Applications are now open for the Fully Funded 2026 United Nations International Law Fellowship Programme

Ednah Carrick March 7, 2026

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Closing Date: 30 March 2026

Applications are now open for the Fully Funded 2026 United Nations International Law Fellowship Programme

Introduction

The United Nations International Law Fellowship Programme is organized by the Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs.

Objectives

The Fellowship Programme provides high-quality training by prominent international law scholars and practitioners on a broad range of core topics of international law. In addition, the interactive nature of the training allows the participants to share experiences and exchange ideas, which promotes greater understanding and cooperation on contemporary issues of international law.

The Fellowship Programme is intended to enable qualified professionals, in particular government officials and teachers of international law from developing countries and countries with emerging economies, to deepen their knowledge of international law and of the legal work of the United Nations.

The Fellowship Programme accommodates up to 20 participants from developing countries and countries with emerging economies.

The Programme

The Fellowship Programme consists of an annual summer course at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands. The participants attend lectures and seminars in international law organized by the Codification Division as well as the public international law session at The Hague Academy of International Law.

The lectures and seminars organized by the Codification Division are given by prominent international law scholars and practitioners from different regions and legal systems. The Fellowship Programme is conducted in English or French.

The United Nations International Law Fellowship Programme is conducted under the United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law, established by General Assembly resolution 2099 (XX) of 20 December 1965 and most recently mandated by General Assembly resolution 80/163 of 15 December 2025. The Fellowship Programme is organized by the Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs.

Course Content

The Fellowship Programme consists of participation in lectures and seminars in international law organized by the Codification Division as well as in the Public International Law Session at The Hague Academy of International Law. The lectures and seminars organized by the Codification Division are delivered by eminent scholars and practitioners in international law from different regions and legal systems. The curriculum may include seminars on the following core topics: Introduction to international law, treaty law, international responsibility, law of diplomatic and consular relations, international peace and security, peaceful settlement of international disputes, international human rights law, law of the sea, international humanitarian law, international criminal law, international environmental law, international trade law, and international investment law

Format and Training Materials

The Fellowship Programme is conducted in the form of interactive seminars and discussions to allow a maximum exchange of views. A comprehensive set of training materials is provided to each participant at the beginning of the Fellowship Programme. Full engagement by participants in the diverse discussions is expected. Certificates are awarded to participants who complete the Fellowship Programme in its entirety.

Participation/Qualifications of Applicants

To qualify for the Fellowship Programme, candidates must have a legal background with professional experience in the field of international law.

Candidates must also be fluent in the language in which the Programme is offered (English in 2026). The selected candidates are required to certify that they are able to attend the Fellowship
Programme in its entirety.

The Fellowship Programme will accommodate 20 participants from developing countries and countries with emerging economies.

Selection Process

When selecting participants, due consideration is given to the candidates’ qualifications, the scope of their professional duties, the relevance of the training to their professional duties, geographical representation and to gender balance.

Applications from qualified female candidates are encouraged. Due consideration is also given to
those candidates from Member States which did not have a fellowship recipient attend the Fellowship Programme in previous years.

Financial Arrangements and Accommodation

Fellowships will cover travel in economy class, accommodation, medical insurance, participation in the Fellowship Programme, the training materials and the registration fee for the Public International Law Session at The Hague Academy of International Law. In accordance with the policies and procedures governing the administration of United Nations fellowships, participants will also receive a modest stipend to cover meals and other living expenses.

Qualified candidates may also apply for self-funded positions. Self-funded participants bear all costs associated with their participation (for example, travel, accommodation, medical insurance, living expenses and registration fee for The Hague Academy of International Law).