The American University Human Rights Essay Award 2026 is a remarkable opportunity for law students around the world, and applications are now being accepted. This yearly competition, which is supported by the Academy of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, invites students to write academic articles about international human rights law.
“The right to protest under international human rights law: legal protection and challenges ahead” is the theme for 2026. Essays must relate to this theme in order to be eligible; however, participants are free to select any subtopic. The 31st Inter-American Human Rights Moot Court Competition will also address the subject.
By bringing together academics, professionals, and organizations worldwide, the Academy seeks to advance a pragmatic approach to human rights. Participants share a variety of viewpoints on international human rights issues while honing their analytical and writing abilities.
There will be two prizes given out: one for the best essay in Spanish and one in English. A complete tuition scholarship for the Diploma or Certificate track of the Program of Advanced Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law will be awarded to the winners. Living, housing, and travel costs are not covered. The American University International Law Review may also publish the best essays.
Host Country: Online
Opportunity Type: Awards, Competitions
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Paid, Partially Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- A law degree (LL.B., J.D., or an equivalent qualification) is required of applicants.
- Candidates from all nations are welcome to enter the tournament.
- Candidates should have a track record of interest in or expertise with international human rights legislation.
- Applications from past Human Rights Essay Award winners are not accepted.
- The 2026 theme, “The right to protest under international human rights law: legal protection and challenges ahead,” shall be the main topic of essays.
- Submissions must be written as legal articles with the appropriate references cited.
Benefits:
- A complete tuition scholarship for the Diploma or Certificate of Attendance track of the Program of Advanced Studies in Human Rights and Humanitarian Law is awarded to the winners.
- The American University International Law Review may publish the best essays.
- provides a global stage for you to demonstrate and publicize your legal writing abilities.
- The grant does not cover living expenses, lodging, or travel.
- acknowledged as one of the world’s most prominent law essay contests.
Requirements:
- Essays must be submitted in Word format only.
- Use Times New Roman font, size 12, and double spacing for the body text.
- Footnotes must be in Times New Roman, size 10, and single-spaced.
- The essay must be unpublished and written solely by one participant (no co-authored submissions).
- Essays can be written in English or Spanish.
- The essay must not exceed 35 pages.
- All essays must be formatted on letter-sized paper (8.5 x 11 inches / 21.59 x 27.94 cm).
- Improper formatting will result in a deduction of five points.
- Each applicant can submit only one essay.
- Submissions must be free from errors and plagiarism.
- Personal information, including the author’s name, must not appear in the essay.
Deadline: February 3, 2026
