Refugees International Refugee Fellows Program 2026: $15,000Virtual Fellowship for Displaced Leaders
Refugees International invites applications for the Refugee Fellows Program 2026. The year-long virtual fellowship offers $15,000 funding and advocacy training for displaced leaders worldwide.
Refugees International has opened applications for its Refugee Fellows Program 2026, a year-long virtual fellowship designed to support forcibly displaced leaders engaged in advocacy work. The programme aims to strengthen fellows’ ability to influence policy, amplify refugee voices, and drive meaningful change in humanitarian and displacement-related issues.
The fellowship will begin on August 1, 2026, and run through July 30, 2027. During this period, selected fellows will collaborate closely with Refugees International staff while continuing their own advocacy initiatives. The programme combines financial support, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
Programme Overview
The Refugee Fellows Program focuses on empowering leaders with lived experience of displacement or those working directly with displaced communities. Fellows will be formally affiliated with Refugees International and supported in advancing advocacy goals through policy engagement, publications, media outreach, and participation in global forums.
Participants will also benefit from peer learning, networking, and training opportunities aimed at strengthening advocacy impact. The programme is structured to help fellows develop skills in communication, fundraising, and public engagement while expanding their professional networks.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
- A $15,000 grant paid in four quarterly installments
- One year of structured mentorship and guidance
- Comprehensive advocacy and leadership training
- Opportunities to collaborate with global policy stakeholders
- Professional networking with humanitarian leaders
- Optional mental health support services
- Participation in advocacy events and research trips
Fellows are expected to commit up to seven hours per week to programme activities while continuing their own advocacy work.
Priority Themes
The fellowship encourages applications focused on key advocacy areas, including:
- Women and girls’ protection and empowerment
- Economic inclusion and labor market access
- Resettlement and complementary pathways
- Meaningful refugee participation
- Climate displacement and adaptation
These themes reflect current priorities in refugee advocacy and humanitarian response.
Priority Countries
Although applications are open globally, priority consideration will be given to candidates working in regions including Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Uganda, and Zambia, among others.
Projects supporting Rohingya refugees and regions experiencing significant displacement challenges are also encouraged.
Key Responsibilities
During the fellowship, participants will be expected to:
- Participate in regular meetings and training sessions
- Publish at least one advocacy publication
- Engage in collaborative advocacy initiatives
- Conduct field research where feasible
- Participate in regional or global refugee-related events
- Attend an in-person retreat if possible
Fellows will also undergo mid-year performance reviews to ensure programme objectives are being met.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to applicants from all countries. However, individuals currently employed by governments, United Nations agencies, or philanthropic foundations are not eligible.
Applicants should:
- Demonstrate advocacy experience related to displacement
- Be able to commit up to seven hours weekly
- Have access to a computer and reliable internet connection
- Possess a bank account for grant payments
- Have English proficiency (preferred but not mandatory)
The programme is fully remote, making it accessible to participants worldwide.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Completed application form
- Responses to two short essay questions (400 words each)
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Three professional references
- Brief work plan for the fellowship year
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to panel interviews between late May and early July 2026.
Important Notes
Refugees International emphasizes authenticity in applications. Submissions created using AI-generated essays or work plans will be disqualified. Applicants must present their own experiences and perspectives.
Final Thoughts
The Refugee Fellows Program 2026 provides a valuable opportunity for displaced leaders to strengthen their advocacy work through mentorship, funding, and global exposure. By equipping fellows with tools and resources, Refugees International aims to amplify refugee voices and promote sustainable solutions to displacement challenges worldwide.
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