Embarking on a journey to study human rights at a world-class institution is a profound calling. For many aspiring change-makers, the CAHR University of York Scholarships and Fellowships 2025 represent a golden gateway to achieving this dream. The Centre for Applied Human Rights (CAHR) is not just a department; it’s a vibrant hub where academia meets activism, and you are likely here because you envision yourself within its storied halls. However, navigating the world of funding can be daunting. This guide is designed to cut through the complexity, offering a clear, encouraging, and actionable roadmap to the incredible opportunities available at York for the 2025 academic year.
In my experience advising students, the key to a successful application is understanding that York offers several distinct opportunities, each tailored to a specific type of applicant. It’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Whether you are an international student dreaming of a fully funded Master of Laws (LLM), a UK student seeking support for your Master of Arts (MA), or a frontline activist in need of respite, there is a specific pathway for you.
CAHR University of York Scholarships and Fellowships 2025
| Opportunity | Ideal Candidate | Key Benefit | Application Deadline |
| Sam Pegram Scholarship | International Student (for LLM) | Fully Funded (Tuition, Stipend, Travel) | May 31, 2025 |
| CAHR MA Scholarship | UK (Home) Student (for MA) | £7,300 Tuition Fee Reduction | August 15, 2025 |
| Protective Fellowship Scheme | Human Rights Defender at Risk | Respite & Professional Development | Nomination Required (Not a direct application) |
The path to studying at the Centre for Applied Human Rights is paved with incredible opportunities, but success requires diligence and a clear understanding of which path is yours to take. Whether you are drafting your application for the fully funded Sam Pegram Scholarship, applying for the UK-focused MA award, or exploring the possibility of a Protective Fellowship, your journey as a human rights leader is already beginning.
Use this guide as your starting point. Explore the links, mark the deadlines in your calendar, and begin crafting an application that reflects your unique passion and commitment. The world needs more dedicated human rights professionals, and York might just be the perfect place for you to become one.
The Crown Jewel: The Fully Funded Sam Pegram Scholarship for International Students (LLM)
For international students with a passion for human rights law, the Sam Pegram Scholarship is, without exaggeration, one of the most comprehensive and supportive awards available in the UK. This isn’t just a partial tuition waiver; it is a fully-funded opportunity designed to remove every financial barrier, allowing you to focus entirely on your studies and mission.
The scholarship provides one international student with full funding to pursue the LLM in International Human Rights Law and Practice. Established in memory of Sam Pegram, a humanitarian and alumnus of the program, the award embodies his spirit of compassion and dedication to social justice.
What Does “Fully Funded” Actually Mean?
The term gets used a lot, but here, it truly means everything. The successful scholar will receive:
- A full tuition fee waiver for the entire program.
- University accommodation in one of York’s postgraduate halls of residence.
- Complete coverage of visa and travel costs to and from the UK.
- A monthly living stipend to cover your day-to-day expenses for one year.
- Funding for an overseas fieldwork placement, typically in South Africa, as part of the Human Rights Placement module.
This comprehensive support makes it a beacon for aspiring human rights lawyers who require significant financial backing.
Are You the Right Candidate?
This scholarship is highly competitive and seeks a very specific profile. The selection committee looks for candidates who:
- Hold an offer to study the full-time LLM in International Human Rights Law and Practice at the University of York.
- Can demonstrate a clear need for financial assistance to be able to take up the course.
- Show a deep-seated passion for human rights, evidenced through past studies, professional work, or volunteer activities.
- Have a specific and demonstrable interest in issues of migration and a desire to build a career supporting people on the move.
How to Craft a Winning Application
- Secure Your LLM Offer First: Your scholarship application will not be considered unless you have already applied for and received an offer for the LLM program. This should be your first priority.
- Highlight Your “Why”: Your personal statement is crucial. Connect your personal story and experiences to the scholarship’s focus on migration and humanitarianism. Why this issue? What have you done, and what do you plan to do?
- Demonstrate Financial Need Clearly: Be transparent and clear about your financial situation. This is a key criterion for the scholarship.
- Meet the Deadline: The application deadline is Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM BST. Late applications are not accepted. You can apply online via the official scholarship page.
A Helping Hand for Home Students: The CAHR MA Scholarship
If you are a UK-based student who has accepted a place on the prestigious MA in Applied Human Rights, CAHR offers dedicated support to help ease the financial burden. While not a full-ride scholarship, this award is a significant contribution towards your tuition fees.
Scholarship Details
- Award Value: £7,300
- How It’s Paid: Applied directly as a reduction in your tuition fees.
- Eligibility: Open to UK (Home) students who have received and accepted an offer to study the full-time or part-time MA in Applied Human Rights.
- Application Deadline: August 15, 2025, at 23:59 BST.
The selection is based on a holistic review of your academic potential, practical experience, and a demonstrated commitment to the field of human rights. The MA program itself is renowned for its activist-focused teaching and hands-on learning opportunities, including placements in York (the UK’s first Human Rights City) or South Africa.
A Sanctuary for Activists: The Protective Fellowship Scheme
Beyond traditional academic scholarships, CAHR hosts the internationally acclaimed Protective Fellowship Scheme. This is not a degree program but a vital initiative offering respite and professional development for human rights defenders (HRDs) at risk.
I’ve seen firsthand how transformative this fellowship can be. It provides a safe space for activists to recharge, reflect, and build new skills and networks, away from the immediate dangers of their work.
Who is it For?
This scheme is for experienced human rights defenders working in hostile environments. It is not for students seeking a qualification. There are two main types:
- Protective Fellowship (6 months): For HRDs at direct risk, offering time for research, training, and advocacy.
- Protective Writing Fellowship (3 months): For HRD leaders to focus on strategic thinking and writing projects.
The Nomination Process
Crucially, you cannot apply for this fellowship yourself. Candidates must be nominated by a recognized civil society or inter-governmental organization. This ensures that the scheme reaches those who are most in need of protection. If you work for an NGO, this is a conversation to have with your leadership. More details can be found on the Protective Fellowships information page.
Other Pathways for International MA Students
If you are an international student aspiring to join the MA in Applied Human Rights, you might be wondering where your dedicated scholarship is. Currently, CAHR does not offer a specific scholarship for international students on this particular program analogous to the Sam Pegram award for the LLM.
However, that does not mean the door is closed. Ambitious international students are strongly encouraged to explore other prestigious funding options:
- Chevening Scholarships: The University of York is a proud partner of the UK government’s global scholarship program. Chevening offers fully funded master’s degrees for future leaders, and CAHR has hosted many Chevening Scholars.
- University of York International Scholarships: The university offers a range of scholarships for international postgraduates. Be sure to check their central funding pages for opportunities you may be eligible for.
FAQs
Q1. Do I need to have an offer of admission before I can apply for the Sam Pegram Scholarship?
Yes, this is essential. You must have already applied for and received an offer to study the full-time LLM in International Human Rights Law and Practice at the University of York before you can apply for the scholarship. Your scholarship application will not be considered otherwise.
Q2. Is this scholarship open to students from any country?
Yes, the Sam Pegram Scholarship is specifically for international (including EU) students. UK (Home) students are not eligible for this particular award.
Q3. What does “demonstrate financial need” mean?
This means you need to provide an honest and clear explanation of your financial circumstances, showing that you would be unable to afford the cost of the program (tuition, accommodation, living costs) without the support of the scholarship.
Q4. Can I apply if my human rights experience isn’t specifically about migration?
While all strong human rights backgrounds are valued, this scholarship has a specific focus. According to the official scholarship page, a demonstrable interest in migration issues and a desire to build a career supporting people on the move is a key selection criterion. You should aim to connect your experience and future goals to this theme in your application.
