Country: Kingdom of the Netherlands
Location: Peace Palace, The Hague
Organization: Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs
Category: Fellowship Programme
Deadline: 30 March 2026
Duration: 29 June to 31 July 2026
The United Nations International Law Fellowship Programme 2026 is an in-person summer programme taking place at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is organized by the Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs and runs from 29 June to 31 July 2026.
Purpose
The official materials explain that the programme offers high-quality training delivered by prominent international law scholars and practitioners across a broad range of core international law subjects. It is intended to support qualified professionals in deepening their knowledge of international law and of the legal work of the United Nations.
Programme Structure
Participants attend lectures and seminars in international law organized by the Codification Division and also take part in the Public International Law Session at The Hague Academy of International Law. The brochure says the programme is delivered through interactive seminars and discussions, with training materials provided at the start. Participants who complete the full programme receive certificates.
Academic Content
The 2026 brochure lists possible seminar areas including introduction to international law, treaty law, international responsibility, 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.
Who Can Apply
This Fellowship Programme is intended for qualified professionals, especially government officials and teachers of international law, from developing countries and countries with emerging economies. Applicants must have a legal background and professional experience in the field of international law.
The programme accommodates up to 20 participants from developing countries and countries with emerging economies.
Language Requirement
The programme will be conducted in English in 2026. The official brochure states that candidates must be fluent in spoken and written English. Those whose mother tongue or language of instruction is not English are required to submit proof of English ability, and applications without valid language certification will not be considered.
How Participants Are Chosen
Selection is based on candidates’ qualifications, the scope of their professional duties, the relevance of the training to those duties, geographical representation, and gender balance. The brochure also notes that applications from qualified female candidates are encouraged and that due consideration is given to applicants from Member States that did not have a fellowship recipient in previous years.
Funding
According to the brochure, fellowships cover economy-class travel, accommodation, medical insurance, participation in the programme, training materials, and the registration fee for the Public International Law Session at The Hague Academy of International Law. Participants also receive a modest stipend for meals and other living expenses.
The same source adds that qualified candidates may also apply for self-funded positions. In those cases, participants are responsible for all costs associated with participation, including travel, accommodation, medical insurance, living expenses, and the registration fee for The Hague Academy of International Law.
Application
The official programme page states that the application process is open and that the deadline is 30 March 2026. An official application form is provided on the page. The brochure further states that incomplete applications and late applications will not be considered. It also makes clear that the United Nations does not charge any fee during the application and selection process and does not request candidates’ bank account information.
