The International Court of Justice (ICJ) Judicial Fellows Programme 2026, formerly known as the University Traineeship Programme, is a unique opportunity for recent law graduates to gain practical experience at the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Located in The Hague, Netherlands, this fellowship allows participants to work under the supervision of a Judge of the Court. For Nigerian and African law graduates specializing in international law, this program offers an unparalleled look into the inner workings of global justice and dispute resolution.
Eligibility
Prospective fellows must meet the following criteria:
- Candidates must be recent graduates or current students finishing their law degrees (LLM or PhD) from a recognized university.
- Applicants should have demonstrated academic excellence in public international law through coursework and research.
- Fluency in either English or French is required, and a working knowledge of the other language is a significant advantage.
- Candidates are usually nominated by their universities. The university must also be willing to cover the fellow living costs during the program.
- Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in international judicial settlement and the peaceful resolution of international disputes.
Benefits
The ICJ Fellowship provides significant professional and personal rewards:
- The primary benefit is the experience of working at the heart of the UN judicial system on real-world legal cases.
- Fellows assist judges by drafting legal memoranda, conducting research on complex points of law, and attending public hearings.
- Participants become part of an elite group of international legal professionals with connections to world-renowned judges and lawyers.
- A prestigious addition to any CV, significantly boosting prospects in international organizations, government service, or academia.
- A deep understanding of the ICJ procedures and the application of international legal principles in practice.
Application Steps
To apply for the 2026 cohort, follow these standard procedures:
- Contact your law faculty to see if your university is among those invited to nominate candidates for the program.
- Submit your academic transcripts, CV, and a statement of interest to your university selection committee.
- If selected by your school, the university will submit your nomination package to the ICJ Registry.
- Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete a written test or interview conducted by the Court.
- The ICJ will inform the nominating universities of the final selection of fellows.
Deadlines
- Nomination Deadline: Usually February 5, 2026.
- Selection Period: March to May 2026.
- Programme Duration: September 2026 to June 2027.
Official Links
- ICJ Judicial Fellows Official Page: https://www.icj-cij.org/en/judicial-fellows-programme
- United Nations Careers: https://careers.un.org/
