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The United Nations International Law Fellowship Programme offers advanced training in public international law at the Peace Palace, The Hague.
About the Programme
The United Nations International Law Fellowship Programme is organised by the Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs with the objective of strengthening knowledge and professional capacity in public international law among legal practitioners, scholars, and government officials worldwide.
The programme represents one of the most prestigious international law training opportunities available globally. It is conducted annually and brings together participants from diverse legal systems and jurisdictions for an intensive academic engagement at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands. The Fellowship integrates academic instruction with exposure to international legal institutions and contemporary developments in global governance.
Participants attend lectures and seminars delivered by leading scholars, judges, diplomats, and practitioners specialising in different areas of international law. In addition to sessions organised by the Codification Division, fellows also participate in the Public International Law session conducted by the Hague Academy of International Law, which is widely recognised as one of the most respected academic forums for advanced international legal study.
The 2026 Fellowship Programme will be conducted in English from 29 June to 31 July 2026 at the Peace Palace in The Hague.
Academic Structure and Learning Experience
The Fellowship Programme provides participants with structured exposure to both foundational and specialised areas of public international law through an intensive summer course format. The curriculum combines doctrinal teaching with contemporary legal developments and policy-oriented discussions relevant to international institutions and dispute settlement mechanisms.
Lectures are delivered by internationally recognised experts representing multiple legal traditions and professional backgrounds. This diverse academic environment enables participants to engage with comparative perspectives on international legal principles and institutional practices.
Participants also benefit from interaction with professionals working in international organisations, arbitration forums, diplomatic services, and academic institutions, making the programme particularly valuable for those pursuing careers in international legal practice or global policy frameworks.
Topics Covered During the Programme
The seminars and lectures organised by the Codification Division typically cover a broad range of public international law subjects, including:
- Introduction to public international law
- Treaty law and treaty interpretation
- Responsibility of States under international law
- International peace and security frameworks
- Peaceful settlement of international disputes
- Diplomatic and consular law
- International human rights law
- International humanitarian law
- International criminal law
- International environmental law
- Law of the sea
- International trade law
- International investment law
These topics reflect both foundational doctrinal issues and contemporary developments shaping international legal practice.
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Financial Coverage
Selected fellows receive comprehensive financial support under the United Nations fellowship framework.
The fellowship covers:
- Economy class international travel expenses
- Accommodation during the programme period
- Medical insurance
- Participation in the Fellowship Programme
- Training materials
- Registration fee for the Public International Law session at the Hague Academy
- A stipend to cover living expenses during the fellowship period
This financial support ensures that selected candidates can participate fully in the programme without incurring personal costs.
In addition to funded fellowships, a limited number of self-funded participation opportunities may also be available. Self-funded participants are required to bear travel, accommodation, living expenses, and registration costs independently, although training materials remain provided without additional charge.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the following requirements to be considered for selection:
- Candidates must possess a legal background
- Applicants must demonstrate professional experience in the field of international law
- Participants must be able to attend the programme for its entire duration
- Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory
Candidates whose primary language or language of instruction is not English must provide documentary proof of language proficiency, such as certificates, academic transcripts, or professional experience demonstrating English-language competence.
Applications submitted without valid proof of language proficiency will not be considered.
Programme Duration and Venue
Programme dates: 29 June to 31 July 2026
Venue: Peace Palace, The Hague, Netherlands
Language of instruction: English
Participants are required to remain present throughout the duration of the programme.
Registration Fee
There is no application or participation fee charged by the United Nations at any stage of the selection process.
Applicants should note that the United Nations does not request financial information such as bank account details during the application process.
Important Date
Last date to apply: 30 March 2026
Applications received after the deadline or submitted without required documentation will not be considered.
Who Should Apply
This fellowship programme is particularly suitable for:
- Government officials working in international law or treaty affairs
- Academicians and researchers specialising in public international law
- Legal professionals involved in international dispute resolution
- Practitioners working in international organisations or policy institutions
- Candidates pursuing careers in diplomacy, arbitration, or global governance
Participation in the programme significantly strengthens professional credentials in international legal practice and academic research.
Application Procedure
Applicants must complete the official application form in English and submit it along with supporting documents via email.
Two versions of the application must be submitted:
- One scanned signed copy of the completed application form
- One editable MS Word version (or equivalent) of the application form
Additionally, applicants must submit:
- A completed Letter of Transmission signed by a senior official of the nominating institution
- Proof of English-language proficiency (where applicable)
Applications must be sent to: ilfp@un.org
Click here for the official website
For queries, contact: ilfp@un.org
