The United Nations International Law Fellowship Programme 2026 is now open for applications. Organized by the Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs, this prestigious fully funded summer programme provides advanced training in international law at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands.
The 2026 Fellowship Programme will run from 29 June to 31 July 2026 and will be conducted in English.
Application Deadline: 30 March 2026
The programme accommodates up to 20 participants from developing countries and countries with emerging economies.
Overview of the United Nations International Law Fellowship Programme
The United Nations International Law Fellowship Programme forms part of the UN Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law. It was established by General Assembly resolution 2099 (XX) and most recently mandated by General Assembly resolution 80/163 of 15 December 2025.
The Fellowship provides high-quality instruction delivered by prominent scholars and practitioners from diverse legal systems and regions. Beyond academic learning, the programme encourages dialogue, exchange of ideas, and strengthened cooperation among professionals working in international law.
Objectives of the Fellowship Programme
The Fellowship Programme aims to:
-
Deepen participants’ knowledge of international law
-
Strengthen understanding of the legal work of the United Nations
-
Promote cooperation among legal professionals from different regions
-
Support capacity-building in developing countries and emerging economies
-
Enhance the application of international law within national institutions
The programme is specifically intended for qualified professionals, particularly government officials and teachers of international law, from developing countries and countries with emerging economies.
Programme Structure and Academic Content
The Fellowship Programme consists of an intensive summer course held annually at the Peace Palace in The Hague.
Participants attend:
-
Lectures and seminars organized by the Codification Division
-
The public international law session at The Hague Academy of International Law
The programme integrates academic rigor with practical exposure to contemporary issues in international law.
Topics Covered in 2026
Seminars and lectures may include:
-
Introduction to international law
-
Treaty law
-
International responsibility
-
International peace and security
-
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
The Fellowship Programme in 2026 will be conducted in English.
Location and Duration
Venue: Peace Palace, The Hague, Netherlands
Programme Dates: 29 June – 31 July 2026
Language of Instruction: English
Participants: Up to 20 fellows
Participants are required to attend the entire programme without exception.
Financial Arrangements
Fellowship Recipients
The fellowship covers:
-
Economy-class travel to and from The Hague
-
Accommodation
-
Medical insurance
-
Participation in the Fellowship Programme
-
Training materials
-
Registration fee for the public international law session at The Hague Academy of International Law
In addition, fellows receive a stipend in accordance with United Nations regulations to cover local living expenses such as food and transportation.
Accommodation is arranged by the Fellowship Programme free of charge.
Self-Funded Participants
Qualified candidates may apply as self-funded participants.
Self-funded participants must cover:
-
Travel
-
Accommodation
-
Living expenses
-
Registration fee for The Hague Academy of International Law
Training materials are provided free of charge to all participants.
Fellows and self-funded participants undergo the same selection process and receive the same certificate upon successful completion.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 2026 Fellowship Programme, candidates must:
-
Have a legal background
-
Possess professional experience in international law
-
Be able to attend the full duration of the programme
-
Demonstrate fluency in spoken and written English
The Fellowship Programme is intended for professionals with practical experience in international law. It is not designed for students who have not yet acquired professional experience.
The programme accommodates up to 20 participants from developing countries and countries with emerging economies.
Current United Nations staff members are not eligible for fellowships but may exceptionally attend on a self-funded basis.
Application Process
Applicants must:
-
Complete the official application form in English (typewritten).
-
Provide detailed responses to all questions.
-
Attach additional pages if necessary.
-
Submit a signed Letter of Transmission completed by a senior official of the nominating institution.
-
Provide proof of English proficiency if English is not the applicant’s mother tongue or language of instruction.
Proof of English proficiency may include:
-
Diploma from courses conducted in English
-
Recognized language test certificate
-
Evidence of extensive professional experience in English
Applications without valid language certification will not be considered.
Two versions of the application must be submitted by email to ilfp@un.org:
-
One scanned signed copy (PDF or JPG)
-
One electronic MS Word version (or equivalent)
Application Deadline: 30 March 2026
Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
The United Nations does not charge any fee at any stage of the application or selection process.
Click HERE to download the application form.
Selection Process
Selection is conducted by the Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs.
Criteria include:
-
Academic and professional qualifications
-
Scope of professional duties
-
Relevance of the training to the applicant’s responsibilities
-
Geographical distribution
-
Gender balance
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Special consideration is given to candidates from Member States that have not recently benefited from the Fellowship Programme.
Only successful candidates will be contacted.
Learn more about this fellowship programme HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to submit my application through my government?
No. While the sponsoring institution must complete certain sections of the form, applicants may submit the completed application directly.
Can only governments nominate candidates?
No. The Fellowship Programme is open to professionals from academia, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations engaged in international law activities.
What is the difference between fellows and self-funded participants?
Both are selected through the same process and have identical rights and obligations. Fellowship recipients receive financial support; self-funded participants cover their own costs.
What does the stipend cover?
The stipend reflects local living costs and provides for food, transportation, and basic expenses during the programme.
Can I reapply if I was not selected before?
Yes, but you must submit a new complete application.
Can I attend only part of the programme?
No. Full attendance is mandatory.
History and Legacy
The International Law Fellowship Programme has been held annually at the Peace Palace for decades, bringing together professionals from around the world. Past programmes have alternated between English and French and have contributed to strengthening international legal expertise globally.
Recent editions were held in 2025 (French), 2024 (English), 2023 (French), 2022 (English), and earlier years dating back to 2010 and beyond.
Contact Information
For further inquiries:
Email: ilfp@un.org
Organizer: Codification Division, United Nations Office of Legal Affairs
