United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2027 in New York & Worldwide | Fully Funded Ocean Affairs Fellowship

Applications are now open for the United Nations–Nippon Foundation (UNNF) Fellowship 2027 on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, a prestigious fully funded international fellowship organized by the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) with financial support from The Nippon Foundation. The fellowship is designed to strengthen the capacity of government officials and mid-level professionals from developing countries working in ocean governance, marine policy, maritime law, and related fields.

The nine-month fellowship combines intensive training at the United Nations Headquarters in New York with advanced academic research at one of the programme’s partner institutions worldwide. Fellows gain in-depth knowledge of international ocean governance, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), marine science, and public policy while developing practical solutions to support sustainable ocean management in their home countries.

Fellowship Overview

• Host Organization: United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS)
• Funding Partner: The Nippon Foundation
• Programme: United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea
• Host Locations: United Nations Headquarters (New York, USA) and a participating host institution
• Programme Duration: 9 Months
• Fellowship Type: Fully Funded
• Eligible Applicants: Government officials and mid-level professionals from developing countries
• Application Deadline: 13 September 2026
• Programme Commencement: March/April 2027

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive comprehensive financial support, including:

• Full programme funding
• Round-trip international economy airfare
• Monthly living stipend
• Medical insurance
• Academic supervision
• Access to UN training programmes
• Placement at a leading international host institution
• Networking with global experts in ocean governance
• Professional development opportunities throughout the fellowship.

Fellowship Structure

The programme consists of two consecutive phases:

Phase One – United Nations Headquarters (3 Months)

Conducted at DOALOS, United Nations Headquarters in New York, participants receive intensive training on:

• International law of the sea
• Ocean governance
• Marine policy
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14
• United Nations processes
• Policy development
• Professional skills

Phase Two – Host Institution (6 Months)

Participants continue their fellowship at one of the programme’s prestigious partner universities or research institutions, where they:

• Conduct independent research
• Work under expert academic supervision
• Develop a research thesis
• Strengthen technical expertise in their chosen field.

Research Deliverables

Each fellow is expected to complete:

• A research thesis of approximately 100 pages
• A formal research presentation
• An Ocean Governance Matrix
• Additional assignments during the training programme.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be 25–45 years old.
• Hold at least a first university degree.
• Demonstrate the ability to undertake advanced academic research.
• Be a mid-level professional working in a national government or another governmental or non-governmental organization in a developing country.
• Work directly on issues related to ocean affairs, marine policy, maritime law, fisheries, coastal management, or related fields.
• Have a professional role that allows them to contribute to national ocean policy development after completing the fellowship.
• Obtain a nomination and recommendation from an appropriate authority.
• Be available full-time throughout the fellowship period.

Required Documents

Applicants typically need to submit:

• Completed online application form
• Nomination and Recommendation Form
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• University degree certificate
• Academic transcripts
• Research proposal
• Passport copy
• Employer endorsement
• Additional supporting documents requested by DOALOS.

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Academic qualifications
• Professional experience
• Relevance of current work
• Research proposal quality
• Potential contribution to national ocean governance
• Employer support
• Commitment to implementing knowledge after returning home.

Why Apply?

The fellowship provides participants with the opportunity to:

• Receive advanced UN-level training.
• Study international ocean governance.
• Learn directly from leading global experts.
• Conduct supervised research.
• Build an international professional network.
• Strengthen policy-making skills.
• Support sustainable ocean governance and implementation of UNCLOS in their home countries.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official UNNF Fellowship webpage.
2. Review the eligibility requirements.
3. Prepare the required application documents.
4. Obtain the required nomination and recommendation.
5. Complete the online application.
6. Submit your application before 13 September 2026.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: 13 September 2026
• Programme Duration: Approximately 9 months
• Phase One: March/April – June 2027 (United Nations Headquarters, New York)
• Phase Two: July – December 2027 (Partner Host Institution).

The United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2027 is one of the world’s leading professional development programmes in ocean affairs and the law of the sea. With full financial support, training at the United Nations Headquarters, advanced academic research, and mentorship from internationally recognized experts, the fellowship equips government officials and professionals from developing countries with the knowledge and skills needed to strengthen ocean governance and sustainable marine policy. If your work focuses on marine affairs, maritime law, fisheries, or coastal management, this fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to build expertise while contributing to the future of global ocean governance.