2026
- Location: Brussels (Belgium) and an EU Member State
- Host Organization: European Parliament
During this fellowship, participants will attend workshops on advocacy, communication, security, misinformation, and resilience. Fellows will also learn how to effectively document human rights violations and navigate EU foreign policies. Upon completion, fellows join the Parliament’s Sakharov Community, maintaining long-term collaboration with EU Delegations in their home countries.
Financial Benefits (Fully Funded)
The European Parliament Sakharov Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded program that eliminates financial barriers for selected activists. The benefits include:
- Travel: Full coverage of return travel expenses.
- Accommodation: Provided for the entire duration of the training (June 7–20, 2026).
- Living Allowance: A daily allowance to cover living costs during the program.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for this fellowship, applicants must meet the following strict criteria:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of a non-EU country.
- Experience: Must have a proven track record of advocating for human rights, either individually or within an NGO/organization.
- Language: High proficiency in English is mandatory (training is conducted in English).
- Availability: Must be available to travel and participate in the program from June 7 to June 20, 2026.
Important Details Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Fellowship Name | European Parliament Sakharov Fellowship 2026 |
| Host | European Parliament |
| Location | Brussels & Europe |
| Dates | 7 – 20 June 2026 |
| Funding | Fully Funded (Flight, Stay, Allowance) |
| Target Audience | Human Rights Defenders (Non-EU) |
| Deadline | 15 February 2026 |
How to Apply
The application process for the European Parliament Sakharov Fellowship 2026 is entirely online. Follow these steps to ensure a successful submission:
- Access the Form: Visit the official application portal (link below).
- Personal Details: Provide contact information, residency details, and English proficiency level.
- Advocacy Experience: Describe your history and experience in defending human rights. You will need to select two specific human rights areas that describe your activities.
- Motivation: Write a compelling motivation statement explaining why you want to join this training program.
- References: Provide contact details for one professional reference.
- Documents: Upload the required documents (Passport, CV, Educational Transcripts, Experience Certificates).
- Submit: Review your answers and click ‘Submit’ before the deadline.
(Note: The deadline is strictly 15 February 2026. Late applications will not be considered.)