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Applications are now open for the United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea 2027. This fully funded United Nations fellowship is designed for mid-level government officials and professionals from developing countries who work in ocean affairs, marine science, maritime policy, and related fields. The programme provides advanced training at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, followed by academic research at a leading international host institution.
The fellowship lasts for nine months and combines professional training with academic research. Participants receive financial support that includes international travel, a monthly stipend, medical insurance, and research placement at one of the participating host institutions.
Fellows are expected to return to their home countries after completing the programme and contribute to national ocean governance and the implementation of international maritime law. If you are looking for a fully funded United Nations opportunity in 2027, this fellowship offers valuable international experience and professional development.
WhatsApp ChannelOverview of the United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2027
- Host Organization: United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) and the Nippon Foundation
- Programme: United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UNNF OALOS)
- Programme Duration: 9 Months
- Training Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York, USA
- Research Location: Participating international host institutions
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Eligible Applicants: Mid-level professionals from developing countries
- Application Deadline: 13 September 2026
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Financial Benefits
The United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship provides comprehensive financial support to selected participants. Benefits include:
- International round-trip airfare
- Monthly living stipend
- Medical insurance during the fellowship
- Research placement at a participating host institution
- Advanced training at the United Nations Headquarters in New York
- Academic supervision by subject experts
- International networking opportunities
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Fellowship Structure
The fellowship is divided into two phases.
Phase One
The first phase consists of a three-month training programme at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Duration: 24 March to 30 June 2027
Participants receive intensive training on:
- Ocean affairs
- International law of the sea
- Ocean governance
- Marine policy
- Sustainable development
- United Nations processes
Phase Two
The second phase is a six-month academic research placement at one of the participating host institutions.
Duration: 1 July to 17 December 2027
Each Fellow conducts independent research under the supervision of an academic expert.
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Fellowship Deliverables
During the programme, Fellows are required to complete:
- A 100-page research thesis
- A research presentation
- An Ocean Governance Matrix
- Additional assignments during the United Nations training programme
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Eligible Research Areas
Applicants working in the following fields are encouraged to apply:
- Ocean governance
- Law of the Sea
- Marine science
- Maritime policy
- Maritime boundary delimitation
- Coastal zone management
- Marine environmental protection
- Fisheries and marine living resources
- Maritime transport and shipping
- Maritime security
- Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water)
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the fellowship, applicants must:
- Be between 25 and 45 years of age
- Hold at least a first university degree or equivalent qualification
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct advanced academic research
- Be a national of a developing country
- Work as a mid-level government official or professional dealing directly with ocean affairs, marine science, maritime policy, or related areas
- Have a strong command of spoken and written English
- Be available throughout the entire fellowship period
- Submit a research proposal that supports national ocean affairs or maritime policy development
The programme encourages applications from women and aims to maintain geographical diversity among participants.
Required Documents
Applicants need to prepare the following documents:
- Completed Personal History and Proposed Research/Study Programme Form
- Nomination Form signed and stamped by the nominating authority
- Valid passport copy
- Supporting documents requested in the online application system
How to Apply for the United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2027
Applicants must complete the application through Indico.UN online platform.
Application Process
- Download and complete the Personal History and Proposed Research/Study Programme Form.
- Obtain the required nomination form signed and stamped by the nominating authority.
- Prepare a copy of your valid passport.
- Upload all required documents to the Indico.UN platform.
- Review your application carefully before submitting it.
- Submit your application before 13 September 2026.
Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 13 September 2026
- Award Results: Mid-December 2026
- Programme Start: 24 March 2027
- Programme End: 17 December 2027
Why Apply?
The United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship offers professionals from developing countries an opportunity to strengthen their expertise in ocean governance and international maritime law. Through training at the United Nations Headquarters and research at internationally recognized institutions, Fellows gain practical knowledge, international exposure, and professional experience that can support the development of ocean policies and marine governance in their home countries.
