Are you a mid-level professional from a developing nation passionate about shaping the future of ocean governance? Imagine spending nine months immersed in advanced training at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, followed by cutting-edge research at a world-class institution. The 2026 United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea offers a fully funded opportunity to do just that, empowering you to drive sustainable ocean policies and contribute to global goals like SDG-14. With a generous stipend, travel support, and access to elite academic networks, this prestigious fellowship is your chance to make waves in fields like maritime law, marine conservation, and coastal management.
In an era where oceans face unprecedented challenges—overfishing, climate change, and maritime disputes—professionals skilled in ocean affairs are in high demand. This fellowship is tailored for ambitious individuals from developing states, especially in Africa, who are ready to elevate their expertise and influence national policies. Whether you’re a government official or a marine science professional, this program equips you with the tools to implement the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and advance sustainable development. Keep reading to uncover eligibility details, funding benefits, application tips like “fully funded fellowships” and “ocean governance scholarships.”
Why the UN-Nippon Foundation Fellowship? A Premier Opportunity for Ocean Experts
The United Nations, in partnership with The Nippon Foundation, has been transforming lives since 2004, training over 300 professionals from developing countries. This fully funded fellowship is not just about education—it’s about building capacity to address critical ocean issues, from maritime boundary disputes to marine biodiversity conservation. Fellows gain hands-on experience at the UN, learn international legal frameworks, and conduct research that directly impacts their home countries’ ocean policies.
Why is this a game-changer? You’ll work alongside global experts, network with ocean professionals worldwide, and develop a thesis under top-tier academic supervision. Whether your focus is maritime security, sustainable fisheries, or marine environmental protection, this program positions you as a leader in high-demand fields. For African professionals, it’s a golden opportunity to access international scholarships for marine science and contribute to regional priorities like coastal zone management or SDG-14 implementation.
Program Structure: A 9-Month Journey to Expertise
The fellowship is a 9-month adventure split into two dynamic phases:
- Phase One (March–June 2026): Spend three months at the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (OLA/DOALOS) in New York. Dive into intensive training on international legal frameworks, UN operations, and best practices in ocean governance. Expect assignments that hone your professional skills.
- Phase Two (July–December 2026): Conduct six months of advanced academic research at a prestigious host institution (e.g., in the USA, Europe, Australia, or Asia) tailored to your research topic. You’ll work under expert supervision to produce a thesis that directly supports your nation’s ocean policies.
This structure ensures you gain both practical UN experience and deep academic insights, making you a versatile leader in fields like maritime transport, marine sciences, or regional ocean policy.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria for Aspiring Fellows
This fellowship targets mid-level professionals from developing states with a passion for ocean affairs. To qualify, you must meet these criteria:
- Age: Be between 25 and 45 years old.
- Education: Hold a first university degree (e.g., bachelor’s or equivalent) and demonstrate the ability to undertake advanced academic research.
- Professional Role: Be a mid-level government official or professional directly engaged in ocean affairs or the law of the sea. Relevant fields include:
- Implementation of UNCLOS and related instruments
- Sustainable development of oceans (e.g., SDG-14)
- Maritime zone establishment or boundary delimitation
- Coastal zone management
- Conservation of marine living resources
- Maritime transport, shipping, or security
- Marine environmental protection or marine sciences
- Nationality: Be from a developing state (e.g., African nations, SIDS, or LLDCs).
- Research Impact: Propose a research program that directly contributes to your nation’s ocean affairs or law of the sea policies.
- Availability: Be free of non-fellowship obligations during the entire 9-month period (unless authorized by OLA/DOALOS).
- Gender and Diversity: Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply to support AAUW’s commitment to 50/50 gender balance. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.
Pro Tip: Highlight your role in national ocean policy or SDG-14 initiatives in your application to stand out. For example, if you’ve worked on marine conservation in Nigeria or maritime security in Kenya, weave that into your narrative.
Benefits: What’s Included in This Fully Funded Fellowship?
The UN-Nippon Foundation Fellowship is designed to remove financial barriers, letting you focus on growth. Here’s what you get:
- Monthly Stipend: A generous allowance to cover lodging, meals, and local transport in New York and your Phase Two host country. The stipend starts when you leave your home country and ends upon completion (including up to two days of travel).
- Travel Support: A return economy-class air ticket from your home country to New York and your host institution.
- Book Allowance: $100/month during Phase Two ($600 total) for research materials, paid as a lump sum or monthly with your stipend.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage through Cigna for general medical and hospital treatments (specialized services excluded).
- Global Exposure: Access to UN networks, academic experts, and a vibrant alumni community of over 300 fellows.
- Career Boost: A prestigious credential that opens doors to high-paying roles in government, NGOs, or international organizations.
Note: Fellows are responsible for securing accommodations in New York and at host institutions, though some hosts may assist with arrangements. This package rivals top-tier international fellowships for professionals.
How to Apply: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Success
Ready to apply? The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Follow these steps to submit a winning application by September 14, 2025:
- Download Forms: Visit the UNNF Fellowship website (https://www.un.org/oceancapacity/UNNF) and download:
- Personal History and Proposed Research/Study Programme Form
- Nomination and Recommendation Form (to be completed by a government official or authority attesting to your work)
- Complete Forms Electronically: Fill out all fields in sentence case (e.g., John Smith, not JOHN SMITH). Add your electronic or handwritten signature and save as Word or PDF.
- Include Passport Copy: Attach a copy of your national passport’s biodata page.
- Submit Online and via Email:
- Complete the online form: https://forms.office.com/e/wj5pijFijj
- Email all documents (forms + passport copy) to [email protected] with the subject “2026 UNNF Fellowship Application.”
- Craft a Compelling Research Proposal: Your proposed research must align with your nation’s ocean policy needs (e.g., marine biodiversity protection in Ghana or maritime boundary delimitation in Mauritius). Be specific and impactful.
- Get Nominated: Ensure your Nomination Form is signed by an official who can verify your role in ocean affairs and the fellowship’s value to your work.
Deadline: Applications must be received by September 14, 2025. Late or incomplete submissions won’t be considered. Awards will be announced in December 2025 on the UNNF website’s News Section, with successful candidates contacted individually.
Pro Tip: Tailor your application to highlight SDG-14 or UNCLOS implementation. For example, if you’re from a coastal African nation, emphasize how your research could enhance sustainable fisheries or marine protected areas.
Key Dates to Remember
Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
Application Deadline | September 14, 2025 |
Award Notification | December 2025 |
Fellowship Phase One (NY) | Mid-March–June 2026 |
Fellowship Phase Two (Host) | July–December 2026 |
For fellows, the benefits are even greater. Imagine returning to your country with expertise in maritime law or marine conservation, ready to lead projects that secure your nation’s ocean resources. Past fellows have contributed to maritime boundary delineations and sustainable ocean policies, earning global recognition.
Ready to Apply? Take the Next Step!
Don’t miss this chance to join a prestigious cohort of ocean leaders. Visit https://www.un.org/oceancapacity/UNNF to download forms and apply today. Share this with colleagues in government or marine sciences to spread the word about this transformative opportunity. For more high-value scholarships and fellowships, subscribe to our newsletter and stay ahead of the curve.
