Attending the Courses

Attending the Academy’s courses in public and private international law – or both – is widely regarded as a formative step for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the field. Each session offers participants the opportunity to engage with leading scholars, connect with peers from around the world, and immerse themselves in the intellectual and social life of the Academy.

Some participants initially enrol to explore their interest in international law and to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds. Others return to deepen their knowledge or to undertake new challenges, such as the Diploma Examination. The structure of the programme allows each attendee to determine their level of engagement, beginning with the compulsory morning lectures.

The Academy’s academic life is anchored in these morning sessions, held in the Auditorium, which are mandatory for all and a prerequisite for the Certificate of Attendance. Breaks between lectures provide opportunities for informal discussion and networking, fostering connections that often endure well beyond the session.

After lunch – which may be taken in the main hall, the Palace’s Refectorium, or outdoors – participants are invited to attend afternoon lectures delivered by judges, ambassadors, and other distinguished figures, as well as seminars led by the morning professors. These sessions are specifically designed to foster direct engagement and scholarly exchange between attendees and speakers.

Selected participants may also take part in Directed Studies sessions, which are held twice a week and provide an opportunity for more intensive engagement with the material. These sessions are designed for those wishing to deepen their understanding of specific topics, and the most promising participants may choose to sit for the Diploma Examination.

In addition, the Academy organises dedicated networking meetings and regular gatherings for PhD students. These events offer doctoral candidates a forum to share their experiences, both as researchers and as early-career academics, ensuring they benefit fully from their stay. The Academy also offers a comprehensive social and cultural programme, including visits to embassies, international organisations, and tribunals, as well as informal gatherings.

Throughout their stay, attendees have extended access to the Peace Palace Library, supporting their academic pursuits. The library extends its opening hours specifically for Academy attendees, enabling them to make full use of its resources. Participants may access the library during lunch breaks, in the afternoons, and even on Saturdays, providing ample opportunity for in-depth research and study.

Given the breadth of opportunities available, many participants choose to extend their experience by attending multiple sessions. In particular, some opt for the full six-week Summer Course, recognising that the Academy’s rich academic and extracurricular offerings cannot be fully explored in a single visit.