The four-day summit will be held at the University of British Columbia from May 21 to 24, 2027. Applicants aged 16–35 can compete for fully funded places, with the deadline set for November 30, 2026.

Applications are open for the Human Rights Summit 2027, an international forum scheduled to take place at the University of British Columbia in Canada from May 21 to 24. The programme will bring together young leaders, advocates and participants from different countries to discuss human rights, freedom of expression, equality and the role of education in building inclusive societies.

The summit is open to applicants from all academic backgrounds and nationalities. IELTS or TOEFL scores are not required. Organisers have announced 25 fully funded places, alongside partially sponsored and self-funded participation categories.

Financial benefits and available places

The fully funded category includes accommodation, airfare compensation, two meals a day, access to training sessions, a conference kit, a participation certificate and an invitation letter. Participants will also have opportunities to share their work and experiences, receive recognition through awards and take part in cultural exchange activities, sightseeing and a celebration event.

The organisers have listed the following participation categories:

• 25 fully funded places
• 40 partially sponsored places
• 40 self-sponsored places
• 45 free conference access passes

Applicants should check the official programme terms to understand the precise extent of airfare compensation and other financial support, particularly for partially sponsored participants.

Summit themes

The discussions will cover a broad range of rights reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These include equality before the law, freedom from discrimination, protection against arbitrary arrest and torture, freedom of religion and expression, the right to education, access to decent work, social security and participation in public life.

The programme will also examine the relationship between individual freedoms, community responsibilities and the institutions required to protect human rights.

Who can apply?

Applicants from any country are eligible. The age requirement for the fully funded category is 16–35 years, while the observer category is open to those aged 18 and above.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate an interest in social change through community work, educational initiatives or a clear vision for addressing social challenges. A passport is required, although a national identity card may be accepted by the organisers where an applicant does not have one.

No IELTS or TOEFL qualification is required.

Application fee and deadline

The application fee is listed as US$26.23, plus applicable taxes. Applicants must complete the online application and pay the fee to submit their candidature.

The deadline to apply is November 30, 2026.

How to apply

Interested candidates can visit the summit’s official website, review the eligibility requirements and participation categories, and submit the online application before the deadline. Applicants should verify the funding conditions, selection process and travel-related support directly with the organisers before making any payment.