Student Profile

Students with a commitment to social justice and/or a history of academic or personal involvement with human rights issues are particularly encouraged to consider IHRE.  The breadth and depth of the IHRE curriculum, combined with the exposure to human rights issues seen from African perspectives and in the context of South Africa’s recent history, are especially valuable for students preparing to embark on a career in social justice or human rights.  However, we encourage students of all backgrounds to apply.  No previous study of human rights is required.

IHRE is proud of its diversity and inclusiveness.  Approximately two-thirds of participants come from Wits and other African universities, and one-third are students from North American institutions.  Participants represent a broad range of ethnic, social, and disciplinary backgrounds; all demonstrate strong interest in and/or previous experience in human rights and social justice.

Normally, applicants from North American institutions participate in IHRE during their second, third, or fourth year of undergraduate study.  Under certain circumstances, recent graduates may also be eligible welcome to apply.

Recent program participants include students from the following colleges and universities in North America:

Alma College

Amherst College

Bard College

Bard College at Simon's Rock

Bennington College

Bryn Mawr College

Capital University

Central College

Colby College

Cornell University

CUNY Brooklyn College

Davidson College

Elon University

Emory University

Georgetown University

Grinnell College

Hamilton College

Illinois Wesleyan University

Kenyon College

Knox College

Lewis & Clark College

New York University

Oberlin College

Smith College

Spelman College

University of Connecticut

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

University of Oregon

University of San Francisco

University of Washington, Seattle

Vassar College

Wellesley College

Widener University

Wilfrid Laurier University