The Judicial Fellowship Programme, previously known as the University Traineeship Programme, was established in 1999. Its primary aim is to provide recent law graduates with professional exposure at the International Court of Justice, fostering a practical understanding of public international law and the Court’s procedures by actively engaging participants in its operations.
During their tenure, Judicial Fellows work full-time under a Member of the Court, collaborating closely with the Member’s primary legal assistant. Their tasks encompass extensive research, drafting memorandums on legal or factual matters pertaining to pending cases, attending hearings and sittings, and fulfilling other assignments delegated by their respective judges.
The fellowship duration spans approximately ten months, commencing from early September to June of the subsequent year. Typically, the Court selects 15 participants endorsed by universities worldwide.
Benefits:
Nominating universities are responsible for funding the stipend, health insurance, and travel expenses of their candidates if chosen. While the Court does not specify the stipend amount, it should adequately cover minimum accommodation and subsistence standards in The Hague, ensuring candidates experience their Court tenure without financial constraints. The fellowship is not a self-financed internship, and candidates lacking sufficient financial backing from their nominating university are ineligible. While the Court assists with visas and provides work facilities, it cannot provide financial aid.
Requirements:
The Court aims for a diverse pool of candidates from various nationalities. Eligible candidates should be 31 years old or younger at the fellowship’s start, with exceptions made in special cases. Candidates must exhibit outstanding performance in legal studies and display interest in public international law through academic achievements, publications, or work experience. Proficiency in at least one of the Court’s official languages (English and French), both written and oral, is mandatory, with familiarity in the other language being advantageous. Only universities can nominate candidates; individual applications are not accepted. Although single nominations are possible, universities are encouraged to propose multiple candidates.
Application Procedure:
Universities must complete an online pre-screening questionnaire and appoint an authorized focal point responsible for submitting all application materials.
Submission Requirements for Each Candidate:
- Official nomination letter from the university
- ICJ personal history form
- Letters of reference
- Official academic transcripts
- Writing sample
- Candidate profile summary table
Comprehensive application instructions and necessary forms will be shared in the confirmation email sent to the university’s authorized focal point upon completion of the pre-screening questionnaire.
For more details,
Application Deadline:
February 5, 2024
