The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is accepting university-nominated applications for the Judicial Fellowship Programme 2026–2027, a fully funded 10-month placement in The Hague for outstanding law graduates. Open to candidates nominated by eligible universities, with full financial support available through the ICJ Trust Fund for applicants from developing countries.
Overview: International Court of Justice Judicial Fellowship Programme 2026
The International Court of Justice Judicial Fellowship Programme (formerly the University Traineeship Programme) offers one of the world’s most prestigious opportunities for early-career legal scholars to gain firsthand experience in public international law. Operating from September 2026 to June 2027, the programme places Fellows directly within the chambers of ICJ judges at the Peace Palace in The Hague.
Fellows conduct legal research, draft memoranda, attend hearings, and work under the supervision of a Member of the Court and their primary legal assistant. This immersion enables selected graduates to deepen their understanding of public international law and develop advanced legal research competencies at the highest judicial level in the international system.
Through the ICJ Trust Fund, fully funded fellowships are available for candidates from developing countries whose universities lack the financial means to sponsor participation.
Applications must be submitted by universities (not individuals) by 5 February 2026.
About the Judicial Fellowship Programme
Created in 1999, the programme aims to:
- Strengthen early-career exposure to international adjudication
- Enhance practical understanding of public international law
- Build global legal leadership with geographical and linguistic diversity
Each year, approximately 15 Fellows are selected from universities worldwide.
Fellows assist judges on active cases before the Court, enabling them to engage directly with:
- Written and oral submissions
- International treaty interpretation
- Customary international law analysis
- Jurisprudence research
- Legal drafting and case preparation
Key Components of the Fellowship
1. Full-Time Judicial Work
Fellows:
- Conduct legal and factual research
- Draft internal memoranda
- Attend public hearings and private sittings
- Support the judge’s legal assistant
- Perform other tasks assigned by the judge
2. Immersive Experience at the World Court
The work environment includes:
- Access to ICJ’s extensive legal library
- Interaction with international legal experts
- Observation of judicial deliberations (subject to confidentiality rules)
3. Global Professional Exposure
Fellows join a network of international legal practitioners and academics, strengthening their professional visibility and long-term career pathways in:
- International organizations
- Diplomacy
- Academia
- Arbitration and litigation
- Government legal departments
Trust Fund Support (Fully Funded Awards)
The ICJ Trust Fund ensures equitable access by financially supporting candidates from developing countries. Trust Fund awards cover:
- Full sponsorship for the Fellow’s participation
- Travel costs
- Living stipend in The Hague
- Medical insurance coverage
These awards are available only for:
- Nationals of developing countries
- Graduates of universities located in developing countries that cannot finance sponsorship
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the 2026–2027 fellowship, candidates must meet the following requirements:
1. University Nomination
- Only universities may submit applications.
- Individuals cannot apply directly.
2. Age Requirement
- Candidates must be 31 years old or younger at the start of the fellowship (September 2026).
- Exceptions may be made only under special circumstances.
3. Academic Excellence
- Outstanding results in legal studies
- Strong background in public international law demonstrated through:
- Coursework
- Publications
- Research
- Moot court participation
- Internships or professional experience
4. Language Skills
- Excellent written and oral command of English or French
- Working knowledge of the other official Court language is an asset
5. Motivation and Professional Promise
- Demonstrated commitment to public international law
- Strong research, drafting, and analytical abilities
Benefits of the Programme
Academic and Professional Advantages
- Direct exposure to the world’s highest international court
- Mentorship by ICJ judges and senior legal assistants
- Expansion of legal research and drafting skills
- Access to world-class legal resources and global networks
Financial Benefits (Trust Fund Recipients)
- Fully funded participation
- Travel support
- Health insurance
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
Career Impact
Past ICJ Judicial Fellows have built careers as:
- International lawyers
- Academics
- Diplomats
- Government legal advisers
- Legal officers in UN organizations
How to Apply (University-Led Application Process)
Applications must be submitted by universities, not individuals.
Step 1: Pre-Screening Questionnaire
The nominating university completes the online pre-screening questionnaire and designates a focal point.
Step 2: Receive Application Package
The ICJ sends:
- Application instructions
- ICJ personal history form
- Candidate profile summary table
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Universities must submit these six documents per candidate, in the following order:
- Official university nomination letter
- ICJ personal history form
- Letters of reference
- Official academic transcripts
- Writing sample (legal research, article, or paper)
- Candidate profile summary table
Step 4: Submit Application
The university focal point submits all materials via email by 5 February 2026.
Step 5: Selection Timeline
- February 2026: Application deadline
- March–April 2026: ICJ final selection
- April 2026: Universities informed of results
- September 2026: Fellows begin in The Hague
Summary Table
| Programme Name | ICJ Judicial Fellowship Programme 2026–2027 |
|---|---|
| Type | Full-time legal fellowship |
| Duration | 10 months (Sept 2026 – June 2027) |
| Location | International Court of Justice, The Hague |
| Funding | Fully funded for eligible candidates via Trust Fund |
| Eligibility | University-nominated law graduates ≤ 31 years old |
| Academic Requirements | Excellent results; strong background in public international law |
| Languages | English or French fluency; working knowledge of the other is an asset |
| Application Method | Universities submit materials |
| Deadline | 5 February 2026 |
| Selection Announcement | April 2026 |
Conclusion
The International Court of Justice Judicial Fellowship Programme 2026–2027 is a premier opportunity for exceptional young lawyers to gain unparalleled experience at the world’s principal judicial organ. With full financial support available for candidates from developing countries, the programme ensures global access and diversity while nurturing the next generation of leaders in international law.
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