Tag Archives: USA

AUSMP — AUGUSTINE UDEFA SCHOLARSHIP MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Application Deadline: 31 August 2026

LOCATION: USA

The AUSMP is a program administered by the Augustine Udefa Foundation in which applicants with excellent grades, but lacking funding, are mentored and prepared for the award of fully funded scholarships to pursue graduate studies in the United States (U.S.). Accepted applicants are expected to demonstrate enthusiasm to pursue graduate study and devote their time to the mentorship and preparations for the award of the scholarships.

ELIGIBILITY:

The AUSMP is open to applicants from Africa who can demonstrate that they meet the eligibility criteria and lack funding to pursue graduate studies in the U.S.

You are an individual of African descent.

You have a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.00 on a 5.00 scale or 3.00 on a 4.00 scale at both bachelor’s (and master’s, if applicable) levels.

You must demonstrate lack of funding to pursue graduate studies in the U.S.

Application requirements:

Personal statement

Unofficial academic transcript(s)

Cover letter

Curriculum vitae

Three letters of recommendation from academic referees

IELTS or TOEFL scores (if available)

GRE scores (if available)

Prior to submitting their applications, applicants should appraise themselves of the institution they wish to attend in the U.S. and the programs they wish to pursue in those institutions. Applicants should have all the requirements of their proposed institutions before applying for the AUSMP. 

Application deadline: 31 August 2026. New Deadline

NOTE: The deadline for the AUSMP has been extended to accommodate applicants who are interested but were unable to apply before the initial deadline due to some restrictions previously imposed on applicants from some countries in Africa.

Mentorship & preparation: April 15 – October 30

Scholarship start date: Fall or Spring semester (depends on award)

BENEFIT:

The award of fully funded scholarships is available to candidates who demonstrate that they meet the eligibility criteria.

APPLY

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY FALL 2027 AND SPRING 2028 HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATES PROGRAMS (HRAP)

Application Deadline: October 15, 2026, at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.

LOCATION: USA

The Human Rights Advocates Program (HRAP) is now accepting applications to the Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 programs. HRAP leverages the resources of Columbia University and those offered by NYC as a hub of NGOs and international organizations to provide human rights advocates with academic, skill-building, mentoring, and networking opportunities. 

ELIGIBILITY:

The program is designed for human rights activists working with NGOs on issues including sexual and gender-based violence, minority rights, LGBTQI+ rights, labor rights, indigenous peoples’ rights, migration, health, social exclusion, environmental justice, disability rights, and corporate social accountability.

Participants are selected on the basis of their work experience in human rights, commitment to the human rights field, and demonstrated ability to pursue graduate-level studies. Full-time students, academics, or government officials will not be considered. Applicants holding full-time jobs pursuing their advocacy efforts are preferred.

Advocates must work at the grassroots level. Applicants from high-income countries will not be considered except for those representing marginalized communities. (See the Frequently Asked Questions for more information about this requirement). Fluency in English is required. Preference is given to those who have not previously had opportunities to travel and study internationally. A bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required.

Advocates must provide proof of institutional endorsement in English from their organizations for their participation in the Program and must commit to returning to that organization upon completion of the Program. 

They cannot definitively assess your eligibility without reviewing your completed application. If you consider yourself eligible, please apply and demonstrate your eligibility in your answers to application questions.

BENEFIT:

Only a very limited number of full scholarships will be awarded. Other admitted applicants will be asked to cover expenses such as living expenses and a stipend.

APPLY