United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Asia-Pacific 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand (Fully Funded Fellowship Available)

Applications are now open for the United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Asia-Pacific 2026, a prestigious training programme organized by the Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) in cooperation with the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

This highly respected programme offers legal professionals from across the Asia-Pacific region a unique opportunity to deepen their knowledge of international law, engage with leading experts and practitioners, and strengthen their capacity to contribute to international legal processes and institutions. The course will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, from 23 November to 16 December 2026 and will be conducted entirely in English.

For professionals working in government institutions, academia, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and legal practice, the United Nations Regional Course in International Law represents one of the most valuable capacity-building opportunities in the field of international law.

The programme accommodates up to 26 participants and includes a limited number of fully funded fellowships as well as spaces for self-funded participants.

About the United Nations Regional Course in International Law

The United Nations Regional Course in International Law is part of the broader United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law.

The programme was established to strengthen understanding of international law among legal professionals and government officials while promoting the peaceful settlement of disputes and international cooperation.

Through intensive lectures, discussions, and practical learning opportunities, participants gain advanced knowledge of international legal principles and contemporary issues affecting the international community.

The Regional Course serves as an important platform for legal professionals across the Asia-Pacific region to exchange experiences, build networks, and enhance their expertise in international law.

Host Institutions

The 2026 Regional Course is organized through a collaboration between:

• United Nations Office of Legal Affairs (OLA)
• Codification Division of the United Nations
• Government of the Kingdom of Thailand
• United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)

The course will be hosted at ESCAP facilities in Bangkok, Thailand.

Course Dates and Location

Location

Bangkok, Thailand

Venue

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)

Programme Dates

23 November – 16 December 2026

Language of Instruction

English

Number of Participants

Up to 26 participants

The programme will include:

• Fellowship recipients
• Self-funded participants

Objectives of the Programme

The United Nations Regional Course in International Law aims to:

• Strengthen participants’ knowledge of international law.
• Enhance understanding of contemporary legal issues.
• Promote the teaching and dissemination of international law.
• Build professional capacity among legal practitioners and policymakers.
• Encourage international cooperation through legal frameworks.
• Foster regional and international professional networks.

The course is specifically designed for professionals who are already working in fields related to international law and wish to expand their expertise.

What Participants Will Learn

Participants will receive intensive training covering key areas of international law and related legal disciplines.

The programme typically addresses:

Public International Law

• Sources of international law
• State responsibility
• International legal obligations
• Treaty law

International Organizations

• United Nations system
• Functions of international institutions
• Global governance mechanisms

International Dispute Settlement

• Peaceful settlement of disputes
• International courts and tribunals
• Arbitration mechanisms

Human Rights Law

• International human rights frameworks
• Treaty bodies
• Monitoring mechanisms

International Humanitarian Law

• Laws of armed conflict
• Protection of civilians
• Humanitarian obligations

International Economic Law

• Trade law
• Investment law
• Economic cooperation

Emerging Legal Challenges

• Climate change law
• Cyber law
• International security
• Sustainable development

Participants benefit from interactions with distinguished academics, judges, diplomats, legal practitioners, and United Nations experts.

Fellowship Benefits

A limited number of selected participants will receive United Nations fellowships.

The fellowship covers:

International Travel

• Economy-class airfare to and from Bangkok.

Accommodation

• Accommodation provided for the duration of the programme.

Medical Insurance

• Comprehensive medical insurance coverage during the course period.

Training Materials

• All official course materials.

Living Stipend

Fellowship recipients receive a modest stipend designed to cover:

• Food
• Local transportation
• Daily living expenses

The stipend follows United Nations fellowship regulations and reflects local living costs.

Accessibility Support

Reasonable accommodation may be provided upon request for participants with disabilities.

Self-Funded Participation

The Regional Course also accepts a limited number of self-funded participants.

Self-funded participants enjoy:

• Access to all lectures and activities.
• Participation in the same programme.
• Equal academic standing.
• The same certificate upon successful completion.

However, self-funded participants are responsible for:

• International travel.
• Accommodation.
• Medical insurance.
• Living expenses.

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

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered, applicants must meet the following requirements.

Legal Background

Applicants must possess:

• A legal education background.

Professional Experience

Candidates must have:

• Professional experience in the field of international law.

The programme is intended for professionals rather than students.

Language Requirement

Applicants must be:

• Fluent in English.

As the entire programme will be conducted in English, participants should be able to actively engage in lectures and discussions.

Availability

Selected participants must commit to attending the entire course.

Partial attendance is not permitted.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to candidates from:

• United Nations Member States in the Asia-Pacific region.
• The observer State to the United Nations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Eligible applicants may come from:

Government Institutions

• Ministries
• Foreign affairs departments
• Legal departments
• Judicial institutions

Academic Institutions

• Universities
• Law faculties
• Research institutes

International Organizations

• Intergovernmental organizations
• Regional organizations

Civil Society Organizations

• NGOs working on legal and policy issues

Legal Professionals

• Lawyers
• Legal advisers
• Policy experts

Current United Nations staff members are not eligible to apply.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed through a competitive selection process.

The United Nations considers:

Professional Qualifications

Relevant legal education and expertise.

Scope of Professional Responsibilities

The extent to which international law forms part of the applicant’s work.

Relevance of Training

How participation will contribute to the applicant’s professional responsibilities.

Gender Balance

The programme promotes gender equality, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Important FAQs

Can I Apply If I Am a Student?

No. The Regional Course is specifically intended for professionals with practical experience in international law.

Can I Reapply If I Was Previously Unsuccessful?

Yes. Applicants who were not selected in previous years may submit a new application.

Can I Attend Only Part of the Course?

No. Selected participants must attend the programme in its entirety.

Can Several Candidates Apply From the Same Country?

Yes. Countries are encouraged to nominate multiple qualified candidates.

Does the United Nations Charge Any Application Fee?

No. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the application process.

Applicants should never provide banking information during the application process.

Click HERE for more FAQ’s

Why You Should Apply

This programme provides a rare opportunity to:

• Receive advanced training from UN experts.
• Expand your international law expertise.
• Build professional networks across the Asia-Pacific region.
• Strengthen your career in diplomacy, international organizations, government service, academia, or legal practice.
• Experience a prestigious United Nations educational programme.
• Gain a deeper understanding of contemporary international legal challenges.

For professionals seeking to advance their careers in international law, this course offers exceptional value and recognition.

Application Deadline

Applications for the 2026 Regional Course in International Law for Asia-Pacific are open until:

29 June 2026

Late submissions may not be considered.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the Official Application Form and submit all required documentation to the Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review:

• Programme brochure
• Application form
• Eligibility requirements
• Frequently Asked Questions

before submitting their applications.

Contact Information

For additional inquiries, applicants may contact:

Codification Division, United Nations Office of Legal Affairs

Email: rcil-asia@un.org

Visit HERE to read more about the United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Asia-Pacific 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Conclusion

The United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Asia-Pacific 2026 is one of the most prestigious professional training opportunities available for legal professionals in the region. Through intensive instruction, engagement with leading experts, and access to a global network of practitioners, participants will strengthen their understanding of international law while contributing to the promotion of legal cooperation and the rule of law worldwide. With fully funded fellowship opportunities available, this programme provides an exceptional platform for legal professionals seeking to expand their expertise and advance their careers within international legal and diplomatic spheres.

Discover more global Fellowship opportunities on OFY HERE.