Applications are officially open for the prestigious United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Africa 2027. Organized by the Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) in close collaboration with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the African Union (AU), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), this flagship program delivers rigorous, world-class training in public international law.
The 2027 in-person session will be hosted at the diplomatic headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 15 March to 7 April 2027. The course will be conducted entirely in English. The application deadline is 30 October 2026.
This comprehensive Opportunity Station guide provides authoritative, original coverage of the 2027 UN Regional Course, detailing fellowship entitlements, eligibility guidelines, curriculum modules, and step-by-step application instructions.
Quick Facts - UN Regional Course in International Law for Africa 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Title | United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Africa 2027 |
| Organizing Body | Codification Division, United Nations Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) |
| Co-organizers | Government of Ethiopia, African Union (AU), UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) |
| Mandate | UN Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law (UNGA Res 2099 XX) |
| Host City & Country | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
| Venue | UNECA Facilities / Africa Hall Complex, Addis Ababa |
| Program Dates | 15 March - 7 April 2027 (in-person) |
| Working Language | English (2027 edition) |
| Capacity | Up to 30 participants (fellowship awardees + select self-funded candidates) |
| Financial Support | Fully Funded UN Fellowships Available (Airfare, accommodation, meals, insurance, materials, and living stipend) |
| Application Deadline | 30 October 2026 |
| Official Portal | legal.un.org/poa/rcil/africa/ |
| Application Email | rcil-africa@un.org |
Program Background & Objectives
The United Nations Regional Courses in International Law are conducted under the United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law, established by General Assembly resolution 2099 (XX) on 20 December 1965. The initiative aims to deepen knowledge of international law across member states, bolster the rule of law, strengthen international peace and security, and advance sustainable multilateral cooperation.
The course convenes distinguished international law jurists, judges, prominent scholars, and senior practitioners from diverse regions and legal traditions. Over three intensive weeks, participants explore core public international law disciplines alongside emerging legal challenges of critical relevance to Africa.
Curriculum & Thematic Modules
The academic curriculum combines foundational lectures, interactive seminars, case studies, and practical workshops covering:
- Foundations of International Law: International legal theory, sovereign equality, principles of customary international law, and judicial precedent.
- Law of Treaties: Negotiation, drafting, ratification, reservation regimes, interpretation, and termination under the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT).
- State Responsibility: Legal responsibility of states for internationally wrongful acts and remedies.
- Peaceful Settlement of Disputes: Conciliation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
- African Union Legal Architecture: The Constitutive Act of the AU, regional integration frameworks, peace and security architecture, and African human rights jurisprudence.
- International Human Rights & Humanitarian Law: Universal and regional human rights charters, Geneva Conventions, and protection of vulnerable populations.
- International Criminal Law: Accountability for atrocity crimes, hybrid tribunals, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) framework.
- Law of the Sea & Maritime Security: The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), exclusive economic zones (EEZ), maritime delimitation, and blue economy governance.
- International Environmental & Climate Change Law: Multilateral environmental treaties, climate litigation, biodiversity protocols, and sustainable resource extraction.
- International Trade, Investment & AfCFTA: Legal mechanics of the African Continental Free Trade Area, bilateral investment treaties (BITs), and investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS).
Financial Support & Fellowship Benefits
The United Nations provides competitive, fully funded fellowships to qualified candidates from the African Group. For fellowship recipients, benefits include:
- Travel Coverage: Round-trip economy class international airfare between the participant's home country and Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD).
- Accommodations: Hotel lodging in Addis Ababa arranged by the United Nations for the full duration of the course.
- Meals: Comprehensive meal coverage during the program.
- Medical Insurance: Basic medical insurance coverage for the training period in Ethiopia.
- Training Materials: Complete set of hard-copy and electronic legal course materials, United Nations treaty collections, and reference books.
- Living Stipend: A modest living allowance/per diem granted in accordance with United Nations fellowship administration policies to assist with incidental expenses.
Self-Funded Option: A limited number of places are reserved for qualified candidates whose governments, academic institutions, or international employers cover all expenses (airfare, accommodation, meals, insurance, and per diem). Training materials are provided free of charge to all attendees.
Eligibility & Target Audience
Candidates must meet the following mandatory criteria:
- Nationality: Open exclusively to candidates from Member States of the United Nations that are members of the African Group (all 54 African UN member nations).
- Educational Background: A degree in law (LL.B., LL.M., Ph.D., or equivalent recognized legal qualification).
- Professional Experience: Substantial professional experience in public international law or international legal affairs. The course targets:
- Government legal advisers and diplomats serving in Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice, or regional integration.
- Judges, public prosecutors, and parliamentary legal officers.
- Law academics, professors, and researchers from recognized African faculties of law.
- Legal practitioners and officers from African regional economic communities (RECs), intergovernmental bodies, or relevant non-governmental organizations.
- Language Fluency: Complete fluency in written and spoken English. Non-native speakers whose legal education was not in English must provide verified evidence of proficiency.
- Full Attendance Commitment: Applicants must formally certify that they will attend the entire three-week course in Addis Ababa without absence.
- Gender & Inclusivity: The United Nations strictly promotes gender parity and geographic representation. Qualified female legal professionals are strongly urged to apply.
- Ineligibility Note: Current staff members of the United Nations secretariat or agencies are not eligible.
Required Application Documents
Candidates must compile and submit the official application package in English consisting of:
- Official UN Application Form: Completed in full, detailing personal information, academic qualifications, publication history, and professional background.
- Institutional Endorsement / Nomination: Form Part II must be signed and stamped by an authorized official from your sponsoring government ministry, university, or employing institution.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailed professional resume highlighting international law experience, research publications, or relevant litigation/advisory work.
- Proof of Legal Qualifications: Scanned copies of university law degrees, diplomas, or academic transcripts.
- English Language Proficiency Proof: Language test certificate, diploma from an English-medium law school, or certified employer letter affirming working English fluency (if mother tongue is not English).
How to Apply Step-by-Step
- Download the Application Form: Obtain the official MS Word application document directly from the Codification Division application link.
- Fill Out Your Credentials: Complete all personal, educational, and professional sections electronically in MS Word.
- Secure Institutional Signature: Have your sponsoring ministry, court, university, or organization sign and stamp the nomination/recommendation section.
- Prepare Two Application Form Formats: In accordance with United Nations regulations, prepare two copies:
- One scanned electronic copy of the signed and stamped original (PDF format).
- One electronic editable version in MS Word (.docx/.doc).
- Transmit by Email: Email both files, along with degree certificates and language verification, directly to the UN Codification Division at rcil-africa@un.org before 30 October 2026.
- Zero Application Fee: The United Nations never charges any application, registration, or processing fee at any stage of the fellowship selection.
Official Links & Resources
- Official UN Information Page: UN Regional Courses in International Law - Africa Portal
- Application Procedures & Qualifications: UN RCIL Africa Application Guidelines
- Official 2027 Course Brochure (PDF): Download UN RCIL Africa 2027 Brochure (English)
- Official Application Form (.docx): Download 2027 Application Form
- Frequently Asked Questions: Codification Division Africa Course FAQs
- Contact Email: rcil-africa@un.org
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- Global Investigative Journalism Conference (GIJC) Fellowship 2027
- Africa-China Post-Doctoral Fellowship 2027-2028
- True Story Award 2027 for Journalists ($20,000 Prize)
- Ban Ki-moon Foundation Green Jobs Mentorship Program 2026
- Browse all funded fellowships on Opportunity Station
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Africa?
It is an annual intensive in-person training program organized under the UN Programme of Assistance in International Law by the Codification Division of the UN Office of Legal Affairs. The 2027 edition takes place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, hosted at the facilities of the UN Economic Commission for Africa.
When does the 2027 Africa Regional Course take place?
The course will run from 15 March to 7 April 2027 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It will be conducted entirely in English.
Who is eligible to apply for this fellowship?
Legal professionals, diplomats, government legal advisers, judges, law lecturers, and NGO/IGO legal officers who are citizens of African Group Member States of the United Nations with professional experience in international law and fluency in English.
What costs does the UN fellowship cover?
Fellowships cover round-trip international travel, accommodation in Addis Ababa, meals, basic medical insurance, course study materials, and a modest stipend for personal incidental living costs.
Are self-funded candidates accepted?
Yes. A limited number of self-funded spots are available for applicants whose employers or governments finance travel, lodging, insurance, and per diem. Course materials are provided free of charge.
Do I need government nomination to apply?
Your sponsoring institution (government ministry, supreme court, national university faculty of law, or regional organization) must complete and sign the endorsement section of the application form. Current UN staff members are not eligible.
What is the deadline and how do I submit?
Applications must be submitted by email to rcil-africa@un.org no later than 30 October 2026. You must attach both a signed scanned PDF copy and an editable MS Word copy of the completed application form.
