IIE Ocean Futures Fellowship 2026

The Institute of International Education (IIE) is currently accepting applications for its Ocean Futures Fellowship 2026. This fellowship empowers the next generation of ocean professionals, equipping them to address pressing ocean challenges while strengthening their career pathways.

🌟 About the Fellowship

The Ocean Futures Fellowship is a six-month, full-time program designed to provide:

• Training
• Educational projects
• Professional development
• Mentorship

Fellows will gain advanced skills, hands-on experience, and access to OceanX’s international connections, fostering ocean literacy and leadership on a global scale. The program contributes to the goals of the UN Ocean Decade and SDG 14, cultivating future ocean leaders who will drive innovation, inspire global audiences, and expand ocean literacy to foster ocean protection.

🎁 Benefits

• Monthly stipend to support full-time participation in the program.
  • Note: This stipend does not include additional allowances for housing, relocation, transportation, dependents, or other personal expenses.
• Technology stipend available for select Fellows on a case-by-case basis.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Be authorized to work in their country of residence.
• Commit full-time from June 2026 to December 2026.
• Demonstrate experience and/or strong interest in one of the following roles:
  1. AI
  2. Digital Correspondent
  3. Digital Asset Archives
  4. Immersive Media
  5. Marketing and Communications
  6. Partnerships
• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution prior to the start of the fellowship:
  • Partnerships Fellow: Degree in finance, policy, science, nonprofit management, media, communications, business, or related fields.
  • Immersive Media Fellow or Digital Correspondent Fellow: Degree in ocean science, ocean conservation, media, communications, or related fields.
• Have full professional proficiency in English (C2-level or equivalent).
• Possess practical knowledge and interest in AI literacy and applying emerging technologies responsibly and effectively.
• Be motivated by purpose, access, mentorship, and global opportunity.

📝 Application Process

Applicants must complete an online application which includes:

1. General background information (e.g., contact details and work experience related to ocean education).
2. Resume/CV.
3. Responses to short essay questions.
4. A short video outlining qualifications and motivations for becoming an Ocean Futures Fellow.

Important:

Before starting the application, have the following links ready:

• Link to your resume/CV (required).
• Link to your video response (required).
• Links to your sample project and English score (optional).

📅 Application Deadline

03 May, 2026

🌐 Opportunity Details

For more information about the IIE Ocean Futures Fellowship, visit the official program page on the Institute of International Education (IIE) website.

• Fellows will receive a monthly stipend to support their full-time participation in the program. This stipend does not include additional allowances for housing, relocation, transportation, dependents, or other personal expenses.
• A technology stipend is available for select Fellows on a case-by-case basis.