Human Rights Center Student Fellow (2026)
Position: Human Rights Center Student Fellow (2026)
Type: Competitive student fellowship (immersive fieldwork)
Location: U.S. or international placements with human rights organizations
Stipend: $8,000 (one fellowship year)
Deadline: February 17, 2026
Apply: https://humanrights.berkeley.edu/programs-and-initiatives/fellowships-program/
Overview
The Human Rights Center (HRC) at UC Berkeley invites applications for the 2026 Student Fellowship. For over 30 years the HRC has supported graduate and professional students to undertake supervised, practice‑based human rights fieldwork with nonprofit, governmental, or intergovernmental partner organizations. This fellowship provides practical experience that informs research, academic focus, and career trajectories in human rights practice.
Who is eligible
– Students enrolled at UC Berkeley (including School of Law, Journalism, School of Public Health, Goldman School of Public Policy) and partner campuses: UC Merced, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, and the Graduate Theological Union.
– Applicants should have a clearly defined proposal for fieldwork in a human‑rights related area and be able to commit to the time requirements (see below).
– Applicants must meet any additional eligibility requirements stated on the HRC application page.
Fellowship benefits
– $8,000 stipend for the fellowship period.
– Immersive fieldwork placement with a human rights organization in the U.S. or abroad.
– Cohort‑based support and access to the HRC alumni network.
– Research and skills‑building training and mentorship.
– Opportunity to present work at the HRC fellowship conference (with sponsorship support from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe).
Fellowship expectations
– Carry out clearly defined, supervised fieldwork with an approved partner organization.
– Commit at least 8 weeks full‑time (or equivalent part‑time) to placement activities.
– Produce deliverables and reports as required by the HRC and host organization.
– Participate in cohort activities, trainings and the fellowship conference.
Application materials (typical)
– Completed online application form (see link above).
– CV or résumé.
– Proposal or statement of purpose describing intended fieldwork, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
– Proof of partnership or host organization placement (where available).
– Letters of recommendation or references as requested on the application portal.
Selection criteria
– Academic and professional promise in human rights or related fields.
– Feasibility and relevance of proposed fieldwork to human rights practice or research.
– Demonstrated capacity to complete the placement and contribute to the host organization.
– Commitment to ethical, evidence‑based approaches and interdisciplinary practice.
How to apply
– Review full guidelines and application instructions at: https://humanrights.berkeley.edu/programs-and-initiatives/fellowships-program/
– Prepare required documents and submit your application before the deadline: February 17, 2026.
This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for eligible students to gain hands‑on human rights experience, build professional networks, and advance impactful work in the field.
