Accepting applications Fully Funded

OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Program 2027 in Switzerland | Fully Funded

Last updated Aug 5, 2026

Deadline

2026-09-06

Country

Switzerland

Level

fellowship

Organization

United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner

Field

Human Rights, Indigenous Rights

Funding

fully funded

Overview

The OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Program is a fully funded, four-week training program held in Geneva, Switzerland. It is specifically designed for Indigenous persons to gain knowledge about the United Nations system and its mechanisms dealing with human rights and the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Fellows will learn about these critical issues and have the opportunity to actively participate in the annual session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP), which typically occurs in June/July. This program, which began in 1997 under the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), aims to empower participants to effectively promote and protect the rights of their communities upon their return.

Coverage

This is a fully funded fellowship. Selected participants will receive a return flight ticket to Geneva, coverage for all living expenses throughout the four-week program, and basic health insurance for the entire training period.

Eligibility

This fellowship is open to Indigenous candidates. There is no specific age limit or formal education requirement. Applicants must possess a good working knowledge of one of the four program languages: English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese. Candidates are expected to be committed to educating other indigenous people in their respective communities after completing the program. The selection process prioritizes gender and regional balance, ensures a balance between represented communities, and considers the general human rights situation in the applicants' regions and countries.

Requirements

Applicants must identify as Indigenous persons and demonstrate a commitment to supporting and promoting human rights within their communities after the fellowship. Proficiency in one of the program languages (English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese) is essential. No specific academic qualifications or age restrictions are imposed.

How to apply

Students are required to apply online. The application process involves downloading the official application form, carefully filling in all the necessary information, and then sending the completed form to the specified address before the stated deadline.

Notes

The program has a duration of four weeks. It is offered in four languages: English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. The selection process includes an initial pre-selection of 15 to 20 candidates per language group, conducted by previous Indigenous fellows. Pre-selected candidates will then undergo interviews, and the final selection is reviewed by an advisory group composed of OHCHR staff.

Source & Verification

Host organization: United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner

Original source: ScholarshipsCorner

Official application page: https://www.ohchr.org/en/about-us/fellowship-programmes/indigenous-fellowship-programme/call-applications-ohchr-indigenous-fellowship-program-2024

Verify the deadline, eligibility, and document list on the official website before applying.

How to Apply

1

Read the full requirements

Visit the official application page and read all eligibility criteria carefully before investing time in the application.
2

Gather your documents

Collect transcripts, certificates, and references. Official copies may require apostille — start this process early.
3

Request recommendation letters

Contact your referees at least 4–6 weeks before the deadline. Brief them on the scholarship and your goals.
4

Write your motivation letter

Be specific about your goals, why you chose this program, and your plan to contribute to Ethiopia after completing your studies.
5

Proofread and submit early

Submit at least 3–5 days before the deadline. Technical issues are common — never submit on the last day.