International Court of Justice Judicial Fellowship Programme 2026–2027; Fully Funded.
International Court of Justice Judicial Fellowship Programme 2026–2027; Fully Funded.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) Judicial Fellowship Programme, formerly known as the University Traineeship Programme, offers recent law graduates a prestigious opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience at the world’s principal judicial organ.
Established in 1999, this competitive fellowship allows outstanding young legal professionals to work directly with ICJ judges in The Hague, strengthening their understanding of public international law and international judicial procedures.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
- Judicial Fellows work full-time under the supervision of a Member of the Court and alongside the judge’s primary legal assistant.
- Fellows conduct legal research, prepare memorandums on questions of law and fact for ongoing cases, attend public hearings and judicial deliberations, and support judges with speeches, conferences, and other professional tasks.
- This immersive experience provides unparalleled exposure to international law in practice.
- The fellowship lasts approximately ten months, from early September to June of the following year. Each year, the Court selects around 15 participants nominated by universities worldwide.
Trust Fund for Fellows from Developing Countries
- In line with United Nations General Assembly resolution 75/129, a trust fund was established in April 2021 to support candidates from developing countries who are nominated by universities lacking the financial means to sponsor a fellow.
- The fund ensures greater geographical and linguistic diversity within the fellowship by offering financial awards to eligible candidates nominated by institutions in developing countries.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- The ICJ seeks candidates representing diverse nationalities and legal backgrounds. To qualify, candidates must:
- Be 31 years old or younger at the start of the fellowship; exceptions are made only in special circumstances
- Demonstrate excellent academic performance in legal studies
- Show a proven interest and engagement in public international law through coursework, publications, or professional experience
- Have excellent written and oral proficiency in English or French; working knowledge of the other official language of the Court is an asset
Only universities may nominate candidates. The Court does not accept direct applications from individuals. Universities are encouraged to nominate more than one candidate.
Applications for the Judicial Fellows Program 2026-2027.
- The deadline for submission is 5 February 2026.
- All application materials must be completed and submitted by this date.
- The Court expects to announce selected candidates by April 2026, and universities will be notified directly.
NOMINATION PROCESS
- To nominate candidates, universities must complete an online pre-screening questionnaire and appoint an authorized focal point to submit all application materials.
- Once the questionnaire is submitted, the focal point will receive application documents, including the ICJ personal history form and candidate summary table.
Each candidate’s application must include the following documents in the specified order:
- Official university nomination letter
- Completed ICJ personal history form
- Letters of reference
- Official academic transcripts
- Writing sample
- Candidate profile summary table
Universities seeking guidance may consult the FAQ page for the Judicial Fellowship Programme and Trust Fund.
ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES FOR TRUST FUND SUPPORT
- Trust fund awards are available exclusively for candidates nominated by universities based in developing countries that lack the resources to sponsor a fellow.
- Eligibility is determined using the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Human Development Report 2021/2022.
- Awards support nationals and universities across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
(CHECK FULL LIST OF SPECIFIC COUNTRIES IN EACH CONTINENT HERE)
WHY APPLY
- The ICJ Judicial Fellowship Programme is one of the most prestigious international legal fellowships worldwide.
- Fellows gain exceptional experience working directly with judges at the ICJ, establish global legal networks, and develop advanced research and international litigation skills.
- The programme provides early-career legal professionals with a unique pathway into international law, diplomacy, academia, and multilateral institutions.
