John Peters Humphrey Fellowship
The Canadian Council on International Law awards annually up to three John Peters Humphrey Student Fellowships in the field of International Human Rights Law or International Organization.

John P. Humphrey (1905-1995)
Humphrey in Geneva, 1947
McGill University Archives

About the Fellowship
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The John Peters Humphrey Student Fellowships in International Human Rights Law or International Organization are the result of a most generous bequest to the Canadian Council on International Law (CCIL) by the late John Peters Humphrey, a renowned Canadian international lawyer and scholar.
During his 20 years of service with the United Nations and more than 40 years as a human rights activist and academic, he was instrumental in efforts to promote wide ratification of, and adherence to, the major global and regional international human rights instruments. In 1974, Professor Humphrey was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of his contributions to legal Fellowship and his world-wide reputation in the field of human rights, and in 1988 he received the United Nation’s Human Rights Award.
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The CCIL will award up to three fellowships to enable selected individuals to begin or continue graduate studies at a reputable academic institution in Canada or abroad. Priority will be given to individuals who are entering or about to enter graduate studies. At least one fellowship may be awarded to an individual enrolled in a master's program (or equivalent).
The John Peters Humphrey Fellowship is awarded annually in September and is worth up to $20,000 CDN, with a maximum of $10,000 CDN for tuition and fees and a $10,000 CDN stipend for living expenses.
The application process for academic year 2026-2027
will open in the Fall of 2025.
​Key Dates - 2025
Fall 2025 - Application process opens.
Fall 2025 - Information Webinar
​January 2026 - Application process closes.
April 2026 - Applicants notified.​​
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Info Webinar - Fall 2025
Date/Time for 2025 TBA
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Topics covered:
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Practical information about the Fellowships;
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Helpful tips for preparing an application;
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Testimonials from a Selection Committee member and from a recipient.
The session will be followed by a Q&A.
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2025 Recipients
The 2025 Humphrey Fellows recipients will be announced soon.