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Are you ready to deepen your knowledge and strengthen your role as a Human Rights Defender?
Submit your application to join an international community of practitioners, scholars and activists committed to advancing human rights worldwide.
Venice School for Human Rights Defenders, 16-20 June, 2026
Admission information
Target audience: the Venice School is designed for human rights activists worldwide as well as students, PhD candidates, researchers, social workers, journalists, legal experts and IGOs and NGOs officials who aspire to become effective agents for change in their communities while advocating the rights of all individuals.
Class size: limited to 30 participants to foster peer networking and maximise opportunities for direct interaction and personalised feedback from the experts.
Visa: for those who require visa to travel to Italy, kindly be advised that visa application is a lengthy and complex process. Please inform yourself about the timing and necessary steps in advance. For more information, visit: https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home.aspx
Language: the School is fully taught in English.
How to apply
Self-funded applicants
Deadline: 15 April 2026
Entry requirements:
- Commitment to human rights advocacy
- Fluency in written and spoken English
Evaluation: on a rolling basis. Eligible candidates will be notified by email with an acceptance letter, including instructions for fee payment.
Fees: € 1,500 (VAT included) that includes:
- Tuition fee
- Welcome aperitif
- Lunches and coffee breaks on class days
- Reading material and access to the School’s online learning platform
- Certificate of attendance upon completion of the programme
10% discount for GC alumni
All expenses related to transportation, accommodation and subsistence and any additional cost not listed above must be arranged and covered by the participant.
Tuition waiver applicants
Deadline: 28 February 2026
Entry requirements:
- Young human rights defenders aged 18-25 (born between 2001 and 2008)
- Commitment to human rights advocacy
- Fluency in written and spoken English
Evaluation: after the deadline. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 10-minute online interview.
Type of economic support: waiving of the fee of € 1,500 (subject to external funding approval). All expenses related to transportation, accommodation and subsistence and any additional cost not listed above must be arranged and covered by the participant.