Deadline: 1 April 2025
The Oxford International Human Rights Law Summer School 2025 is a prestigious residential programme designed for professionals and students seeking to deepen their knowledge of international human rights law. The program is highly competitive and includes intensive coursework taught by leading faculty members.
Host Institution: University of Oxford (Bonavero Institute for Human Rights)
Partner Institution: George Washington University Law School
Location: New College, University of Oxford
Duration: 26 days (6 – 31 July 2025)
Application Deadline: 1 April 2025 (Rolling admissions until places are filled)
Scholarships Available: Three (£6,500 each)
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to:
✔ Human rights professionals (NGO workers, government officials, intergovernmental organization members)
✔ Legal practitioners (lawyers, judges, armed forces members, policymakers)
✔ Students who:
- Hold an undergraduate degree (law or any field)
- Have completed at least two years of an undergraduate law degree
- Have completed at least one year of a graduate law degree
✔ Applicants from all nationalities (scholarships prioritized for low-income and lower-middle-income countries)
Program Structure
- Introductory course: Fundamentals of international human rights law
- Advanced course: Human rights lawyering
- Elective courses: Contemporary human rights issues
- Taught by internationally recognized faculty
Fees & Scholarships
- Total cost: £9,500 (includes tuition, ensuite accommodation, and meals). 3 scholarships of £6,500 each (priority for applicants from low-income countries)
English Language Requirements
If English is not your first language, you must provide proof of proficiency through one of the following:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 7.0 (min 6.5 in each component)
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 100 (min 22 in Listening, 24 in Reading, 25 in Speaking, 24 in Writing)
- Cambridge C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency: Overall 185 (min 176 in each component)
- Oxford Test of English Advanced: Overall 155 (min 145 in each component)
Exemptions:
✔ If you have completed a full-time degree-level course (9+ months) in English
✔ If you have several years of professional experience using English as the main working language
How to Apply?
- North American applicants: Apply via George Washington University Law School
- All other applicants: Apply via the University of Oxford
- Submit the following:
Personal Statement (500 words)
Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Résumé
English Language Certificate (or waiver request) - Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with decisions made within 2-3 weeks.
Final Notes
This summer school is an exceptional opportunity to enhance legal expertise, build professional networks, and engage with leading human rights experts. If you are a human rights advocate or legal professional looking to advance your career, apply early to secure a place. For more details, visit the official programme’s website
