Win a 50% Scholarship to study international and comparative law in The Hague this June
Duke Law School has approached CLARS to offer four Monash Law students a 50% tuition scholarship to attend the prestigious 2026 Duke-Leiden Institute in Global and Transnational Law held in The Hague this European summer.
About the Program
The Duke-Leiden Institute in Global and Transnational Law is a collaboration between Duke Law School (USA) and Leiden University (Netherlands). The program brings together students from around the world to study international and comparative law with leading scholars from both institutions.
The Duke-Leiden Summer Institute offers five courses in international and comparative law, with each student taking three courses to earn a total of six American law school credits. In 2026, courses include International Trade Law, Human Rights, International Investment and Alternative Dispute Resolution, International Environmental Governance, and International and Comparative Intellectual Property Law. The program also features visits to major international institutions, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ), International Criminal Court (ICC), and the Kosovo Tribunal.
Scholarship Benefits
Students nominated for a scholarship by Monash CLARS will receive:
- 50% tuition discount (reduced from $5,500 to $2,750).
- Study in The Hague, Netherlands, with two of the world’s best law schools, Duke Law and Leiden University.
- Eligibility to apply for course credit towards their Monash Law degree.
- International experience supporting future study or careers in Europe or the USA.
Students consistently value the program’s balance of academic rigour and cultural exploration. Group-rate housing is offered to encourage community and connection among participants; however, students are not required to use Institute-arranged accommodation and may make their own housing arrangements.
Student Experiences
Monash Law student Jessica O'Connor, pictured at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Jessica O'Connor, who completed the program in 2025, says that the program "reignited my passion for the law".
Drawn to the program's engagement with diverse practise areas, such as intellectual property and human rights law, Jessica enjoyed attending classes that exuded a "truly global theoretical focus", while emphasising rigorous class discussion and collaboration with peers.
"Learning from leading scholars from the United States and Europe, many of whom drew directly on insights from their own legal practice, was invaluable and ultimately solidified my decision to pursue a career in Intellectual Property Law."
Upon completion of the experience, Jessica notes that she returned to her final semester at Monash feeling motivated and inspired.
"I am still carrying that energy into my graduate year".
Monash Law student William Rice (right) enjoyed connecting with international peers through the program.
William Rice also attended in 2025, and says he would "recommend the program in a heartbeat".
"It was by far the best experience I have had as a law student at Monash."
Engaging with Her Excellency Judge Hilary Charlesworth, the first Australian woman elected to the International Court of Justice, was a highlight of William's experience.
"Her Excellency's insights gave me a real appreciation of the complexities involved in adjudicating international law disputes and enforcing ICJ verdicts."
Beyond academics, the program offers outstanding opportunities for travel and networking.
"What I enjoyed most from the Duke-Leiden program was the lasting friendships I was able to make with students from the US and Europe," says William.
Eligibility Criteria
Scholarship applicants must be Monash Law students and meet the following requirements:
- Undergraduate students: Completed third-year law studies with a Law WAM of at least 75%.
- Postgraduate students: Completed 72 credit points at the time of application.
- All applicants must be able to participate in the full four-week program in The Hague (22 June - 22 July 2026).
In the past, we have found that successful applicants have had a combination of very strong academic achievement and relevant experience or interest in international law.
How to Apply
Please submit the following by Wednesday 18 February 2026 to CLARS@monash.edu:
- A brief cover letter outlining why you wish to attend the program and how it aligns with your future goals (maximum 1 page).
- A short CV (maximum 2 pages).
- Your academic transcript.
Important Information
- The Duke-Leiden Institute in Global and Transnational Law program run from 22 June until 22 July 2026 and is administered by Duke Law and Leiden University. Monash Law School and Monash University are not involved in the running or administration of the program.
- Students are responsible for applying for credit towards their degree for studies in the program.
- The Duke-Leiden Institute in Global and Transnational Law scholarship is for a 50% tuition discount. That applies to tuition only - lowering the tuition fees from $5,500 to $2,750.
- Additional fees that are not covered by the discounted tuition fees include a $300 program fee, a $350 registration fee, a $120 transcript fee, and a $5,200 accommodation fee. The accommodation fee is a pass through fee, meaning that is how much the accommodation provider charges. Students are not required to stay at this accommodation and may make their own arrangements.
- The Duke-Leiden Institute in Global and Transnational Law program is not a part of any Monash Law degree and program costs are not covered by HECS.
- All students who take part in the program need to register with Monash Abroad to comply with Monash risk and emergency requirements.
- All students (scholarship and non-scholarship) who take part in the program need to complete the Duke Application by 1 March for those interested in housing through the Institute, or 1 May for those arranging their own housing.
For further details about the program, please email CLARS@monash.edu or visit the Duke-Leiden Institute in Global and Transnational Law.