The United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea is a fully-funded, 9-month professional fellowship designed to build capacity in ocean governance, law of the sea, marine policy and related fields. It’s run by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (OLA/DOALOS) of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs, supported by the Nippon Foundation.
📅 Structure & Duration
- Total Duration: ~9 months (March – December 2026)
- Phase 1: 3 months of intensive training at UN Headquarters in New York
- Phase 2: 6 months of advanced research/study at a host academic institution relevant to ocean affairs or maritime law.
🎓 Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
You must meet all of the following to be eligible:
- Age: Between 25 and 45 years old (approx.) — official call gives this range.
- Education: At least a first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) and proven ability to undertake advanced academic research.
- Professional Background:
- Mid-level government official OR professional (government or non-government)
- Working in areas directly related to ocean affairs, law of the sea, marine resources, coastal management, maritime security, or similar topics.
- Nationality: Citizen of a developing State.
- Commitment: Must be available full-time for the fellowship period with no conflicting professional duties.
💼 What the Fellowship Covers
The programme is fully funded, and typically includes:
- Monthly stipend (covers living expenses during training and research)
- Round-trip economy airfare to/from New York
- Medical insurance during the fellowship
- Visa processing support
- Accommodation support (often during the training phase)
- Some host institutions may provide additional research or book allowances
