United Nations Regional Course in International Law 2026 (Santiago, Chile): Fully Funded Training for Legal Professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean

The United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Latin America and the Caribbean 2026 is now accepting applications. Organized by the Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs in cooperation with the Government of Chile and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), this prestigious training programme provides intensive instruction in public international law for qualified legal professionals in the region.

The 2026 edition will take place in Santiago, Chile, from 6 to 29 May 2026 at the facilities of ECLAC.

Application Deadline: 9 March 2026

This highly competitive programme accommodates up to 25 participants, including a limited number of self-funded participants.

Overview of the United Nations Regional Course in International Law

The Regional Course in International Law forms part of the United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law. The programme is designed to strengthen capacity in international law at the regional level by providing advanced training to legal professionals engaged in governmental, academic, judicial, or institutional roles.

The 2026 course will be conducted in English and hosted at ECLAC headquarters in Santiago, Chile.

The course is structured to enhance understanding of key areas of international law while facilitating exchange among professionals from across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Objectives of the Programme

The United Nations Regional Course aims to:

• Promote deeper knowledge of international law

• Strengthen institutional capacity in Member States

• Encourage regional cooperation and exchange

• Support the effective implementation of international legal norms

• Provide exposure to UN legal work and processes

Participants engage with distinguished lecturers, practitioners, and experts in public international law.

Duration and Format

Location: Santiago, Chile
Venue: ECLAC Headquarters
Dates: 6 – 29 May 2026
Language of Instruction: English

The programme runs for approximately three weeks and requires full attendance. Selected participants must commit to attending the entire course without exception.

Financial Arrangements

Fellowship Participants

Participants selected to receive a fellowship will have the following covered:

• Round-trip economy class travel

• Accommodation

• Breakfast and lunch

• Medical insurance

• Training materials

In addition, fellowship recipients receive a modest stipend to cover local living expenses such as food and public transportation. The stipend is calculated according to United Nations regulations and reflects local cost-of-living standards.

Accommodation is provided free of charge.

The fellowship includes medical insurance; however, participants should note that some medical facilities may require advance payment for services.

Self-Funded Participants

A limited number of spaces are available for self-funded participants.

Self-funded participants must cover:

• Travel costs

• Accommodation

• Medical insurance

• Living expenses

Training materials are provided to all participants, regardless of funding status.

Fellowship and self-funded participants undergo the same selection process and have equal rights and responsibilities during the course.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the 2026 Regional Course, candidates must:

• Have a legal background

• Possess professional experience in international law

• Be fluent in English

• Certify availability for the full duration of the course

The course is open exclusively to candidates from Member States belonging to the Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC) at the United Nations.

Current United Nations staff members are not eligible.

The programme is designed for professionals, not students. Individuals who are still studying without practical experience in international law are not suitable candidates.

Who Can Apply?

The Regional Course is open to:

• Government officials

• Members of the judiciary

• Legal advisors

• Academics

• Professionals from intergovernmental organizations

• Professionals from non-governmental organizations engaged in international law activities

Candidates who are not government officials may be nominated by their employing or affiliated institution.

Countries are encouraged to nominate multiple candidates. However, being the sole nominee from a country does not automatically increase chances of selection.

Selection Process

Selection is conducted by the Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs.

When selecting participants, the following factors are considered:

• Academic and professional qualifications

• Scope of professional duties

• Relevance of the training to current professional responsibilities

• Gender balance

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

There is no application fee at any stage of the process. The United Nations does not request bank account information during the application or selection stages.

Application Process

Candidates must complete the official application form and submit required documentation by the deadline.

Application Deadline: 9 March 2026

Applications are submitted directly to the Codification Division of the Office of Legal Affairs. Sponsoring institutions must complete relevant sections of the application form, but candidates may submit the completed form themselves.

Applicants who were not selected in previous years may reapply, provided they submit a new and complete application.

Click HERE to get the application form.

Learn more about this fellowship programme HERE.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to submit my application through my government?

No. While a sponsoring institution must complete certain sections of the form, candidates may submit the completed application directly to the Codification Division.

Can only governments nominate candidates?

No. The course is open to professionals from academia, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and similar institutions engaged in international law activities.

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

Both categories go through the same selection process and participate equally in the programme. Fellowship recipients receive financial support; self-funded participants cover their own costs.

What does the fellowship stipend cover?

The stipend reflects local living costs, including food and public transport. It provides a modest but adequate living standard during the course.

Can students apply?

No. The course is designed for professionals with practical experience in international law.

Can I attend only part of the course?

No. Participants must attend the entire programme.

Can I reapply if I was not selected previously?

Yes, provided you submit a new application.

Historical Context and Previous Courses

The Regional Course in International Law has a long history of strengthening international legal expertise in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Recent editions were held in:

• 2025: Santiago, Chile

• 2024: Santiago, Chile

• 2023: Santiago, Chile

• 2019: Santiago, Chile

• 2018: Santiago, Chile

• 2017: Santiago, Chile

• 2016: Montevideo, Uruguay

Earlier editions were held in Quito, Brasilia, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Nassau, Caracas, and other regional capitals.

The programme continues to serve as a cornerstone of UN capacity-building efforts in international law.

Contact Information

For additional information:

Email: rcil-laac@un.org
Organizer: Codification Division, United Nations Office of Legal Affairs