African Human Rights Fellowships: The Commonwealth Commission/Chevening Scholarship is currently calling for applications for 5 scholarships from African Human Rights Advocates to study at the University of Oxford.

The course of study is taught over 22 months and consists of two residential sessions in Oxford and two periods of distance learning.

The scholarships are funded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and the Foreign Office’s Chevening Scholarship Fund and are intended for human rights advocates from African Commonwealth countries who would be unable, without assistance, to take up their place on this course.

Subject to satisfactory progress, the scholarships lead to the award of a Master of Studies (MSt) in International Human Rights Law.

Each scholarship provides course and college fees at the University of Oxford over two years, a stipend to cover living costs and return air travel from the scholar’s home country for each residential session.

Fellowship Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Display intellectual ability and leadership potential;
• Have an adequate standard of English, as defined and required by the University for studies at which the awards are given;
• Be citizens of a developing African Commonwealth country and resident/working in a developing African Commonwealth country when the award is taken up and for its duration (this does not have to be the applicant’s home country).

And will normally:

• Already hold a law degree to a high standard. The degree must be at a level at least equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in Law awarded in the UK. Applications from those with extensive human-rights related experience, but without a law degree, will also be considered.
• Have work experience in a related field/s;
• Not already have received or be currently receiving financial benefit from a previous British Government funded scholarship or a previous Commonwealth Commission funded scholarship.

A preference will be given to applicants who have not previously studied outside of their home country.

Please note: Applications from candidates living and working in Zimbabwe cannot be accepted although Zimbabwean citizens who are living/working in another Commonwealth Southern African country and who have refugee status may apply.

Before making an application, please check that you meet both the eligibility requirements for the scholarship.

Deadline for applications: March 30.

For more scholarship information and application: African Human Rights Fellowships