The United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS), Office of Legal Affairs, is now accepting applications for the 2026 UN Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme.
This fully funded fellowship aims to strengthen the capacity of mid-level professionals from developing countries to manage ocean affairs and effectively implement international maritime law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
About the Fellowship
The programme is designed for mid-career government officials and professionals working in fields related to ocean governance, law of the sea, and marine science. Fellows will receive advanced academic training and hands-on research experience to support sustainable and equitable ocean management in their home countries.
The 9-month programme is structured in two phases:
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Phase One (March–June 2026): A 3-month intensive training at the UN Headquarters in New York, hosted by DOALOS.
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Phase Two (July–December 2026): A 6-month independent research phase at a renowned host institution with expertise in the fellow’s selected research area.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
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Be between 25 and 45 years old
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Hold at least a first-level university degree or equivalent
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Be from a developing country
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Be a mid-level professional or government official working in ocean affairs, marine policy, or the law of the sea
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Be capable of advanced research and academic study
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Have proficiency in English
How to Apply
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Download and complete the application form electronically: [Download the form here]
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Fill out all sections accurately, and ensure all required documents are attached
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Submit the completed form in Word or PDF format via the specified submission channel
Application Deadline: September 14, 2025
For more information and full application details, visit the official UN Nippon Foundation Fellowship page.
The United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) is inviting applications for the fully funded 2026 UN Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme. This fellowship aims to build the capacity of mid-level professionals from developing countries in managing ocean affairs and implementing international maritime law, with a focus on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The program is tailored for mid-career government officials and professionals in ocean governance, law of the sea, and marine science, providing them with advanced academic training and research experience for sustainable ocean management.
The 9-month fellowship consists of two phases: a 3-month intensive training at the UN Headquarters in New York from March to June 2026, followed by a 6-month independent research phase at a respected institution from July to December 2026. Eligible applicants are mid-level professionals from developing countries aged between 25 and 45, with at least a first-level university degree, experience in ocean affairs, and English proficiency. Applications must be completed electronically and submitted with required documents by September 14, 2025, as detailed on the UN Nippon Foundation Fellowship page.
