Application Deadline: 5 February 2026
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has officially opened applications for its 2026/2027 Judicial Fellowship Programme. Previously known as the University Traineeship Programme, this initiative was founded in 1999 with the objective of providing recent graduates in law an opportunity to acquire valuable professional experience within the ICJ’s unique judicial environment.
This fellowship is designed to deepen participants’ practical knowledge of public international law and to familiarize them with the Court’s procedural framework by integrating them closely into the daily workings of the Court. Selected Judicial Fellows will be engaged full-time, working directly under the guidance of a sitting Member of the Court and alongside that judge’s principal legal assistant.
During the fellowship, participants will be tasked with conducting detailed research and preparing legal memoranda on issues of law or fact relevant to cases currently before the Court. They will also have the opportunity to attend Court hearings and sittings, as well as undertake any additional responsibilities delegated by their assigned judges.
The tenure of this fellowship spans approximately ten months, commencing in early September and concluding in June of the following year. Generally, the ICJ appoints around 15 Fellows, who are nominated by universities worldwide.
Eligibility Criteria
In selecting candidates, the Court values diversity in nationality and seeks individuals who embody academic excellence and a strong commitment to the field of public international law. To qualify, applicants must be no older than 31 years at the start of the fellowship—though exceptions to this age limit may be granted under exceptional circumstances.
Applicants should have demonstrated outstanding performance throughout their legal education and must show an interest in public international law, which may be evidenced through their academic coursework, research publications, or prior professional experience.
Fluency in at least one of the ICJ’s two official languages, English or French, is essential, with excellent oral and written communication skills required. Additionally, a working knowledge of the other official language is considered advantageous.
Importantly, applications are only accepted through university nominations; individual applications will not be considered. Although nominating a single candidate is permitted, the Court encourages universities to submit multiple nominees whenever possible.
Nomination Process
The nomination process begins with the university completing an online pre-screening questionnaire. The university must also appoint an authorized focal point responsible for submitting all related application materials.
Once the questionnaire is submitted, the designated focal point will receive a confirmation email containing further instructions, including the ICJ personal history form and a candidate profile summary template.
The following six documents must then be compiled for each nominee and submitted via the university focal point’s email, adhering to the specified order:
- Official nomination letter from the university
- ICJ personal history form
- Letters of reference
- Official academic transcripts
- Writing sample
- Candidate profile summary table
For further details and to initiate the application process, prospective applicants and nominating universities should Visit the Official Webpage of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Judicial Fellowship Programme.
