Hey future legal eagles! Ever dreamt of working at the highest court in the world, gaining invaluable experience in international law? Well, you’re in luck! The International Court of Justice (ICJ) Judicial Fellowship Programme for 2026/2027 is now open, offering an incredible opportunity for recent law graduates to dive deep into the world of global justice. This isn’t just any programme; it’s a chance to shape your career at The Hague, Netherlands, right at the heart of international legal discourse.
The ICJ Judicial Fellowship Programme, previously known as the University Traineeship Programme, was established to give promising law graduates professional experience directly with the International Court of Justice. Imagine assisting a Member of the Court, conducting crucial research, and drafting memorandums on real-world cases. This fellowship is designed to deepen your understanding of public international law in practice and the Court’s procedures by involving you directly in its daily activities. It’s a full-time commitment, lasting approximately ten months, from early September to June of the following year.
Who Can Apply?
The ICJ is looking for bright, diverse candidates from around the globe. Here’s a quick rundown of the eligibility:
- You should generally be 31 years old or younger at the start of the fellowship (special circumstances might allow for exceptions).
- You need excellent academic results in your legal studies.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in public international law through your studies, publications, or work experience.
- An excellent command (both written and oral) of at least one of the Court’s official languages (English and French) is essential. A working knowledge of the other language is a huge plus!
Important Note: The Court does NOT accept direct applications from individuals. Only universities can nominate candidates. So, if this sounds like you, reach out to your university’s law department or relevant faculty to see if they participate and can nominate you!
What Does It Cover?
While this programme is often referred to as a “bursary” in a broader sense for career development, it is primarily a Judicial Fellowship focused on providing unparalleled professional experience rather than direct financial aid as a typical bursary for tuition would. The original information does not explicitly detail financial coverage like a stipend or living expenses. The main “coverage” is the incredible opportunity to:
- Work full-time under the supervision of an ICJ Member.
- Conduct in-depth legal research and draft memorandums.
- Attend crucial hearings and Court sittings.
- Gain first-hand insight into the workings of the highest international court.
It’s an investment in your legal career, offering experience that few others will ever get!
How to Apply?
Remember, individuals cannot apply directly. Your university must nominate you. Here’s how the nomination process works:
- Your nominating university needs to complete an online pre-screening questionnaire and designate an authorized focal point for all submissions.
- After the questionnaire, the focal point will receive a confirmation email with detailed instructions, the ICJ personal history form, and the candidate profile summary table.
- The university’s focal point will then submit the following six documents for each candidate via email, in this exact order:
- Official letter of nomination from the university.
- ICJ personal history form.
- Letters of reference.
- Official academic records.
- Writing sample.
- Candidate profile summary table.
Make sure your university knows the deadline! The application deadline is 5 February 2026.
For more detailed information and to guide your university, visit the official webpage:
Visit the Official Webpage of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Judicial Fellowship Programme
This is a truly unique opportunity for aspiring legal minds to kickstart an international career. If you meet the criteria and your university can nominate you, don’t miss out on this chance to learn from the best! Explore this and many more exciting opportunities right here on Bursaries Room!
