The UN Office of Legal Affairs Codification Division is accepting applications for the 2025 United Nations (UN) International Law Fellowship Program. This program offers top-tier training by leading scholars and practitioners in international law, covering a wide range of core topics. Participants engage in interactive sessions that foster knowledge exchange and collaboration on contemporary international legal issues.

This program mainly targets professionals, particularly government officials and international law educators from developing and emerging economies, to enhance their understanding of international law and the UN’s legal work.

The Fellowship Programme accommodates up to 20 participants from developing and emerging economies annually and features a summer course at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands. It includes lectures, seminars, and a session at The Hague Academy of International Law, all conducted by distinguished experts in international law.

It was established under the UN Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination, and Wider Appreciation of International Law. It was endorsed by General Assembly resolutions, most recently Resolution 79/120, on 4 December 2024. It is conducted in English or French.

Course Structure

The UN International Law Fellowship Programme takes place over three weeks at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands. Mornings are dedicated to public international law sessions at the Hague Academy of International Law, followed by afternoon lectures and seminars by the Codification Division of the Office of Legal Affairs. Throughout the program, participants engage in interactive discussions on various topics. Comprehensive training materials are provided, and certificates are awarded upon completion of the entire program.

The subjects addressed during the seminars and lectures arranged by the Codification Division might encompass:

• 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

key Details

Application Deadline: 26 February 2025

Location: Peace Palace, The Hague, the Netherlands

Number of Fellowships: 20

Program Dates: 30 June to 1 August 2025

Organizer: United Nations (UN)

Medium of instruction: French

Eligible Countries: All

Gender: Male/Female

Financial Benefits of International Law Fellowship:

The fellowship covers the following items for the selected fellows:

Financial Coverage for Fellowships:

• • Travel Costs: Economy class travel expenses are covered.
  • Accommodation: Accommodation is provided for the duration of the fellowship.
  • Medical Insurance: Included for fellowship recipients.
  • Participation in Fellowship Programme: Covered.
  • Registration Fee: Included for the public international law session at The Hague Academy of International Law.
  • Stipend: Provided to cover additional living expenses as per UN fellowship policies.

Self-Funded Positions:

• • Costs Covered: Participants bear all expenses.
  • Expenses Covered: Travel, accommodation, living expenses, and registration fee for The Hague Academy of International Law.
  • Training Materials: These were provided free of charge to all self-funded participants.

Required Qualifications:

Candidates with professional work experience in international law [mandatory] are qualified for the Fellowship Programme.

• Legal background with professional experience in international law
• Fluency in spoken and written French is required
• Fellows don’t need to pay any application fee
• Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

How to Apply?

Please submit your complete application package by following these guidelines:

• Complete the application form in French
• Clear, detailed answers
• Attach additional pages if needed
• “Letter of Transmission” signed by senior official
• Non-native English speakers require language proficiency evidence
• Submit a scanned copy and electronic MS Word version of the application

 Submission Email: ilfp@un.org

Selection Criteria

The fellows are selected as follows:

• • Consideration goes to qualifications, professional duties, relevance of training, geographical distribution, and gender balance
  • Encouragement for qualified female candidates to apply
  • Preference for candidates from Member States with no recent fellowship recipients

Note: Only successful candidates will be contacted.

For more details about the Fellowship Programme, please refer to the official UN website or review the Frequently Asked Questions. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact the Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs at ilfp@un.org.

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