Short ProgrammeUnited StatesPartial Funding
American University Human Rights Essay Award 2027 in the USA (Full Tuition Scholarship)
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Prepare your documents and apply before the deadline.
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Program Overview
The Human Rights Essay Award is an annual legal writing competition run by the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at American University Washington College of Law. Two winners are chosen: one for the best article in English and one for the best in Spanish. Each receives a full tuition scholarship to the Program of Advanced Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, for the Diploma or the Certificate of Attendance option. Travel, housing and living costs are not included. The best articles may also be published in the American University International Law Review.
Entrants must already hold a law degree. The 2027 call is open. The topic is Democracy, Human Rights and Participation, and essays that do not fit the topic are disqualified. Submissions close on 3 February 2027 and winners are announced on 1 April 2027.
The essay can be up to 35 pages including footnotes, and you also send a CV of up to three pages. This page was last checked against the Academy website on 7 October 2026.
Key Information
Host Country
United States
Funding Type
Partial
English Requirement
Varies — check program requirements
Eligible Nations
All nationalities (law degree holders)
Category
Partial Funding
Applications Open
Open now
Status
Accepting Applications
Scholarship Benefits
Full tuition scholarship to the Program of Advanced Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
Valid for the Diploma or the Certificate of Attendance option, for up to four courses, including application and administrative fees
Six awards in total: the best essay and two honourable mentions in English, and the same in Spanish. The tuition scholarship goes to the two best essays
The winning essays and honourable mentions may be published in the American University International Law Review
Travel, housing and living expenses are not included
Eligibility Criteria
- You must already hold a law degree (J.D., LL.B. or equivalent)
- Demonstrated experience or interest in international human rights law
- Your essay must fit the 2027 topic, Democracy, Human Rights and Participation, or it is disqualified
- One essay per person, in English or Spanish. Essays written by two or more people are not accepted
- Past winners cannot enter again
Guides for this scholarship
How Applications Are Evaluated
Each scholarship provider uses its own selection criteria. Applicants should review the official scholarship guidelines for the specific criteria used to evaluate applications.
Required Documents
One unpublished legal essay in English or Spanish, written by you alone, on the 2027 topic
Length: no more than 35 pages including footnotes. Longer essays are disqualified
Format: Word file, letter-size paper, 1-inch margins, Times New Roman 12-point double-spaced text and 10-point single-spaced footnotes
Citations in Bluebook style, with full footnotes. Do not add a bibliography or any other attachment
No name or identifying information anywhere in the essay
CV or resume of no more than three pages, as a separate file, explaining your experience or interest in human rights
The online submission form, followed by an email with no attachment telling the Academy that you have submitted
How to Apply
1
Read the 2027 topic and the official rules on the Academy page
2
Write a legal article of up to 35 pages that connects democracy, human rights and participation
3
Format it exactly as the rules say. Essays that break the format rules lose 5 points
4
Submit the essay and your CV through the online form by 3 February 2027
5
Send the Academy an email with no attachment to say you have submitted
6
The Academy confirms receipt by email. If you hear nothing within five business days, contact it
7
Winners are announced on 1 April 2027
Ready to Submit?
Ensure you have reviewed all requirements and gathered your documents before starting the application.
Official Application WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
It varies by program and by your previous education. Some providers accept other English tests, and some waive the test if your earlier degree was taught in English. Check the official program requirements before you apply.
The official deadline is 2/4/2027. We highly recommend submitting your application at least a week prior to avoid server congestion.
Most universities allow you to apply with a "Hope Certificate" or provisional transcript if you are in your final semester, provided you graduate before the intake starts.
This varies by university. Many fully funded scholarships cover or waive application fees, but some may still require an initial processing fee. Refer to the official guidelines.
For PhD and some Master's programs, securing an acceptance letter from a professor is often mandatory. For undergraduate programs, it is usually not required.
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