International Law and the Settlement of Disputes

The Master’s Degree in International Law and the Settlement of Disputes at the University for Peace (UPEACE) offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding and resolving conflicts at the international level. This program is designed for professionals, scholars, and practitioners who are committed to promoting peace, justice, and sustainable development through legal frameworks and dispute resolution mechanisms. Over the course of this program, students will explore a wide range of topics, including international human rights law, humanitarian law, the law of the sea, international environmental law, and the legal aspects of conflict prevention and resolution. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical skills, equipping students with the ability to analyze complex legal issues, negotiate treaties, and facilitate peaceful settlements of disputes between states, organizations, and communities. The program also covers emerging areas such as international criminal law and the role of international courts and tribunals in maintaining global justice. Delivered by experienced academics and practitioners from around the world, the courses foster a collaborative learning environment that encourages critical thinking and intercultural understanding. Students will have opportunities for hands-on experience through simulations, case studies, and internships, preparing them for careers in international organizations, diplomatic services, non-governmental organizations, and academia. The program’s emphasis on sustainable peace and conflict resolution aligns with UPEACE’s mission to promote education for peace and human security in a globalized world. Graduates of this program will be equipped to effectively address and resolve international disputes, advocate for human rights, and contribute to the development of fair and effective legal institutions. Whether engaging in policy-making, legal advisory roles, or research, students will leave the program with a solid foundation in international law and dispute settlement, ready to make meaningful contributions toward a more just and peaceful world.

• UPEACE Foundation Course
• Public International Law
• Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation
• The United Nations System
• International Human Rights Law 
• Universal System for Protection of Human Rights
• International Law Related to Armed Conflict
• Transitional Justice and International Criminal Law
• The Kurds between Past and Present Genocides in Iraq: Fresh Hopes or New Tragedies?
• International and Transnational Adjudication
• Counter-terrorism and Human Rights
• International Economic Law
• Protection of Refugees
• International Labour Law
• The Right to Peace
• Indigenous Peoples' Rights 
• Working in Conflict and Post-Conflict Areas - Field Training
• Maritime & Territorial Dispute Settlement
• Graduation Project: ISP-Thesis

Required Supporting Documents to be Uploaded:

• English Proficiency Test Scores Report (TOEFL, IELTS)
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Official Undergraduate (Bachelor's Degree) Transcripts and Degree Certificate
• Curriculum Vitae or Résumé
• UPEACE Acknowledgment of Financial Responsibility
• Copy of Passport (front page with photo only)
• Passport size photo

The online application only requires electronic (PDF) scans of required documents. Should admission be granted, the following documents will be eventually be required in official hard copy:

• English Proficiency Test Scores Report (TOEFL, IELTS) - if applicable
• Official Undergraduate Transcripts and Degree Certificate (and English translations if applicable)
• Six passport size photos

Upon submission of the on-line application form and supporting uploaded documents, the UPEACE Admissions system will send an automatic confirmation email. The date and time of submission will be noted in the system. Applications received after the established relevant deadline will be transferred for the subsequent academic year.

Each application received by the established deadline will be reviewed for completeness. A second acknowledgment will be sent to the applicant by the Admissions Officer informing whether or not the application is complete and able to be passed on for academic review.

We are not able to provide any information about the status of applicants over the phone or to third parties. Information will only be provided using the email entered by the applicant in the on-line application form.

Statement of purpose

The statement of purpose must be between 500 and 1,000 words and state the applicants name, the programme to which they are applying, and clear responses to the following questions:

• Why have you decided to apply to this programme?
• What are your expectations from this programme?
• What are your career plans after completing this programme?
• What type of multicultural exchanges have you had that would inform your academic experience in this programme?

Letters of recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required for all applicants. The letters should be from faculty or academic advisors from your academic experience or managers or other superiors from a professional work environment who are qualified to evaluate applicant's potential for graduate study. The letters need to include the referees title, their relation to, and how long they've known the applicant. The letters should also outline specific examples of applicant's work and why the referee feels the applicant is a fit for the specific UPEACE programme.

Examples of valid referees or recommenders are:

• Faculty, deans, or professors
• Academic advisors
• Immediate supervisors
• Research project managers
• Mentors in a superior position in the workplace, volunteer, or University setting

Tution and administrative fees: 19500 USD

Conditions of UPEACE Scholarships & Financial Assistance

The prospective applicant has to be admitted to UPEACE in order to receive any possibility of financial assistance from the University, the latter of which is subject to the following conditions:

• The financial assistance awarded is non-negotiable.
• The scholarships/waivers do not apply to the US$ 2,500 administrative fee. This fee is mandatory for all students and is non-refundable if the student wishes to withdraw from UPEACE before completing his/her degree. Admitted students must comply with this financial obligation to UPEACE according to the required deadline outlined in their official admissions documents.
• Applicant are only eligible for one waiver category per application period. Waiver categories cannot be combined.
• Applicants eligible for a 50% waiver must apply directly through the UPEACE Admissions Office.

Automatic Scholarships/Waivers

30% Tuition Waiver (Automatic)

Available to M.A. and Doctorate students that meet one of the following criteria:

• Citizen or nationals of a signatory state to the UPEACE Charter
• Students who have received an undergraduate or graduate degree from a partner university
• Peace Corps veterans

50% Tuition Waiver (Automatic) 

Available to M.A. and Doctorate students that meet one of the following criteria:

• Professors from a partner university
• Costa Rican citizens and residents (host country)
• Current, full-time UN employees and volunteers
• Documented refugee or asylee

30% or 50% Tuition Waiver (Merit Based) - Available to Master's applicants who do not belong to the above categories. These waivers are offered in limited number and will be awarded by merit, not financial condition. These waivers are not available to doctorate students.

The Master’s programme in International Law and the Settlement of Disputes at the University for Peace offers students an in-depth understanding of international legal frameworks and mechanisms for resolving disputes. Designed to prepare future practitioners, policymakers, and scholars, the program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications. Coursework typically covers topics such as international treaties, arbitration, diplomatic negotiations, human rights law, environmental law, and conflict resolution. Students engage with case studies and simulation exercises to develop skills in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration processes. The programme aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of how international legal systems function in maintaining peace and security, addressing global conflicts, and implementing justice. The university's unique focus on peace studies ensures that graduates are equipped to contribute to resolution efforts in diverse contexts, including border disputes, resource conflicts, and humanitarian issues. The curriculum often includes seminars led by renowned experts in international law and dispute settlement, as well as opportunities for internships or research projects with international organizations or NGOs. Students are encouraged to participate in workshops, conferences, and moot courts to enhance their practical skills. The programme emphasizes intercultural understanding and critical thinking, preparing students for careers in diplomatic services, international courts, NGOs, and governmental agencies. Given the university’s commitment to sustainable peace and development, the coursework integrates perspectives on conflict prevention and peacebuilding strategies. The Master’s is offered through a combination of lectures, seminars, and research assignments, leading to a comprehensive thesis or project. Graduates from this programme are expected to emerge as competent professionals capable of analyzing complex legal disputes, designing effective dispute resolution mechanisms, and contributing to international peace efforts. The programme duration is typically one or two years, depending on the chosen study mode, and it is designed to meet the needs of both full-time and part-time students.