UN–Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2027 on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea | Elite Fully Funded Fellowship
The United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (OLA/DOALOS) is accepting applications for the 2027 United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UNNF OALOS Fellowship).
This fellowship provides funded advanced training for mid-level government officials and professionals from developing countries working in ocean affairs, the law of the sea, marine science, maritime policy and related fields. The programme is designed to strengthen participants’ knowledge and skills in implementing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and advancing sustainable ocean management.
Also Read: British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships 2027 at the Elite University of Edinburgh – £2,500 Monthly Fellowship
🌊 What the Fellowship Offers
The nine-month programme is divided into two stages.
Phase One – UN Training:
Fellows undertake three months of specialized training with OLA/DOALOS at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Phase Two – Research:
Participants complete a six-month research stay at an academic Host Institution selected according to their research interests and the institution’s expertise.
The programme provides participants with advanced knowledge relevant to ocean governance, sustainable development and implementation of international ocean law.
🎓 Who Can Apply?
Applicants should:
- Be between 25 and 45 years old.
- Be nationals of a developing State.
- Hold at least a first university degree or equivalent.
- Demonstrate the ability to undertake advanced academic research.
- Be mid-level government officials or professionals directly involved in ocean affairs or the law of the sea.
- Have a strong command of spoken and written English.
- Be able to participate in the programme in person.
Applicants may work in areas such as:
- Ocean governance
- Law of the sea
- UNCLOS implementation
- Maritime boundaries
- Maritime zones
- Sustainable ocean development
- Coastal zone management
- Marine conservation
- Marine living resources
- Maritime transport and shipping
- Maritime security
- Marine environmental protection
- Marine sciences
- National and regional ocean policy
- Sustainable Development Goal 14
Also Read: MATS Biosecurity Fellowship 2026 Earn Up to $5,000/Month + Elite Global Research Career – Apply Now
🌍 Fellowship Focus
The programme aims to equip professionals with the expertise needed to help their countries implement the legal framework established by UNCLOS and related international instruments, while supporting comprehensive ocean management and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Since 2004, the UN–Nippon Foundation Capacity-Building Programmes have trained more than 350 individuals, with 14 fellowships available for the 2027 session.
📝 How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the Indico.UN platform.
Applicants should:
- Create or log into an Indico.UN account.
- Complete the online fellowship application form.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Review the application carefully.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline.
Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
⏰ Application Deadline
13 September 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid technical difficulties near the deadline.
⭐ Important Information
The fellowship is offered exclusively in person, and participants are expected to attend all activities on site. Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply, and the programme seeks to promote gender balance and geographical diversity.
Successful applicants will be notified individually. A list of awardees and reserves is expected to be published on the Fellowship website by mid-December 2026.
If you are an experienced professional working in ocean affairs, maritime policy, marine science or the law of the sea and want to develop advanced expertise in ocean governance, this fellowship offers a valuable opportunity to gain international training and research experience.
Click to Apply
For More Opportunities Join Our WhatsApp
