Located in the heart of The Hague, the International City of Peace and Justice, the Asser Institute is a leading inter-university research centre in the field of international and European law with a high public and international profile. The institute conducts fundamental and independent policy-oriented research, provides training and education, organises seminars, conferences, and other public events, and has its own publishing house, Asser Press. The institute is affiliated with the University of Amsterdam.

The T.M.C. Asser Instituut offers law students the opportunity to enrich their knowledge with practical experience in international and European law.

The institute is currently offering an internship position to assist with research projects in the field of international law (research strand In the Public Interest: Accountability of the State and the Prosecution of Crimes (ASPC)).

• Time commitment: Full-time (38 hours per week)

• Starting date: 1 December 2026

• Period: Six months

• Location: The Hague (in person – this is not a remote working opportunity)

• In order to accelerate the selection process, please include relevant visa status or residence permit information in your application.

Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment? Do you have an interest in international law and international relations? Do you feel at ease working on multiple and diverse projects simultaneously? Then join our strand!

Key responsibilities

• Supporting implementation of Ukraine-related international law projects (MATRA-Ukraine 2025-2029 ‘Advancing the rule of law in Ukraine: strengthening the judicial system and freedom of expression’ and ‘Restoring Dignity and Justice in Ukraine’)

• Supporting implementation of trainings, workshops, and other events, which includes support in preparing background materials, agendas, communication and direct implementation assistance.

• Conducting legal and policy-oriented research.

• Contributing to project-related publications (e.g. reports, policy briefs).

• Providing ad hoc research assistance to the members of the research strand ASPC.

Profile

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled in – or recently graduated from – a bachelor's or master's programme in international law;

• Have a demonstrable interest in international humanitarian law and/or international criminal law;

• Have a demonstrable interest in the Russia-Ukraine war;

• Have strong English language skills. Ukrainian language skills are a strong asset;

• Have full computer proficiency (experience in maintaining websites and in social media is an advantage); and

• Be motivated and able to work independently and within a team.

Conditions

38 hours per week for a period of 6 months;

A stipend of €736 gross per month;

Internships at Asser are for students only. This means that you must be registered as a student at a university or a school, and must be eligible to live and work in the Netherlands (either through EU citizenship or a student visa from a Dutch university). Recent graduates (bachelor and master) may apply only within the first year of graduation, when ‘learning through interning’ may still add to your education.

The internship is an opportunity to learn in an active and dynamic research environment. Therefore, we expect interns to be present at the Institute in The Hague. It is not a remote working opportunity.

Regretfully, the Asser Institute cannot hire students without EU citizenship for internships, unless they already have a Dutch residence permit and work permit. Please make sure to read this page on internships at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut to make sure you are eligible to apply.

How to apply

Interested candidates are requested to submit their application via email only (preferably submitted in a single PDF file), mentioning your name ‘Application ASPC Internship IL and Ukraine’ in the subject line to PO@asser.nl

The complete application must consist of:

• Curriculum vitae including nationality and relevant visa/residency status

• Motivation letter in English

• Writing sample in English, around 1500 words

The closing date for applications is 18 October 2026 at 23:59 CET. Individual interviews will take place as soon as possible after the deadline for submitting the applications. The envisaged start date of the 6-month internship is 1 December 2026. Applications received after the deadline, or not including the required three components (letter of motivation, a CV, and a writing sample), will not be considered eligible.

Questions about this internship: please contact PO@asser.nl.

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