Refugee International Fellowship Program 2025

Opportunities don’t always knock twice—especially for forcibly displaced individuals looking to transform their advocacy journey into global impact. The Refugee International Fellowship Program 2025 is now open to applications, offering a rare and powerful chance for emerging leaders with lived experience of displacement to gain formal training, support, and a global advocacy platform.

This prestigious one-year fellowship begins in August 2025 and is designed to sharpen the skills of refugee leaders while helping amplify their voices across national and international spaces. Fellows will be embedded in a close-knit advocacy community, receive funding support, and gain access to global policy spaces where change is shaped.

Refugee International Fellowship Program Summary

What Is the Refugee Fellows Program?

The Refugee Fellows Program by Refugees International is a year-long remote fellowship created to empower emerging refugee leaders worldwide. This initiative supports individuals who are already engaged in advocacy work and offers them the tools, resources, and platform to push their impact even further.

Each fellow becomes officially affiliated with Refugees International and receives mentorship, technical training, and direct access to a global advocacy network. It’s more than a fellowship—it’s a launchpad for those looking to make lasting changes in humanitarian policy and refugee rights.

Key Features of the Fellowship

1. Technical and Advocacy Training

Fellows are trained in:

• Public speaking
• Policy writing
• Advocacy strategy
• Communication and media engagement
• Fundraising and proposal writing

These sessions are led by seasoned experts and professionals from Refugees International and the broader humanitarian space.

2. Collaborative Projects

Fellows will work closely with Refugees International staff. This may include co-authoring a report, participating in advocacy campaigns, writing op-eds, and contributing to policy discussions that directly affect displaced communities.

3. Global Networking

Fellows will be introduced to:

• Policy makers
• Human rights organizations
• Donors and funders
• Regional and global forums on displacement

This network opens doors to real-world impact and collaboration.

4. Research and Events

If feasible, fellows may:

• Conduct a field research trip
• Join in-person retreats
• Attend regional and global refugee-related conferences These activities aim to strengthen research, storytelling, and advocacy at all levels.

Eligibility Criteria

While the fellowship is open globally, preference is given to:

• Emerging refugee and displaced leaders
• Individuals working in critical regions or underrepresented contexts
• Applicants whose work aligns with Refugees International’s current focus areas

Applicants must have:

• Lived experience of forced displacement
• A personal computer and internet access
• A bank account for fund disbursement (in line with U.S. law)

English fluency is preferred for effective participation, but being fluent in local or advocacy languages is also beneficial.

Time Commitment & Responsibilities

Fellows are expected to:

• Commit up to 7 hours weekly
• Participate in regular virtual meetings
• Attend one in-person retreat, if feasible
• Publish at least one written work, such as an op-ed or policy paper
• Plan and conduct a field research trip, if possible
• Join at least one regional or international refugee event

All deliverables and participation will be reviewed quarterly for accountability and impact.

Financial Grant and Support

Each fellow receives a $15,000 grant, disbursed in four quarterly instalments. In addition, Refugees International may offer customised mental health support to those who request it, acknowledging the emotional weight of advocacy work for those with lived experiences.

How to Apply

The application process includes:

1. Completing an online application form
2. Submitting:
   • Two short-form essays (400 words each)
   • A resume
   • Contact details for three professional references
   • A brief work plan for the year

3. Deadline May 15 2025 11:59 PM (EDT)

Important Note:
Do not use AI tools like ChatGPT to write any part of your application. Refugees International values authenticity and will reject AI-generated submissions.

To apply:

• First-time applicants: Visit the website, click “Apply,” and register for an account.
• Returning applicants: Log in using your existing account.

If you or someone you know fits this profile, now is the time to apply.

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