United Nations International Law Fellowship Programme 2026 in the Netherlands
Country: Kingdom of the Netherlands
City: The Hague
Organization: United Nations Office of Legal Affairs
Program Name: International Law Fellowship Programme
Category: Fellowship Programme
Deadline: 30 March 2026
Duration: 29 June to 31 July 2026
The United Nations International Law Fellowship Programme 2026 is organized by the Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs. The programme will be held in person at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, from 29 June to 31 July 2026.
About the Programme
According to the official description, the Fellowship Programme is designed to provide high-quality training by prominent international law scholars and practitioners on a broad range of core topics of international law. The programme also aims to help participants deepen their knowledge of international law and of the legal work of the United Nations.
Course Format
The programme consists of participation in lectures and seminars in international law organized by the Codification Division, as well as participation in the Public International Law Session at The Hague Academy of International Law. The training is delivered in the form of interactive seminars and discussions, and a comprehensive set of training materials is provided to each participant at the beginning of the programme. Certificates are awarded to participants who complete the Fellowship Programme in its entirety.
Topics Covered
The official brochure states that the curriculum may include seminars on 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.
Eligibility
The Fellowship Programme is intended for qualified professionals, in particular government officials and teachers of international law, from developing countries and countries with emerging economies. To qualify, candidates must have a legal background with professional experience in the field of international law.
The programme will accommodate 20 participants from developing countries and countries with emerging economies.
Language
The 2026 Fellowship Programme will be conducted in English. Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Applicants whose mother tongue or language of instruction is not English must submit proof of their language abilities, and applications without a valid language certification will not be considered.
Selection
The official brochure states that selection takes into account the candidates’ qualifications, the scope of their professional duties, the relevance of the training to their professional duties, geographical representation, and gender balance. It also notes that applications from qualified female candidates are encouraged, and that due consideration is given to candidates from Member States that did not have a fellowship recipient attend the programme in previous years.
Financial Arrangements
Fellowships cover economy-class travel, accommodation, medical insurance, participation in the Fellowship Programme, training materials, and the registration fee for the Public International Law Session at The Hague Academy of International Law. Participants will also receive a modest stipend to cover meals and other living expenses.
The brochure also states that qualified candidates may apply for self-funded positions. Self-funded participants must bear all costs related to their participation, including travel, accommodation, medical insurance, living expenses, and the registration fee for The Hague Academy of International Law.
Application Process
The official page states that the application process for the 2026 International Law Fellowship Programme is open and that the application deadline is 30 March 2026. The page also provides an official application form. The brochure notes that incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will not be considered. It also states that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the application and selection process and does not require information about candidates’ bank accounts.
