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The OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme 2027 is fully funded. It covers your return flight to Geneva, your living costs, and basic health insurance for four weeks of training.
It is run by the UN Human Rights Office. It is only for Indigenous persons, and you need a nomination letter from your Indigenous community or organization.
Quick overview
| Host country | Switzerland (Geneva) |
| Provider | UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) |
| Type | Fellowship, a four week training programme |
| When | Four weeks in 2027, around June and July |
| Funding | Return flight, living expenses, basic health insurance |
| Who can apply | Indigenous persons, nominated by their community or organization |
| Languages | English, Spanish, French, Portuguese |
| Deadline | 13 September 2026, 23:59 Geneva time |
What is the OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship?
It is a four week training in Geneva for Indigenous people who work on the rights of their communities. You learn how the United Nations human rights system works, and how to use it for your people back home. Fellows from all four language groups train together, with interpreters in the room.
The training lines up with the yearly meeting of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, so you see the system in action, not just in a classroom.
What you get
- A return flight to Geneva.
- Living expenses for the four weeks, so you can cover your stay.
- Basic health insurance for the training period.
- Four weeks of real training inside the UN human rights system.
There is no tuition and no application fee. What you bring home is the knowledge and the network.
Who can apply
- You must be an Indigenous person. The programme is clear that non-Indigenous applicants will not be considered.
- Your Indigenous community or organization must nominate you and back your application with a letter.
- You need a working knowledge of one of the four languages: English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese.
- You must be ready to train others in your community after you return. That is the whole point.
There is no age limit, and no degree requirement. Women, LGBTQI+ people, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Questions people actually ask
Do I have to be Indigenous?
Yes. This one is only for Indigenous persons. If you are not Indigenous, this is not your fellowship, and that is fine. See the note near the end for other UN options open to more people.
Do I really need a nomination letter?
Yes, and this is the part people miss. Your Indigenous organization or community has to support your application in writing. Start that conversation now, because with this deadline you do not have days to spare.
Is there an age limit?
No. There is no age or education barrier. What matters is that you are Indigenous, you can work in one of the four languages, and your community stands behind you.
Is it really free?
Yes. Flight, living costs, and basic health insurance are covered for the training. You are not asked for tuition or a fee.
The deadline is close, read this
Applications close on 13 September 2026 at 23:59 Geneva time. That is only a few days away. You also need the nomination letter ready to upload. If you cannot get the letter and the form done in time, do not rush a weak application. Note the programme, follow it, and be ready when the 2028 round opens.
Documents you need
- The online application form, filled in.
- A recommendation letter from the Indigenous organization or community that nominates you.
How to apply, step by step
- Confirm you are eligible: Indigenous, working in one of the four languages, backed by your community.
- Ask your Indigenous organization or community for a signed nomination letter today.
- Open the official OHCHR call page and go to the online form.
- Fill the form and upload your nomination letter.
- Submit before 13 September 2026, 23:59 Geneva time.
Not Indigenous? Other UN routes
The UN Human Rights Office runs other fellowships through the year, including ones for people of African descent and for minorities. They open at different times, so check the OHCHR fellowships page and follow it for the next call.
Have a question about your own case? Drop it in the comments and we will try to help.
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