United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2026 On Ocean Affairs And The Law Of The Sea -

About the United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship

The United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship is jointly organized by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) at the United Nations and the Nippon Foundation of Japan. It is designed to strengthen the capacity of developing states in ocean affairs and the law of the sea.

The program has a two-phase structure:

First Phase (3 months) – Fellows undergo advanced training at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where they gain in-depth knowledge of UN processes, international legal frameworks, and policy development in ocean governance.
Second Phase (6 months) – Fellows are placed in a host institution abroad, such as a leading university or marine research center, to conduct research under the guidance of global experts.

By combining policy-level training at the UN with hands-on academic research, the fellowship ensures that participants return home with actionable skills and knowledge to improve ocean governance in their own countries.

The oceans cover over 70% of our planet, yet they remain some of the most underexplored and poorly governed spaces. For professionals from developing countries working on ocean governance, maritime law, or marine science, opportunities to gain global exposure are rare. The United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2026 seeks to change this by equipping mid-career professionals with advanced training and research experience that can directly transform how their countries manage and protect marine resources.

Applications for the 2026 fellowship are now open, with a deadline of September 15, 2025. This prestigious program is fully funded and offers participants a chance to spend nine months immersed in both UN headquarters and leading academic institutions worldwide.

Eligible Fields

Applicants should be professionals engaged in areas directly connected to the governance, protection, and sustainable use of the ocean and its resources. Eligible fields include:

International maritime law
Marine policy and governance
Environmental and ocean science
Maritime boundary delimitation
The blue economy and sustainable development
Conservation of marine biodiversity

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the UN Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be mid-level professionals or government officials from a developing country.
Hold a first university degree and have significant professional experience in ocean affairs or the law of the sea.
Be between 25 and 40 years old at the time of application.
Demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research.
Show a strong commitment to applying the fellowship knowledge for the benefit of their home country.
Secure an endorsement from their employer or institution, confirming support for their participation.

Selection Criteria

The selection process is competitive and takes into account the following:

Relevance of the applicant’s current role to ocean affairs and maritime law.
Potential for impact – the applicant’s ability to apply the fellowship training and research to influence policy and practice in their home country.
Quality of the research proposal submitted with the application.
Regional balance to ensure fair representation across developing countries.
Professional achievements and demonstrated leadership potential in the applicant’s field.

Eligible Countries

The fellowship is open to applicants from all developing countries recognized by the United Nations. This includes nations in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, and other regions where capacity-building in ocean governance remains a critical need.

Required Documents

Applicants are expected to prepare and submit the following documents:

Completed application form available on the UN Nippon Fellowship webpage.
A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting academic background, professional experience, and publications (if any).
A research proposal outlining the intended focus during the fellowship.
An endorsement letter from their institution or government confirming support for their participation.
Copies of academic certificates and other relevant credentials.

Benefits of the United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2026

The fellowship is one of the most generous and prestigious opportunities available in the field of ocean affairs. Fellows enjoy:

Full financial support covering international airfare, visa costs, accommodation, living allowance, and medical insurance.
Intensive UN-level training in New York, building expertise in maritime governance and legal frameworks.
Research immersion at a top global institution for six months, guided by experts in the field.
Networking opportunities with UN officials, academics, and fellow professionals from across the world.
Practical skill transfer – fellows return home with the capacity to strengthen their country’s role in global ocean governance.
Enhanced career prospects – the UN affiliation and advanced training significantly boost professional recognition.
Contribution to global sustainability goals, particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water.

How to Apply

To apply for the UN Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2026, follow these steps:

Visit the official UN Nippon Fellowship webpage and download the application form.
Complete the form carefully, ensuring that your research proposal aligns with the fellowship’s objectives.
Gather all required documents, including your CV, institutional endorsement, and academic records.
Submit your application before the deadline of September 15, 2025.

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to start early and prepare a strong submission.

Final Thoughts

The United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2026 is more than just a training program—it is a gateway to global influence in marine policy and governance. With its unique combination of UN-based training and academic research, the fellowship empowers professionals from developing countries to make meaningful contributions toward sustainable ocean management.

If you are passionate about advancing your expertise in ocean affairs and the law of the sea, this is your chance to join a prestigious global network and shape the future of maritime governance.