Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Africa is a prestigious professional development programme organised by the Codification Division of the UN Office of Legal Affairs. The 2027 edition provides specialised training in international law for legal professionals from African member states of the United Nations.
This intensive course forms part of the UN’s Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law. It is designed to strengthen capacity in international law across the African continent and foster professional networks among practitioners.
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What the Course Covers
The Regional Course delivers advanced instruction in public international law, equipping participants with practical knowledge applicable to their professional responsibilities. While the specific 2027 curriculum is not detailed in available materials, previous courses have addressed:
- Sources of international law and treaty interpretation
- State responsibility and international dispute settlement
- International humanitarian law and human rights law
- Law of the sea and maritime boundaries
- International criminal law and the International Criminal Court
- International trade law and investment arbitration
- United Nations institutional law and practice
Participants gain exposure to the work of the International Law Commission and contemporary developments in codification and progressive development of international law.
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Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must satisfy all of the following criteria:
- Legal background: Hold a law degree or equivalent qualification demonstrating formal legal training
- Professional experience: Have practical experience working in the field of international law
- Language proficiency: Be fluent in English, the language of instruction for the 2027 course
- Nationality: Be a national of a UN Member State that is also a member of the African Group
- Availability: Certify ability to attend the entire duration of the course
The course accommodates up to 30 participants. Selection considers qualifications, scope of professional duties, relevance of training to current responsibilities, and gender balance. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Financial Arrangements
The United Nations provides comprehensive support for selected participants:
- Full coverage of course-related costs
- Travel expenses to and from the course venue
- Accommodation and subsistence allowance during the programme
The UN explicitly confirms that it charges no fees at any stage of application or selection. Candidates are never asked for banking information.
Application Process
Applications for the 2027 course are now open. Follow these steps:
- Download the official application form (English only) from the UN Office of Legal Affairs website
- Complete all required sections with accurate professional and educational information
- Prepare supporting documentation demonstrating legal qualifications and international law experience
- Submit your application before the deadline of 30 October 2026
- Await notification of selection results through official UN channels
Applications must be submitted in English. Incomplete submissions or those received after the deadline will not be considered.
Selection Criteria
The selection panel evaluates candidates against multiple factors:
- Strength of legal qualifications and academic record
- Depth and relevance of professional experience in international law
- Alignment between the course content and the applicant’s current duties
- Potential contribution to international law capacity in the applicant’s home country
- Gender balance across the participant cohort
Preference is given to candidates whose professional roles will be directly enhanced by the training, enabling them to apply acquired knowledge in their ongoing work.
Why African Practitioners Should Apply
For legal professionals from Zimbabwe and other SADC countries, this course offers exceptional value:
- Direct access to UN legal expertise and institutional knowledge
- Networking with international law practitioners from across Africa
- Enhanced credentials for government, academic, or international organisation positions
- Practical skills applicable to treaty negotiation, dispute resolution, and legal advisory work
- No financial burden—full funding removes barriers to participation
The course particularly benefits government legal advisers, diplomatic service lawyers, academics teaching international law, and practitioners in international organisations or NGOs.
Important Notes
Selected candidates must commit to full attendance. Partial participation is not permitted. The UN does not process applications through intermediaries or charge fees—beware of fraudulent communications claiming otherwise.
The 2027 course language is English. Candidates should assess their language proficiency honestly, as the intensive nature of the programme requires strong comprehension and participation skills.
Official scholarship page: https://legal.un.org/poa/rcil/africa/application.html
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships