Admission

The Summer Academy will annually provide some 40 participants from all over the world with the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and skills in International Law of the Sea and Maritime Law.

It is designed for highly qualified graduates, diplomats, civil servants and advocates. A rigorous selection procedure in close cooperation with the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea applies. In general, applicants should not be older than 40 years of age. The Selection Committe might grant exceptions subject to availability of places; however, financial aid will not be granted in such cases.

Requirements

  • As a rule, applicants are expected to be in possession of 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 course in progress or professional tasks related to the curriculum of the Summer Academy. The Selection Committe might also grant very few exceptions – subject to availability of places – for undergraduates close to graduation with excellent results and academic focus on Public International Law, Law of the Sea or Maritime Law. Undergraduates are, however, not eligible for financial aid.
  • Participants must have a good command of English (to be documented by a TOEFL certificate, IELTS certificate or equivalent, unless native language or proof of an academic program with thesis, taught in English). Conversational proficiency in French will be considered an asset.
  • Applications need to be accompanied by two recent letters of recommendation.

Course Fee, Scholarships, Travel Grants

The 2025 Course Fee has been set at € 2,050.– and covers tuition and course materials, lunches on course days, public transport in Hamburg for the duration of the course and a program of extra-curricular events.

The Cancellation Fee (applicable after invitation to attend and confirmation of attendance) is € 300.

Participants are free to choose accommodation of their choice. For participants who wish to have the Foundation organize their accommodation in Hamburg during the course, an additional € 2,170.– will be incurred. Participants will be accommodated at Apartment 040 in Hamburg Mundsburg or Hood House in Hamburg Winterhude.

The Cancellation Fee (applicable after invitation to attend and confirmation of attendance) is € 300.

Subject to availability of supporters, the Foundation will award a limited number of scholarships, covering the Course Fees including an accommodation allowance. Partial scholarships may be awarded in exceptional cases.

The Foundation might also grant financial support for international travel to and from Hamburg. Such Travel Grants are very rare and strictly reserved for participants from developing countries, as defined in the OECD list (PDF). The Foundation will book such transport at its discretion from and to the participant’s domicile at the time of application.