The European Parliament Sakharov Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications. This fully funded two week training program in Brussels, Belgium for candidates from non-European countries. The fellowship covers return flights, housing and meals with no application fee. It aims to strengthen the skills of human rights defenders by giving training on EU and world human rights systems, policies and tools. Fellows also get networking chances with EU officials and the Sakharov Community. Up to 14 candidates will be picked for the 2026 program. More details are given below.
European Parliament Sakharov Fellowship Summary
| Country | Belgium |
| Location | Brussels European Parliament |
| Duration | 2 weeks (in person) |
| Coverage | Fully Funded |
| Eligible For | Human rights defenders from outside Europe |
| Deadline | 15 February 2026 |
About the Sakharov Fellowship
The Sakharov Fellowship is named after Andrei Sakharov a famous human rights fighter. The European Parliament runs it to help activists from other countries. You learn how EU works on rights and get practical training. You meet MEPs officials and other defenders. The goal is to make you stronger in advocacy and bring new ideas home. It is a short but strong program with talks, workshops and visits.
Fellowship Benefits
You pay nothing for the program.
- Return airfare to Brussels.
- Free accommodation during the two weeks.
- Daily allowance for food and small needs.
- Training on human rights laws and tools.
- Meet people from EU and Sakharov network.
- Chance to share your work and learn from others.
See Also: INSAIT Summer Research Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)
Eligibility Criteria
- You must come from a non-European country.
- You need strong experience in human rights work like NGO campaigns or personal advocacy.
- You should speak English well because all training is in English.
- You must fit the European Parliament’s current rights priorities.
- You should want to use the skills to help others in your country.
Program Goals
Basically, it’s here to help people who are fighting for human rights get stronger and more effective. Here’s what it aims to do:
- Build your skills: To help you get better at leading and speaking up for what’s right.
- Understand institutions: To show you the inside track on how the European Parliament works to protect human rights globally.
- Learn the law: To teach you how the European Union (EU) and other international human rights laws and systems actually work.
- Share Knowledge: To prepare you to go back home and teach others, strengthening your whole community.
- Make connections: To introduce you to important people at the EU and within a special network called the Sakharov Community, so you can team up in the future.
In short, it’s a training and networking program to empower human rights defenders with knowledge, skills, and important contacts.
See Also: (KAUST) King Abdullah University Fellowship 2026
Required Documents
- An online form.
- CV with your human rights work
- Motivation letter
- Examples of your campaigns or projects.
- Reference letter (if asked)
Fellowship Dates / Deadline
Applications are open now. Deadline is 15 February 2026. Program happens in 2026 (exact dates on site). Apply soon.
How to Apply For European Parliament Sakharov Fellowship
The process is online.
- Go to the official website.
- Fill the application form.
- Upload your documents.
- Submit by deadline.
- They read all and pick the best.
- If you win they tell you and help with travel.
