The International Court of Justice (ICJ) Judicial Fellowship Programme 2025-2026 is an exciting, fully funded opportunity for recent law graduates to gain hands-on experience at the ICJ in The Hague, Netherlands.
Established in 1999, the Programme allows selected candidates to work under the supervision of an ICJ judge, contributing to research, drafting memoranda, and participating in case deliberations, among other responsibilities.
The fellowship runs from early September to June of the following year and is structured to deepen participants’ understanding of international law and the Court’s functions.
Summary
- Program: Fellowship (Fully funded)
- Deadline: Feb 5, 2025
Eligibility Criteria for the Judicial Fellowship Programme 2025-2026
To apply, candidates must:
Diverse Nationalities: The Programme encourages applications from candidates of various national backgrounds, supporting global representation.
Age Requirement:
- Candidates should be 31 years or younger at the start of the fellowship.
- Age exceptions are considered only under special circumstances.
Academic and Professional Excellence:
- Candidates must demonstrate outstanding academic performance in their legal studies.
- An interest in public international law is essential, as demonstrated by relevant studies, publications, or work experience.
Language Proficiency:
- Fluency (written and spoken) in either English or French, the Court’s official language, is mandatory.
- A working knowledge of the second language is an added advantage.
Eligible Regions:
- Preference is given to candidates from developing countries to foster regional and linguistic diversity.
These criteria help ensure that selected fellows are well-prepared to engage with the Court’s work in a meaningful way while promoting diversity in international law practice.
Benefits of the Judicial Fellowship Programme 2025-2026
- Professional Experience: The programme allows recent law graduates to gain hands-on experience by working directly at the International Court of Justice.
- Financial Support: Trust Fund awards are provided to support candidates from developing countries whose universities may lack resources for sponsorship.
- No Formal Academic Requirements: The Court does not enforce strict grade or formal academic criteria for selection, making the programme accessible to a wide range of applicants.
- Language Flexibility: While English and French are the official languages, no specific language certification is required.
- Living and Travel Expenses: The fellowship includes a monthly stipend, covering living expenses in The Hague along with travel and health insurance, ensuring participants can focus on their work without financial strain.
Application Process
University Nomination: Candidates must be nominated by their universities, which conduct a pre-screening process
Required Documents:
- Official letter of nomination from the university
- ICJ personal history form
- Candidate profile summary
- Letters of reference
- Academic records
- Writing sample
Submission Process: Universities submit applications via the university’s authorized focal point
Official Link: https://www.youthop.com/link?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.icj-cij.org%2Fjudicial-fellows-program
Deadline: February 5, 2025
CHECK THESE OUT: