IFLOS Summer Academy 2027 on International Law of the Sea and Maritime Law, ITLOS Premises, Hamburg, Germany (25 July - 20 August 2027)

The International Foundation for the Law of the Sea (IFLOS) was established to promote the opportunities provided by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the peaceful settlement of law of the sea disputes and the further implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. One of its main aims is to promote learning and research in the international law of the sea at a global level, in particular for nationals of developing countries.

The annual IFLOS Summer Academy, held since 2007, is a centre of excellence for studies of both international law of the sea and maritime law, with related topics from economic and natural sciences. It provides some 40 participants from all over the world each year with the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and skills. It is designed for highly qualified graduates, diplomats, civil servants and advocates.

• Dates: 25 July to 20 August 2027, over four weeks.
• Two modules of two weeks each: the first on International Law of the Sea, the second on Maritime Law from an international perspective, interspersed with lectures from other scientific areas connected to the maritime environment.
• Faculty: judges, professionals and academics in the law of the sea and maritime law. The 2027 schedule and list of lecturers have not yet been published.
• Course material is made available online in a password-protected area of the IFLOS website.
• On completion, participants receive a participation certificate issued by the Foundation. An exam, if passed, entitles participants to a qualified certificate.

The Summer Academy is held on the premises of ITLOS in Hamburg, Germany, in a classroom off the Tribunal's Rotunda. Certain topics and syndicate sessions may be offered in the nineteenth-century Villa Schröder on site, which also houses the Course Office.

• The Academy admits participants from all over the world.
• As a rule, applicants are expected to hold a Master's degree (LL.M. or equivalent) and to have an advanced knowledge of public international law, law of the sea or maritime law.
• Exceptions may be granted to Bachelors (LL.B. or equivalent) with either a Master's course in progress or professional tasks related to the curriculum.
• The Selection Committee may grant very few exceptions, subject to availability of places, for undergraduates close to graduation with excellent results and an academic focus on Public International Law, Law of the Sea or Maritime Law. Undergraduates are not eligible for financial aid.
• A good command of English is required, documented by a TOEFL or IELTS certificate or equivalent, unless English is the native language or the applicant holds proof of an academic programme with thesis taught in English. Conversational French is an asset.
• Two recent letters of recommendation must accompany the application.

IFLOS states that the course fee and the accommodation fee for 2027 have not yet been set. For reference, last year's figures were:

• 2026 Course Fee: EUR 2,250, covering tuition and course materials, lunches on course days, public transport in Hamburg for the duration of the course and a programme of extra-curricular events.
• 2026 optional Foundation-organised accommodation in Hamburg: EUR 3,050 additional.
• A cancellation fee of EUR 500 applies after a participant has been invited and has confirmed attendance; no refund if cancellation occurs less than 30 days before the start.

Participants are free to arrange their own accommodation.

The Foundation will award a limited number of scholarships, subject to the availability of supporters. In general, scholarships are awarded to people from lower-income countries who are under 40 years old (applicants should check their country's status on the OECD DAC list of ODA Recipients). Scholarships cover the Course Fee and include Foundation-organised accommodation if requested in the application; an application not requesting accommodation is considered only on that basis and cannot be changed later. In very rare cases partial scholarships (for example a partial fee waiver) may be awarded.

Travel Grants for international travel to and from Hamburg are very rare and strictly reserved for participants from lower-income countries.

Apply through the online application form linked from the IFLOS Application page. IFLOS notes that the application form will open soon. Applications may be submitted until 31 March 2027, 23:59 (MEZ, German time), which falls in the early hours of 1 April 2027 in IST. Incomplete applications are not considered.

Documents requested:

• A copy of your passport (or other official identification document)
• A copy of your academic degree(s)
• Two reference letters (uploaded with the application)
• A copy of your English certificate (or the degree obtained in English)

Each file may be at most 5 MB. Applicants must also give their motivation for participation, and for any scholarship and travel grant request, each limited to 500 words.

After the deadline, the Selection Committee picks the best applications among all complete applications. Within three weeks after the application period closes, applicants are notified whether they have been admitted, placed on the waiting list or not admitted. The decision is final.