EU4Ocean Summer School 2026 in Italy | Funded Ocean Literacy Program
Program: EU4Ocean Summer School 2026
Location: Milazzo, Italy
Duration: 5 Days
Dates: 14–18 September 2026
Deadline: 27 April 2026, 23:59 CET
Eligibility: Students and early-career professionals up to 35 years old
The EU4Ocean Summer School 2026 is a funded international training opportunity focused on ocean literacy, collaboration, and the sustainable blue economy. Organized by UNESCO-IOC in collaboration with the European Commission-DG MARE under the EU4Ocean Coalition framework, the programme will bring selected young participants to Milazzo, Italy for an intensive five-day learning experience.
Program Overview
EU4Ocean Summer School 2026 is designed as an immersive programme for young people interested in ocean affairs and collaborative project work. Public references to the 2026 call describe it as a five-day event that will gather 25 young leaders to explore how ocean-related projects can support a sustainable economy in a coastal city.
The 2026 call focuses on ocean literacy and collaboration in the Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea context. It also builds on the established EU4Ocean Summer School model, which develops skills in communication, storytelling, collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and ocean-related project design.
What EU4Ocean Summer School 2026 Offers
✓ No registration fee
✓ Accommodation for the programme duration
✓ Meals during the programme
✓ Five UNESCO scholarships to cover round-trip travel costs
✓ Interdisciplinary training with EU and UNESCO experts
✓ Networking with peers and policy experts
✓ Hands-on field experience in Milazzo
✓ Completion certificate
Eligibility
• Students and early-career professionals up to 35 years old
• Applicants from EU and non-EU countries
• Graduate students at Master’s or PhD level, as well as early-career professionals
• Applicants from all academic and professional backgrounds
• Strong spoken and written English
• Interest in the sustainable blue economy
Public references also note that preference is given to individuals based in the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions.
Main Topics
The published references to the 2026 call highlight the following focus areas:
• Ocean Literacy
• Policy Advocacy
• Empathy
• Sustainable Ocean Tourism
• Science Communication
Learning Outcomes
The programme is presented as a space where participants can strengthen collaboration skills for ocean-related work. It also aims to help participants understand the objectives and actions of the EU4Ocean Coalition and learn how to scale their efforts within the wider UN Ocean Decade framework.
In addition, the programme framework highlights communication in transdisciplinary and multicultural environments, work on local issues, and engagement with local institutions and stakeholders.
Also Check: Summer School in Digital Human Rights 2026 in Sweden
Application Process
The application process is online. Interested applicants need to complete the official online application form linked in the call.
The published references do not provide a separate document list in accessible text, so it is better not to add unsupported document requirements here.
Selection Process
Public references state that 25 young leaders will be selected for the 2026 edition. They also note that the programme is intended for an international group, with geographic preference given to applicants connected to the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions.
Deadline
The deadline shown in public references to the 2026 application is 27 April 2026 at 23:59 CET.
