European Parliament Sakharov Fellowship 2026 for International Students
Applications are now open for the European Parliament Sakharov Fellowship 2026 in Belgium. The program welcomes international applicants, with the Sakharov Fellowship serving as a fully funded two-week training initiative specifically designed for candidates from non-EU countries.
The European Parliament Sakharov Fellowship provides up to 14 human rights defenders from non-EU countries with the chance to participate in a two-week intensive training program held in Brussels and at one other EU member state location. Launched annually since 2016, this initiative originated from a proposal by the Sakharov Prize Community during the 25th Anniversary Conference of the Sakharov Prize. Unlike the Sakharov Prize itself, which recognizes outstanding human rights achievements, the Sakharov Fellowship is a capacity-building program focused on equipping human rights defenders with the tools and knowledge needed to advocate for and drive meaningful human rights progress.
The 2026 edition of the Sakharov Fellowship will take place in person, primarily at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. The program fully covers all expenses including round-trip airfare, accommodation, meals, and other related costs with no application fee required. Its core aim is to bolster the global promotion of human rights by delivering in-depth training on EU and international human rights mechanisms, policies, institutions, and practical strategies. Up to 14 participants will be selected for the 2026 cohort. You may also consider applying for the King Salman International Scholarship 2026, which offers an award of $133,000.
European Parliament Sakharov Fellowship 2026 Details
| Offered by: | European Parliament |
| Duration: | 2 Weeks |
| Scholarship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | Belgium |
| Last date: | 15 February 2026 |
Financial Benefits
European Parliament Sakharov Fellowship 2026 in Belgium will cover the following:
- Return Airfare Tickets
- Free Housing
- Daily Living Allowance
Eligibility Criteria
In order to qualify for this fully funded forum, you need to:
- Non-Europeans are eligible for the fellowship.
- Whether working for an NGO, another organization, or on their own, candidates must have a solid history of advocating for human rights.
- To actively engage in and contribute to the program, a high level of English is necessary.
- Candidates are selected based on the current political agenda of the European Parliament.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the Sakharov Fellowship Program 2026 in Belgium for international students is 15th February 2026.
How to Apply for the Sakharov Fellowship Program?
Candidates must apply online for this fully funded fellowship.
