United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2026

Applications are now open for the United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (OALOS) 2026 session. This prestigious program gives mid-level professionals and government officials from developing countries a fully funded chance to enhance their expertise in ocean governance, maritime law, and the sustainable development of marine resources.

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About the Nippon Foundation Fellowship

Since its establishment, the UNNF Fellowship has played a key role in strengthening the capacity of developing states in the field of ocean affairs and the law of the sea. Moreover, the fellowship empowers professionals by offering in-depth training, advanced research opportunities, and direct exposure to the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as well as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDG 14 – Life Below Water).

Deadline: 14 September 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.

Fellowship Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be between 25 and 45 years old.
Hold at least a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent).
Demonstrate strong research and academic capabilities.
Be a mid-level government official or professional directly working on ocean affairs or the law of the sea.
Be a national of a developing state.
Be available to commit full-time to the fellowship program without other obligations.

Eligible areas of work include (but are not limited to):

Implementation of UNCLOS and related instruments.
Maritime boundary delimitation and zone establishment.
Sustainable ocean development and marine resource management.
Coastal zone management and marine environmental protection.
Maritime transport, shipping, and security.
Marine sciences and national or regional ocean policy development.

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Fellowship Benefits

Successful fellows will receive:

Full funding to cover participation in the program.
Hands-on experience and research opportunities in partnership with UN institutions.
Guidance from world-class experts in marine policy, governance, and law.
A platform to strengthen professional networks and contribute to global ocean governance.

Application Requirements

Applicants must prepare the following documents:

Personal History and Proposed Research Application Form (signed).
Nomination and Recommendation Form (signed and stamped by the nominating authority).
Online Application Form (to be completed electronically).
A copy of the passport biodata page.

All documents should be submitted electronically in Word or PDF format. Applications must be sent to the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) at doalos@un.org before the deadline.

How to Apply for the UN Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2026

Download the required forms (Application Form and Nomination & Recommendation Form).
Fill in all details electronically (avoid ALL CAPS, use proper sentence case).
Sign the forms electronically or by hand, then save as Word or PDF.
Submit the completed package (forms + passport page) to DOALOS via email.

check: Your Complete Guide to Studying Overseas

Why You Should Apply

The UN Nippon Foundation Fellowship is more than just a training program it is a career-defining opportunity. By participating, fellows gain advanced knowledge in international maritime law and policy while contributing to sustainable ocean governance in their home countries.

This fellowship is ideal for professionals who want to:

Influence national and regional marine policy.
Advance their academic and research careers.
Contribute to the protection of oceans and seas worldwide.

Conclusion

The United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded program dedicated to building future leaders in ocean affairs and the law of the sea. If you are a mid-level professional from a developing country passionate about sustainable oceans and marine governance, this fellowship is your gateway to global impact.