The Master of Arts in International Law and the Settlement of Disputes (onsite, hybrid, and online formats) is a graduate programme that offers students an understanding of the role that international law and institutions play in the settlement of international and transnational disputes. This specialization examines the role of national and international courts and tribunals in contributing to the settlement of disputes.

As international and transnational adjudication has acquired a more prominent role in international relations, it is essential to understand how these global and regional courts are responding to the challenges of the early 21st century.

Students will examine the role of international law in the settlement of disputes in a wide array of fields such as human rights, armed conflicts, territorial and maritime border issues, environment and climate change, multilateral trade, and investments, amongst others. Students will learn the traditional legal processes employed in international and transnational adjudication, as well as alternative forms of dispute settlement prevalent in international law.

In addition, students will attend skills-development sessions and coaching sessions designed to support their professional careers and employability.

Students will have an opportunity to participate in an optional field visit to Geneva (Switzerland) and/or The Hague (Netherlands), immersing themselves in the heart of diplomacy and international law.

This programme is offered in an Onsite Format (face-to-face on the UPEACE campus in Costa Rica), in a Hybrid Format (asynchronous classes online and face-to-face on the UPEACE campus in Costa Rica), and an Online Format (within the UPEACE Virtual Learning Environment).

For more information please visit the UPEACE M.A. in International aw and the Settlement of Disputes page or access the full programme brochure below:

Brochure: M.A. in International Law and the Settlement of Disputes UPEACE-UNITAR

Students admitted to the programme are offered a unique opportunity to partake in an optional field visit to Geneva, Switzerland, and/or The Hague, Netherlands, immersing themselves in the heart of diplomacy and international law. 

The five-day field trip(s) cost USD 1,500 each and include exclusive experiences such as visiting various international organizations, the ICRC museum in Geneva, the ICJ in The Hague, and engaging in networking sessions with diplomats, personnel from permanent missions accredited to the UN, civil servants working in international organizations, and representatives from civil society.

Scheduled for the summer, the confirmed dates for these optional field visits will be shared with interested students by UPEACE and UNITAR well in advance. Students have the flexibility to enrol in either the Geneva or The Hague visit individually, or they can choose to participate in both field trips to maximize their learning experience.

(*) Please note that the fellowship programme does not include travel, accommodation, food, or visa expenses. Please note that students should have a valid health insurance plan in place during their stay in Switzerland and/or The Netherlands.

Application Deadline:

• The online course (Distance Learning) application deadline is 30th June 2025.
• The hybrid course (Blended) application deadline is 30th April 2025.
• The in-person course application deadline is 30th April 2025.

Course Start Date: 

• The online course (Distance Learning) begins 7th July 2025.
• The hybrid course (Blended) begins the 19th August 2025.
• The in-person course begins 19th August 2025.

Tuition Fees:

• The online course (Distance Learning)  fee is $11,000 USD.
• The hybrid course (Blended) fee is $13,000 USD.
• The in-person course fee is $19,500 USD.

For the hybrid modality: UN staff will be eligible for a 20% waiver. Costa Rican Citizens will be eligible for a 30% waiver. 

For the face-to-face modality: Costa Rican Citizens and UN Staff will be eligible for a 50% waiver. All other applicants may apply for a 20% waiver.

For the online modality: UN staff will be eligible for a 20% waiver. Costa Rican Citizens will be eligible for a 30% waiver. 

For more information please contact: admissions@upeace.org.

Required Documentation

The following documentation is required to complete your application process. Please have them ready and on hand before beginning your online application process, as they will need to be uploaded into the system.

• English Proficiency Test Scores Report: TOEFL (PBT, CBT or IBT), IELTS, Duolingo English Test, Pearson Test of English or Cambridge English Language Assessment
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Official Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree) Transcripts and Degree Certificate
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Copy of Passport (front page with photo only)
• One passport-size photos for ID purposes

The online application 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 (PBT, CBT or IBT), IELTS, Duolingo English Test, Pearson Test of English or Cambridge English Language Assessment (if applicable)
• Official Undergraduate Transcripts and Degree Certificate (and English translations if applicable)
• Three (3) passport-size photos.

See a detailed list of all admissions requirements here: UPEACE Admission Requirements

UPEACE are not able to provide any information about the status of applicants over the phone or to third parties. Information will only be provided to the applicant using the email provided in the online application form. Please address any email inquiries to admissions@upeace.org

Alongside the masters, UPEACE & UNITAR offer a Online Certificate in International law and the Settlement of Disputes which is completed over 6 months from September - March.

Application Deadline: 30th November 2025

Course Start Date: 12th January 2026

Fee: $3,550.00

For more information please visit the UPEACE Certificate in International Law and the Settlement of Disputes page or access the full brochure below:

Brochure: Certificate in International law and the Settlement of Disputes UPEACE & UINTAR