The UN Regional Course in International Law for Africa offers professional training in Addis Ababa. The 2027 course runs from 15 March to 7 April. Fellowship places cover key participation costs.
The course is for experienced legal professionals from eligible African states. It is not a general scholarship for current law students. Applications close on 30 October 2026.
UN Regional Course in International Law for Africa Details
The course is organised with Ethiopia, the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa. It brings practitioners together for intensive international-law training.
Selected participants must attend the entire course. A candidate who can only attend particular sessions should not assume a partial-attendance exception.
Organiser | UN Office of Legal Affairs, Codification Division |
|---|---|
Venue | ECA facilities, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
Dates | 15 March–7 April 2027 |
Language | English |
Capacity | Up to 30, including some self-funded places |
Deadline | 30 October 2026 |
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Always recheck the official source before submitting an application.
Benefits and Funding Conditions
Fellowships cover travel, accommodation, meals, medical insurance and training materials. A modest stipend supports other living expenses under UN rules.
Self-funded places use the same selection process but have different cost obligations. For other law-related routes, compare the Human Rights Essay Award and LawAI Summer Fellowship. Applicants considering a longer academic route can also review Bath postgraduate funding; subject eligibility differs.
UN Regional Course in International Law for Africa Eligibility
Applicants need a legal background, professional experience in international law and fluency in English. Eligible candidates come from UN Member States that belong to the African regional group.
Academics and professionals from qualifying organisations can apply; government employment is not the only route. Current UN staff are ineligible, and female candidates are encouraged.
Required Documents and Preparation
Use the current official application form and brochure. A sponsoring institution must complete the relevant parts of the form, even when the applicant sends it directly.
Explain how the training relates to existing duties. Selection considers qualifications, professional responsibilities, relevance and gender balance rather than nationality alone.
How to Apply
The completed form can be sent directly to the Codification Division under its instructions. Follow the form’s current submission details and obtain the required institutional sections.
There is no UN application or selection fee. Do not confuse selection for a self-funded place with an award covering travel and accommodation.
Application Deadline
Applications close on 30 October 2026. The checked official pages do not publish a closing hour or timezone.
The March–April dates describe attendance, not an additional application period. Submit early enough to resolve missing institutional information.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers clarify the funding and application decisions that matter for this opportunity. They distinguish confirmed terms from details that require individual confirmation.
Read the current official instructions before submitting your file. Admission and funding decisions may involve different checks, even when they share one application route.
Can a current law student apply?
The course is for professionals with practical international-law experience. The FAQ says it is not designed for students.
Must my government nominate me?
No. An eligible employer or affiliated institution can provide the required nomination support.
Can I attend only one week?
No. Selected participants undertake to attend the course in full.
Do all selected participants receive funding?
No. Limited self-funded places are available and have different cost obligations.
Is there an application fee?
No. The UN does not charge at any stage of this application and selection process.
Conclusion
The UN Regional Course in International Law for Africa offers focused development for eligible legal practitioners. Professional relevance and attendance availability should guide the application.
Complete the institutional sections and distinguish funded from self-funded costs. Use the official form and submit before 30 October.
