The United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Africa 2027 is an opportunity for qualified legal professionals, government officials, academics, and other practitioners working in international law to deepen their knowledge of international legal principles, United Nations institutions, and the legal frameworks that shape international cooperation. Organised by the Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs in collaboration with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the African Union, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the course will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 15 March to 7 April 2027.
The programme is designed particularly for professionals from developing countries and countries with emerging economies who want to strengthen their understanding of international law and apply that knowledge in their professional responsibilities. Through seminars, expert-led presentations, interactive discussions, and the exchange of professional experiences, participants will have the opportunity to explore important legal questions affecting international relations, diplomacy, human rights, international peace and security, regional cooperation, and global governance.
The application process for the 2027 edition is now open, and interested candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications before the 30 October 2026 deadline. A limited number of selected participants will receive fellowships covering major participation costs, while a limited number of places will also be available for applicants who can finance their own participation.
Overview of the United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Africa 2027
The following information summarises the main details of the programme.
- Programme: United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Africa 2027
- Organiser: Codification Division, United Nations Office of Legal Affairs
- Partner institutions: Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, African Union, and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
- Location: Economic Commission for Africa facilities, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Course dates: 15 March to 7 April 2027
- Duration: Approximately three and a half weeks
- Language of instruction: English
- Number of participants: Up to 30
- Funding arrangements: Fellowships for selected participants, alongside a limited number of self-funded places
- Application deadline: 30 October 2026
About the United Nations Regional Course in International Law
The United Nations Regional Courses in International Law are organised by the Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs under the United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law. The programme was established through United Nations General Assembly resolution 2099 (XX) of 20 December 1965 and has continued under subsequent mandates, including General Assembly resolution 74/185 of 18 December 2019.
The Regional Courses were introduced to support the teaching, study, dissemination, and wider understanding of international law. They provide opportunities for qualified professionals to engage with leading scholars and experienced practitioners, strengthen their legal knowledge, and develop a deeper understanding of the work of the United Nations and its associated institutions.
The regional courses cover core subjects of international law as well as issues that are particularly important to the regions in which they are held. Their interactive format encourages participants to exchange experiences, compare legal and institutional practices, and discuss the challenges encountered in their respective professional environments.
The Regional Course for Africa is especially relevant to professionals whose work involves international legal affairs, government administration, diplomacy, international cooperation, legal education, regional institutions, and the implementation or interpretation of international legal instruments.
A programme with a long history of international legal training
The United Nations Regional Courses in International Law have been held periodically since 1967. Historically, their organisation depended on the willingness of governments to host the courses and on voluntary contributions to fund them. More than 35 regional courses have been held in different countries over the programme’s history.
Since regular-budget funding for the courses began in 2016, the United Nations has organised annual regional courses for Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
The African course has been hosted in Addis Ababa in recent years, in cooperation with the Ethiopian government, the African Union, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Earlier editions were also held in countries including Ghana, Tanzania, Liberia, Egypt, Namibia, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, historically referred to as Zaire in the programme’s records.
This history demonstrates the programme’s continuing role in promoting international legal education and supporting professionals who work with international law across different legal systems and regions.
What Is the Purpose of the 2027 Regional Course?
The central objective of the United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Africa is to enable qualified professionals, particularly government officials and teachers of international law from developing countries and countries with emerging economies, to deepen their understanding of international law and the legal work of the United Nations and related bodies.
The programme is intended to strengthen both theoretical knowledge and professional understanding. Participants are introduced to important international legal rules, institutions, procedures, and principles through seminars delivered by recognised scholars and practitioners.
The course also creates a setting in which participants can discuss how international law relates to their own professional responsibilities. For example, government officials may consider how treaty obligations affect national policy, while university lecturers may explore ways to improve the teaching of international law. Legal professionals working with regional or international organisations may gain a stronger understanding of the legal frameworks governing cooperation among states and institutions.
The main objectives include:
- Strengthening knowledge of international law: Participants deepen their understanding of the principles and rules that govern relations among states and other international actors.
- Improving understanding of the United Nations legal system: The course introduces participants to the legal work of the United Nations, its institutions, and associated bodies.
- Developing professional capacity: Participants strengthen their ability to understand and engage with international legal questions relevant to their work.
- Encouraging regional cooperation: Interactive discussions allow participants from different professional and national backgrounds to share experiences and compare approaches to common legal challenges.
- Supporting international legal education: The programme contributes to the teaching, study, and dissemination of international law, particularly among professionals in developing countries and countries with emerging economies.
- Promoting informed professional practice: By engaging with experts and peers, participants can develop a more comprehensive understanding of international legal instruments, institutions, and processes.
Course Location, Dates, Duration, and Language
The 2027 Regional Course in International Law for Africa will be held in person at the facilities of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The course is scheduled to run from 15 March to 7 April 2027. Applicants should therefore be prepared to participate throughout the entire programme rather than attend only selected sessions.
English will be the language of instruction for the 2027 edition. Candidates must be able to follow the seminars, understand the course materials, and participate effectively in discussions conducted in English.
The course can accommodate up to 30 participants. This includes a limited number of places for self-funded participants. Since the number of available places is limited, applicants should ensure that their professional background, experience, language proficiency, and motivation are clearly presented in their applications.
What Will Participants Learn? Course Content and Main Areas of International Law
The Regional Course consists of seminars delivered by prominent international law scholars and practitioners from different regions and legal systems. Its curriculum may cover a broad range of subjects, depending on the programme designed for the relevant edition.
The following topics are among the subjects that may be included in the Regional Courses:
1. Introduction to International Law
Participants may examine the foundations of international law, including its sources, principles, legal authority, and role in regulating relations among states and other international actors. This provides a basis for understanding more specialised areas of international legal practice.
2. Treaty Law
Treaty law concerns international agreements and the rules governing their conclusion, interpretation, application, and termination. Knowledge of treaty law is particularly relevant to government officials, diplomats, legal advisers, and professionals involved in international negotiations or the implementation of international obligations.
3. State Responsibility
This subject considers the legal consequences that may arise when a state breaches an international obligation. It is relevant to understanding questions of international accountability, reparation, and the legal consequences of conduct attributable to states.
4. International Peace and Security
Participants may study the international legal framework for maintaining peace and security, including the role of the United Nations and the legal principles relevant to responses to threats to international peace.
5. Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes
This area examines the legal methods available for resolving disputes between states and other relevant actors. Topics may include negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and judicial settlement.
6. Diplomatic and Consular Law
Diplomatic and consular law is particularly relevant to foreign ministries, diplomatic missions, consular officials, and international relations professionals. It concerns the legal framework governing diplomatic relations, consular functions, privileges, and immunities.
7. International Organisations
Participants may explore the legal status, powers, responsibilities, and functioning of international organisations. This can help professionals understand the legal basis of cooperation through multilateral institutions.
8. United Nations Institutions and Law-Making
The course may examine the institutional structure of the United Nations and the legal processes through which international rules and standards are developed. This is useful for professionals involved in multilateral negotiations, international policy, or the implementation of United Nations decisions.
9. The Work of the International Law Commission
The International Law Commission contributes to the progressive development of international law and its codification. Studying its work can help participants understand how international legal principles are examined, formulated, and developed.
10. African Union Law and Institutions
This subject addresses the legal frameworks and institutional structures of the African Union. It is especially relevant to African government officials, regional policy professionals, legal advisers, academics, and others working on continental integration and regional cooperation.
11. Organisation of American States Law and Institutions
Although the African course has a regional focus, the wider Regional Courses may also address the law and institutions of other regional organisations, including the Organisation of American States, depending on the curriculum.
12. International Human Rights Law
International human rights law concerns the rights and freedoms recognised under international legal instruments and the obligations of states and other relevant actors. This area is important for legal practitioners, public officials, academics, and professionals working on rights protection and public policy.
13. Movements of Persons
The course may address legal questions relating to the movement of people across borders. Depending on the curriculum, this subject can connect with migration, international protection, and the legal responsibilities of states.
14. International Humanitarian Law
International humanitarian law regulates conduct during armed conflict and seeks to limit its humanitarian consequences. Knowledge of this area is relevant to professionals working on conflict, humanitarian affairs, international justice, and related legal issues.
15. International Criminal Law
International criminal law examines the legal framework for addressing certain serious crimes under international law, as well as the institutions and procedures associated with international criminal accountability.
16. International Environmental Law
This field concerns international legal principles and agreements relating to environmental protection and cooperation. It may be relevant to professionals working on climate policy, environmental governance, natural resources, and transboundary environmental challenges.
17. International Watercourses
International watercourse law addresses legal questions associated with shared rivers and other transboundary water resources. This subject is relevant to regional cooperation, water governance, resource management, and relations among states that share water systems.
18. Law of the Sea
The law of the sea governs various uses of maritime spaces and resources, including the legal rights and obligations of states in different maritime zones. It is relevant to maritime governance, shipping, marine resources, and international cooperation.
19. International Trade Law
International trade law examines the legal frameworks governing trade between countries. It is relevant to professionals working on trade policy, economic relations, international agreements, and trade-related dispute resolution.
20. International Investment Law
International investment law concerns legal rules and agreements governing cross-border investment and related relationships between states and investors. Understanding this field can benefit professionals involved in investment policy, economic diplomacy, and international commercial affairs.
21. Legal Research
Legal research involves identifying, analysing, interpreting, and applying legal materials. This area is particularly relevant to academics, legal advisers, researchers, government officials, and other professionals who must prepare evidence-based legal analysis.
22. Legal Drafting
Legal drafting concerns the preparation of clear and accurate legal documents. The skills involved may be useful when working on legal memoranda, policy documents, international agreements, official communications, and other professional materials.
Important: The United Nations describes these as subjects that the Regional Courses may cover. The complete list should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every subject will appear in the 2027 African course. Applicants should consult the official programme brochure and any published curriculum for the confirmed details of the 2027 edition.
Teaching Method and Participation Expectations
The Regional Course is delivered through interactive seminars and discussions rather than relying exclusively on one-way lectures. Sessions are led by international law scholars and practitioners with expertise in different legal systems and areas of international law.
Participants are expected to contribute to discussions on the subjects included in the course curriculum. They should therefore be ready to engage with the materials, ask questions, exchange professional experiences, and consider how the legal principles discussed relate to their work.
This format is intended to encourage a meaningful exchange of views among participants from different countries and professional backgrounds. It also provides opportunities to learn how international legal questions are understood and addressed in different institutional and national settings.
At the beginning of the course, each participant receives a comprehensive set of training materials to keep. These materials are intended to support learning throughout the programme and can serve as a useful professional reference after the course concludes.
Certificates are awarded only to participants who complete the Regional Course in its entirety. Applicants must therefore be confident that they can attend the full programme from 15 March to 7 April 2027.
Fellowship Funding: What Expenses Are Covered?
One of the important features of the Regional Course is the availability of fellowships for selected participants. The programme also offers a limited number of places for self-funded applicants.
The financial arrangements differ depending on whether a participant receives a fellowship or is selected to attend at their own expense. Applicants should understand these differences before applying.
Fellowship support for selected participants
For participants who receive a fellowship, the United Nations states that the fellowship covers the following expenses:
- Travel expenses.
- Accommodation.
- Meals.
- Medical insurance.
- Participation in the Regional Course.
- Training materials.
Fellowship recipients also receive a modest stipend to help cover other living expenses in accordance with the policies and procedures governing United Nations fellowships.
The stipend is intended to contribute towards expenses such as food and local public transportation. The United Nations explains that the allowance reflects local living costs and is intended to support a reasonable, modest standard of living rather than a luxurious one. Accommodation is provided without charge for fellowship recipients.
The applicable stipend rates are governed by United Nations regulations and may vary from year to year. The amount should therefore be confirmed through the official programme information rather than assumed from figures published for previous editions.
Important considerations about medical expenses
Although medical insurance is included in the fellowship arrangements, participants should be aware that some medical institutions require payment before providing services. The stipend does not include funds specifically intended to cover such advance payments.
Selected participants should take this into account when preparing for their stay in Addis Ababa and review the relevant insurance and reimbursement arrangements before travelling.
Self-funded participation
A limited number of places will be available for applicants who can finance their own participation.
Self-funded participants are responsible for the costs associated with attending the course, including:
- Travel to and from Addis Ababa.
- Accommodation.
- Meals and other living expenses.
- Medical insurance.
- Other personal expenses associated with participation.
Training materials are provided to all participants, including those who finance their own participation.
Self-funded participants attend the same lectures, participate in the same activities, and are subject to the same selection criteria and course requirements as fellowship recipients. They have the same rights and obligations within the programme and receive the same certificate upon successful completion of the entire course.
A fellowship is not guaranteed for every applicant. Candidates should clearly distinguish between applying for the course and being selected to receive financial support. The official application information and financial-arrangements page should be reviewed carefully before a candidate decides which financial option is realistic.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for the 2027 Course?
The United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Africa is intended for qualified professionals who have a legal background and professional experience in international law. It is not designed as a general introductory course for students who have not yet gained practical experience in the field.
To be considered, candidates must meet the relevant professional and language requirements.
1. Legal background
Applicants should have a legal background. Their education, professional responsibilities, or relevant experience should demonstrate a connection to law and legal practice, particularly international law.
2. Professional experience in international law
Candidates must have professional experience in the field of international law. The programme is intended for working professionals who have already acquired practical experience, rather than students seeking their first exposure to the subject.
Relevant professional responsibilities may include work involving international legal affairs, legal research, treaty-related matters, diplomatic or consular affairs, international organisations, legal education, international cooperation, or other activities connected with international law. These examples help illustrate potentially relevant work; the official selection criteria remain controlling.
3. English-language proficiency
The 2027 course will be conducted in English. Applicants must be fluent in English and able to follow the course, understand training materials, participate in seminars, and contribute to discussions.
4. Ability to attend the entire course
Applicants must be able to certify that they can attend the programme in its entirety. The course runs from 15 March to 7 April 2027, and partial attendance is not permitted for selected participants.
5. Professional relevance
The selection process takes into account the relevance of the course to the candidate’s professional duties. Applicants should therefore explain how the training relates to their current work and how the knowledge gained could support their responsibilities.
6. Government, academic, and institutional applicants
The programme is particularly intended for government officials and teachers of international law from developing countries and countries with emerging economies. However, applications are not restricted to government officials.
According to the programme’s frequently asked questions, academics and professionals from intergovernmental organisations, non-governmental organisations, and similar institutions engaged in relevant international law activities may also apply.
Current staff members of the United Nations are not eligible.
Which Countries Can Apply? Geographic Eligibility for the African Regional Course
The 2027 Regional Course in International Law for Africa is open to candidates from United Nations Member States that are also members of the African Group.
This is an important eligibility requirement. The course is regionally focused, and an applicant’s nationality or country eligibility must fall within the specified group. Applicants should consult the United Nations’ official list of regional groups to confirm whether their country meets this requirement.
The course is intended particularly to strengthen the professional knowledge of participants from developing countries and countries with emerging economies. Nevertheless, the formal geographic eligibility rule is that the candidate must come from a UN Member State that is also a member of the African Group.
The programme is therefore not described as an open application for nationals of every country worldwide. Candidates should verify their country’s eligibility before completing the application.
Are applicants from Ghana eligible?
Ghana is an African country and a member of the United Nations. Applicants from Ghana should still verify the current African Group membership list and meet all the course’s professional, language, and attendance requirements. Geographic eligibility alone does not guarantee selection.
Are women encouraged to apply?
Yes. The United Nations states that female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The selection process also gives due consideration to gender balance, alongside candidates’ qualifications, professional responsibilities, and the relevance of the training to their work.
Can applicants from universities, NGOs, and intergovernmental organisations apply?
Yes. The course is not restricted to government nominees. Academics and professionals from intergovernmental organisations, non-governmental organisations, and similar institutions engaged in international law activities in the relevant region may also be considered. Candidates who are not government officials may be nominated by the institution where they work or with which they are affiliated.
How Are Participants Selected?
The United Nations considers several factors when selecting participants for the Regional Course. These include:
- The candidate’s academic and professional qualifications.
- The scope and nature of the candidate’s professional duties.
- The relevance of the course to the candidate’s professional responsibilities.
- Gender balance.
- Whether the candidate meets the language and full-attendance requirements.
- The limited number of places available.
The course can accommodate up to 30 participants, including a limited number of self-funded participants. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not automatically guarantee admission or a fellowship.
Applicants should make sure that their application accurately describes their legal background, relevant professional experience, institutional affiliation, and reasons for wanting to participate in the course.
How to Apply for the United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Africa 2027
The application process is open, and the deadline is 30 October 2026. Applicants should begin by reviewing the official information and preparing the required application form.
Step 1: Read the official programme information
Visit the official page for the Regional Course in International Law for Africa:
https://legal.un.org/poa/rcil/africa/index.html
Review the programme details, eligibility requirements, financial arrangements, frequently asked questions, and contact information. Applicants should make sure they understand the full-attendance requirement and the distinction between fellowship-supported and self-funded participation.
Step 2: Download the application form
The official application form is available in English at the following link:
https://legal.un.org/poa/rcil/documents/application_form_rcil_africa_2027.docx
Download the form and review its instructions carefully. The form contains information that must be completed by the applicant and certain information that must be provided by the sponsoring institution.
Step 3: Complete the application accurately
Provide accurate information about your legal background, professional experience, employment or institutional affiliation, and professional responsibilities. Explain how the course relates to your work in international law.
Applicants should ensure that the information provided is consistent and complete. Where the form requires institutional support or nomination details, candidates should coordinate with the relevant institution or sponsoring organisation.
Step 4: Arrange any required institutional support or nomination
Government officials and other professionals may need to coordinate with their employer or sponsoring institution to complete the relevant sections of the application form.
However, the official frequently asked questions clarify that the completed application can be sent directly to the Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs. It does not necessarily have to be submitted through a government or sponsoring institution.
Candidates who are not government officials may be nominated by the institution where they work or with which they are affiliated.
Step 5: Confirm your ability to attend the entire course
Before submitting the application, ensure that you can participate for the full period, from 15 March to 7 April 2027. Selected participants are expected to attend the complete course, and it is not possible to attend only part of the programme or select only particular seminars.
Step 6: Review your funding arrangements
Determine whether you are applying for fellowship support or can participate as a self-funded candidate. Fellowship and self-funded applicants are selected through the same application process and are assessed against the same selection criteria.
If applying for fellowship support, review the financial-arrangements information carefully so you understand the expenses covered and the practical limitations of the stipend. If considering self-funded participation, ensure that you can cover the relevant travel, accommodation, insurance, and living costs.
Step 7: Submit your application before the deadline
The application deadline is 30 October 2026. Submit the completed application according to the instructions on the official United Nations website and allow sufficient time to address any institutional or administrative requirements.
For questions about the application process, candidates can contact the Codification Division directly at rcil-africa@un.org.
Important Application Notes and Frequently Asked Questions
Must the application be submitted through a government?
No. The official programme information states that applications do not have to be submitted through a government. A sponsoring institution may need to complete certain sections of the form, but the completed application can be sent directly to the Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs.
Can only government officials apply?
No. The course is also open to academics and professionals from intergovernmental organisations, non-governmental organisations, and similar institutions engaged in relevant international law activities in the region. Candidates who are not government officials may be nominated by their employer or affiliated institution.
Can current United Nations staff members apply?
No. According to the programme’s frequently asked questions, current staff members of the United Nations are not eligible.
Can students apply?
The programme is intended for professionals who have already acquired practical experience in international law. It is not designed for students who have not yet gained relevant professional experience.
Can a candidate attend only selected sessions?
No. Selected participants must attend the Regional Course in its entirety. Applicants should not apply unless they can commit to the full programme dates.
Can someone who applied in a previous year apply again?
Yes. Previous applicants who were not selected may apply again. They must submit a new, complete application to the Codification Division of the Office of Legal Affairs.
Can one country nominate several candidates?
Yes. Countries are encouraged to nominate multiple candidates when they meet the required qualifications. Being the only applicant from a particular country does not necessarily improve an individual’s chances of selection.
Do fellowship recipients and self-funded participants receive the same certificate?
Yes. Both groups attend the same lectures and activities, have the same rights and obligations, and receive the same certificate if they complete the full course.
Does the United Nations charge an application fee?
No. The United Nations states that it does not charge fees at any stage of the application or selection process. It also does not request candidates’ bank account information. Applicants should be cautious of anyone claiming to represent the programme who asks for money or sensitive banking details.
Why This Course May Be Valuable for International Law Professionals
The United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Africa can be valuable for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of international legal frameworks and strengthen their capacity to contribute to their institutions.
For government officials, the course may support a better understanding of treaty obligations, international cooperation, diplomatic relations, and the legal dimensions of public policy. For lecturers and academics, it provides an opportunity to engage with international legal scholarship and exchange ideas with professionals from different legal systems.
For professionals in intergovernmental organisations and non-governmental organisations, the programme can help strengthen knowledge of international institutions, human rights, international peace and security, and other areas relevant to their work.
The interactive nature of the course is also an important feature. Participants are expected to contribute to discussions, which creates opportunities to compare professional experiences and understand how international legal questions are approached in different contexts.
However, applicants should approach the course as a specialised professional training programme rather than as a general scholarship for university students. It is intended for candidates who already have relevant legal preparation and professional experience.
Official Links and Application Resources
Applicants should use the following official United Nations resources to verify the details and prepare their applications.
- Official course page: https://legal.un.org/poa/rcil/africa/index.html
- Application form in English: https://legal.un.org/poa/rcil/documents/application_form_rcil_africa_2027.docx
- Programme brochure in English: https://legal.un.org/poa/rcil/documents/brochure_rcil_africa_2027_e.pdf
- Programme brochure in French: https://legal.un.org/poa/rcil/documents/brochure_rcil_africa_2027_f.pdf
- Financial arrangements: https://legal.un.org/poa/rcil/africa/financial-arrangements.html
- Application process: https://legal.un.org/poa/rcil/africa/application.html
- Frequently asked questions: https://legal.un.org/poa/rcil/africa/faqs.html
- Contact email: rcil-africa@un.org
- United Nations Programme of Assistance in International Law: https://legal.un.org/poa/
Applicants should consult these resources directly for the latest instructions, the precise application submission arrangements, and any additional details relevant to the 2027 course.
Conclusion
The United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Africa 2027 offers qualified professionals an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge of international law through expert-led seminars, interactive discussions, and engagement with the legal work of the United Nations and related institutions. Organised by the Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs in cooperation with the Government of Ethiopia, the African Union, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the course will take place in Addis Ababa from 15 March to 7 April 2027.
The programme is particularly relevant to government officials, teachers of international law, academics, and professionals from eligible intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations who already have a legal background and professional experience in international law. The course will be conducted in English and can accommodate up to 30 participants. Selected fellowship recipients will receive support for travel, accommodation, meals, medical insurance, course participation, and training materials, along with a modest stipend for other living expenses. A limited number of self-funded places will also be available.
Interested candidates should review the eligibility criteria, prepare the required application form, confirm their ability to attend the entire programme, and carefully consider their funding arrangements. The deadline to apply is 30 October 2026.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the official United Nations course page and application resources before submitting your application.
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