Ocean Futures Fellowship 2027–2028 | Paid Remote International Fellowship by OceanX and IIE

The Ocean Futures Fellowship 2027–2028 is an international professional development opportunity offered by OceanX in partnership with the Institute of International Education (IIE). This 12-month fellowship aims to develop the next generation of ocean professionals, innovators, storytellers, and sustainability leaders.

The program provides selected fellows with practical experience, professional training, mentorship, educational projects, and opportunities to collaborate with OceanX’s international network. Participants will work remotely from their home countries while contributing to projects focused on ocean conservation, marine science, technology, communication, and sustainable ocean development.

The fellowship is aligned with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.

International applicants, including candidates from Nepal, are welcome to apply.

Fellowship Details

• Program Name: Ocean Futures Fellowship 2027–2028
• Organizers: OceanX and Institute of International Education (IIE)
• Location: Remote – Worldwide
• Duration: 12 Months
• Start Date: February or April 2027, depending on the fellowship track
• Eligible Applicants: International professionals
• Minimum Age: 21 Years
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree
• Funding: Monthly Stipend
• Application Opens: October 19, 2026
• Application Deadline: November 17, 2026
• Official Website: https://www.iie.org/programs/oceanfuturesfellowship/

Benefits of the Ocean Futures Fellowship

Selected fellows will receive several professional and financial benefits throughout the 12-month program.

Financial Benefits

• Monthly Stipend: Selected fellows receive a monthly stipend to support their participation in the fellowship.
• Technology Support: A technology stipend may be available for selected fellows on a case-by-case basis to support remote working requirements.
• Remote Participation: Fellows can participate from their home countries without relocating to another country.

Professional Development Benefits

• One-to-one mentorship from experienced professionals through the OceanX Changemakers Community.
• Specialized training and educational projects.
• Practical experience working with international teams.
• Opportunities to develop a professional portfolio and complete a capstone project.
• Access to OceanX’s international network and professional connections.
• Potential opportunities to travel aboard the OceanXplorer research vessel or attend an OceanX Summit.

Important: The fellowship is paid through a monthly stipend, but the exact stipend amount is not specified on the official announcement. It does not include separate allowances for housing, relocation, transportation, dependents, or other personal expenses. The opportunity to travel aboard OceanXplorer or attend an OceanX Summit is not guaranteed.

Available Fellowship Positions

The Ocean Futures Fellowship offers five specialized tracks for candidates with different professional interests and academic backgrounds.

1. AI Fellow

Start Date: April 2027

The AI Fellow will collaborate with OceanX teams working in data, science, education, and communications to explore how artificial intelligence can support ocean research, scientific discovery, and conservation storytelling.

Key areas of focus include:

• Multimodal AI model development.
• Machine learning and scientific AI research.
• Dataset development, cleaning, and preparation.
• AI model training and evaluation.
• Applying AI to ocean imagery, acoustic data, and seafloor mapping.
• Collaboration with scientists, engineers, and expedition teams.

This position is suitable for applicants interested in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and applying emerging technologies to environmental challenges.

2. Digital Asset & Archives Fellow

Start Date: February 15, 2027

The Digital Asset & Archives Fellow will work alongside OceanX’s media, science, and production teams to organize and improve access to its growing digital media archive.

Key areas of focus include:

• Digital asset management and archiving.
• Organizing photographs, videos, audio, and documents.
• Metadata management and cataloging.
• Digital content organization and preservation.
• Media operations and archival documentation.

This track is suitable for candidates interested in digital archives, information management, media operations, and documentation.

3. Immersive Media Fellow

Start Date: February 15, 2027

The Immersive Media Fellow will explore how emerging technologies can make ocean exploration and marine education more engaging and accessible.

Key areas of focus include:

• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR).
• Interactive educational experiences.
• Game design and digital storytelling.
• UX/UI design and prototyping.
• AI-powered content development.
• Ocean literacy and public engagement.

Applicants with backgrounds in ocean science, conservation, media, communications, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply.

4. Marketing and Communications Fellow

Start Date: Early April 2027

The Marketing and Communications Fellow will collaborate with OceanX teams to plan and execute communication campaigns that promote ocean science, conservation, and public awareness.

Key areas of focus include:

• Strategic communication and marketing.
• Digital content creation.
• Social media and campaign development.
• Storytelling and audience engagement.
• Communication strategy and brand development.
• AI-supported communication workflows.

This track is suitable for applicants with backgrounds in communications, journalism, marketing, media, ocean science, or related fields.

5. Partnerships Fellow

Start Date: February 15, 2027

The Partnerships Fellow will work with OceanX’s partnerships team to develop professional skills in fundraising, relationship management, and international collaboration.

Key areas of focus include:

• Partnership development and fundraising research.
• Donor and grant opportunity research.
• Proposal and presentation development.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM).
• Partner engagement and communication.
• Event coordination and stakeholder management.

Applicants with backgrounds in sustainable finance, public policy, science, nonprofit management, media, communications, or business-related disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Ocean Futures Fellowship 2027–2028, applicants must:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution before the fellowship begins.
• Demonstrate full professional proficiency in English (C2 level or equivalent).
• Have practical knowledge of and interest in AI literacy and the responsible application of emerging technologies.
• Be able to commit fully to the 12-month fellowship.
• Demonstrate an interest in ocean sustainability, conservation, innovation, or related areas.
• Be available for scheduled training, mentorship sessions, and capstone project activities.

Additional Academic Requirements

Applicants for the Immersive Media and Marketing Communications tracks should have a degree related to ocean science, ocean conservation, media, communications, or another relevant discipline.

Applicants for the Partnerships track should have a degree related to sustainable finance, policy, science, nonprofit management, media, communications, or business-related fields.

Applicants must be able to participate in scheduled activities during Singapore business hours. Certain tracks also offer flexibility to collaborate during New York business hours.

Important: Full-time students and individuals currently working in full-time employment opportunities are not eligible. The fellowship is expected to be the participant’s primary professional and learning commitment for the entire 12 months.

Required Application Documents

Applicants should prepare the following materials:

• Updated CV or résumé.
• Short essay responses.
• A short video explaining qualifications and motivation for joining the fellowship.
• Links to relevant sample projects, if available.
• English proficiency score, if applicable.

The CV link and video response link are required. Sample project and English test links are optional.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official Ocean Futures Fellowship website.
2. Review the five available fellowship tracks and select the one that matches your qualifications.
3. Prepare your updated CV or résumé.
4. Record a short video explaining your background, experience, and motivation.
5. Complete the online application form and answer the required essay questions.
6. Provide the required CV and video links.
7. Submit the application before the deadline.

Applicants should carefully review their responses before submission because applications cannot be updated after final submission.

Application Timeline

• October 19, 2026: Applications open.
• November 17, 2026: Application deadline.
• Early to Mid-December 2026: Applicant interviews.
• Late December 2026 – Early January 2027: Fellowship award announcements.
• February 15, 2027: Digital Asset & Archives, Immersive Media, and Partnerships fellowships begin.
• Early April 2027: AI and Marketing Communications fellowships begin.

Why Apply?

The Ocean Futures Fellowship offers an excellent opportunity for early-career professionals to develop specialized skills, gain international exposure, and contribute to ocean sustainability initiatives. With remote participation, a monthly stipend, professional mentorship, and hands-on project experience, the program provides an opportunity to build a meaningful career at the intersection of ocean science, technology, innovation, and global sustainability.