Frequently asked questions

Do I have to submit my application via my sponsoring institution or my Government?

No. Your sponsoring institution has to fill out certain parts of your application form, but you can send the completed form directly to the Codification Division of the Office of Legal Affairs.

Can only Governments nominate candidates to attend the Regional Course?

No. The Regional Course is also open to academia and professionals from intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and similar institutions engaged in international law activities in the relevant region. Current staff members of the United Nations are not eligible. Candidates who are not government officials can be nominated by the institution which they work for or with which they are affiliated.

What is the difference between fellowship participants and self-funded participants?

Fellowship participants and self-funded participants are selected through the same application process, and are subject to the same selection criteria. They have the same rights and obligations in the Regional Course, attend the same lectures, participate in the same activities, and receive the same certificate at the end of the course.

For participants receiving a fellowship, the fellowship will cover travel, accommodation, medical insurance, participation in the Regional Course and the training materials. Fellowship recipients will also receive a modest stipend to cover other living expenses in accordance with the policies and procedures governing the administration of United Nations fellowships.

For self-funded participants, costs associated with their participation in the Regional Course (e.g. travel, medical insurance, accommodation, living expenses) will not be covered. However, training material are provided for all participants.

What does the stipend provided for fellowship participants cover?

The stipend that fellowship participants receive reflects local living costs (food, public transport, etc.) and suffices for a decent but by no means luxurious living standard. Accommodation is provided without charge. The stipend rates are set by United Nations regulations and can vary significantly from year to year, depending on the US Dollar exchange rate.

The fellowship covers medical insurance; however, many medical institutions require advance payment for services. The stipend does not include funds for such advance payments and selected fellows should therefore bear this in mind when preparing for their stay.

Does it make sense to apply for the Regional Course for someone who is still a student?

No, the Regional Courses provide training for professionals who have acquired some practical experience in the field of international law.

I have applied for the Regional Courses in the past, but was not selected. Can I re-apply this year?

Yes. You will, however, have to submit a new complete application to the Codification Division of the Office of Legal Affairs.

Is it possible to attend only part of the Regional Course or only those courses that are of particular interest to me?

No. If selected, you undertake to attend the Regional Course in its entirety, without exception.

Can the same country nominate several candidates?

Yes. Countries are strongly encouraged to nominate several candidates, as long as they all meet the required qualifications. Please note that a candidate’s chances do not necessarily increase if he or she is the only applicant from a specific country.

 

 
Downloads:
Brochure
Application form
   
Links:
Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law
International Law Fellowship Programme
Audiovisual Library of international law