United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2027
The United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2027 is a nine-month, in-person programme for mid-level professionals from developing States working directly on ocean affairs or the law of the sea. The programme combines training at United Nations Headquarters in New York with academic research at a participating host institution. Applications close on 13 September 2026.
Quick Overview
Programme: United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea
Opportunity Type: Professional and research fellowship
Organizer: United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea
Programme Format: In-person training and academic research
Duration: Nine months
Programme Dates: 24 March–17 December 2027
Eligibility: Mid-level professionals from developing States
Deadline: 13 September 2026
About the United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2027
The fellowship is designed for government officials and other mid-level professionals working directly on ocean affairs or the law of the sea.
The programme covers areas connected to ocean governance, marine policy, maritime affairs and related fields. Applicants must propose an advanced research or study project relevant to their professional work.
Programme Structure
The United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship consists of two consecutive phases.
Phase One: United Nations Training
• Duration: Three months
• Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York
• Dates: 24 March–30 June 2027
Participants complete a training programme with the Office of Legal Affairs and the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea.
Phase Two: Academic Research Placement
• Duration: Six months
• Location: A participating academic host institution
• Dates: 1 July–17 December 2027
The host institution is selected according to its expertise in the fellow’s proposed research area.
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Be between 25 and 45 years old.
• Hold at least a first university degree or an equivalent qualification.
• Demonstrate the ability to undertake advanced academic research and study.
• Be a national of a developing State.
• Be a mid-level government official or mid-level professional.
• Work directly on ocean affairs, the law of the sea or a related field.
• Have a strong command of spoken and written English.
• Be available for in-person participation in all fellowship activities.
Relevant professional areas may include:
• Implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and related instruments
• Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 14
• Maritime zones and maritime boundary delimitation
• National and regional ocean policy
• Coastal zone management
• Conservation and sustainable management of marine living resources
• Maritime transport and shipping
• Maritime security
• Protection and preservation of the marine environment
• Marine science and related fields
All fellowship activities are conducted in English. Applicants may undertake their research project in English or French when the selected host institution can provide supervision in that language.
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Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and upload three documents:
• A completed and signed 2027 UNNF OALOS Fellowship Application Form covering personal history and the proposed research or study programme
• A completed nomination form signed and officially stamped by the nominating authority
• A copy of a valid national passport
Applicants must complete the application form electronically, answer every question clearly and sign the document. The completed documents should be uploaded in Word or PDF format through the Indico.UN platform.
Nomination Requirement
The nomination form must be completed, signed and stamped by the relevant nominating authority.
Applicants should secure this nomination before completing the online submission because the nomination form is one of the three mandatory documents required through the application portal.
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Application Process
Applicants should complete the following steps:
• Confirm that they meet all eligibility requirements.
• Download and complete the official personal history and research or study programme form.
• Complete all sections of the form electronically.
• Sign and save the completed application form.
• Obtain the completed, signed and stamped nomination form.
• Prepare a copy of a valid national passport.
• Create or access an account on the Indico.UN platform.
• Open the registration section of the fellowship application portal.
• Complete the online application and upload all three required documents.
• Submit the application before the deadline.
Incomplete applications and applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Selection Results
The fellowship award results are expected to be published in the News section of the United Nations Ocean Capacity website by mid-December 2026.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2027 is:
13 September 2026
All application sections and required documents must be submitted through the official portal by the stated deadline.
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
Apply for the United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2027
