How long does it take to complete the Diploma Programme?

The International Diploma in Mental Health, Human Rights & Law is a one-year programme offered by the Centre for Mental Health Law & Policy, Indian Law Society, Pune.

I am not a lawyer: can I apply?

Yes, you may apply.

The Diploma is ideal for mid-career professionals from the fields of law, human rights, mental health policy, and service-delivery.

Entry requirements

  • Minimum graduate qualification from a recognised university in any of the following subjects: law, medicine or psychiatry, nursing, psychology, social work, social science, natural science.
  • We encourage individuals with psychosocial disabilities and their caregivers/ families to enrol as they are critical players in reform, and can be effective advocates for change. The minimum qualification for such applications is a graduate qualification in any discipline from a recognised university.
  • The selection of students is based on their experience, and statement of purpose.
  • Priority is given to students who are likely to have an impact on the field of human rights for people with psychosocial disabilities and law/policy in their respective countries.
How will this Diploma Programme help my career?

It is expected that the Diploma will equip the students to undertake advocacy work in this area and provide them with the knowledge and skills to actively support countries to draft and amend mental health laws in line with the CRPD and other standards. Check our Testimonials page to get a better idea of how you could use the knowledge gained during the Diploma in your career and work

How much does the Diploma Programme cost?

Tuition fee for international students: USD 5933 + 18% tax (GST) = USD 7000.

A limited number of students, of Indian origin and residing in India, will be offered a substantially reduced tuition fee.

Tuition for Indian students: INR 95,000 + 18% tax (GST) = INR 1,12,100.

Tuition fee includes access to live sessions, course material & project supervision.

Please note: We strongly encourage participants from low- and middle-income countries to apply for the Diploma Programme. Please let us know in your Statement of Purpose if you’d want us to consider a fee reduction for your application.

Where do the costs go?

The Diploma Programme is run by the Indian Law Society on a no-profit basis. It is self-funded, which means we do not get any grants/ subsidies from any national or international funding bodies. Our faculty are drawn from diverse fields from different parts of the world. Their travel, accommodation, subsistence and fee are met from the programme fee. In addition, there are costs for providing teaching material to students and for the use of facilities, infrastructure and administration of the programme.

Are scholarships available?

Occasionally some scholarships are available. Please check our website for details of fellowships, which are announced from time to time.

Who awards the Diploma?

The Diploma is awarded by the Indian Law Society, which is an autonomous institution established in 1923 for furthering legal education.The Indian Law Society is not-for-profit charity registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and the Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950 in the Indian jurisdiction.

What happens at the Residential Sessions?

The International Diploma in Mental Health, Human Rights & Law entails two on-site residential sessions at the Indian Law Society in Pune.

The first residential session is usually in November at the start of the Diploma Programme. During this residential session, students attend on-campus lectures and workshops for approximately 2 weeks.

The second residential session lasts for approximately 5 days and is at the end of the programme (the following October/ November). This session is for students to complete their projects, followed by a viva voce assessment. Students also attend an advocacy skills workshop spread over three days.