2026 United Nations – The Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme

📖 About the Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme

The Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) of the Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations (OLA) is now accepting applications for the 2026 session of the United Nations – The Nippon Foundation (UNNF) Fellowship Programme.

Objective

The Fellowship aims to:

• Provide mid-level government officials and other professionals from developing States with advanced training in ocean affairs, the law of the sea, and related disciplines (e.g., marine science).
• Equip participants with skills to support their States in implementing the legal framework set out in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and related instruments.
• Enable participants to formulate comprehensive ocean management regimes, aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

🛠️ Programme Structure

The Fellowship is a 9-month programme divided into two phases:

1. Phase One:

   • A three-month training phase with OLA/DOALOS at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
   • Duration: Mid-March to June 2026.

2. Phase Two:

   • A six-month research stay at an academic Host Institution selected for its expertise in the Fellow’s field of research.
   • Duration: July to December 2026.

🎁 Benefits of the Fellowship

• Monthly stipend for the duration of the Fellowship.
• Coverage of travel expenses.
• Health insurance provided.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. Be between the ages of 25 and 45.
2. Hold a first-level university degree or equivalent.
3. Demonstrate the ability to undertake advanced academic research and studies.
4. Be from a developing State.
5. Be a mid-level government official or professional directly involved in:
   • Ocean affairs and/or the law of the sea.
   • Implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and related instruments.
   • Sustainable development of oceans and seas, maritime security, marine sciences, and related fields.
6. Be free of all non-Fellowship obligations during the programme unless otherwise authorized by DOALOS.

📅 Application Date and Process

Required Documents:

1. 2026 UNNF Fellowship Application Form (Word document)
2. 2026 UNNF Nomination and Recommendation Form (Word document)
3. Online Application Form
4. A copy of the applicant's national passport biodata page.

Additional Information:

• Reasonable accommodations may be provided upon request to applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the Fellowship Programme.
• For more details, refer to the FAQ page.

📌 Application Deadline

14 September 2025

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the Nippon Foundation Fellowship Programme.
• Apply directly via the Online Application Form.

This is a fully funded fellowship opportunity sponsored by the United Nations. Don't miss this chance to advance your expertise in ocean affairs and the law of the sea!

• Monthly stipend for the duration of the Fellowship
• Covers travel and health insurance