United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea 2027

Overview

The United Nations – Nippon Foundation Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea Fellowship (OALOS) is a fully funded nine-month program designed for government officials and mid-level professionals from developing states. The fellowship aims to provide advanced training on ocean affairs and the law of the sea, encompassing related disciplines such as marine science in support of management frameworks. Participants will gain comprehensive knowledge of international legal frameworks, critical issues, and best practices in ocean affairs. Fellows will also familiarize themselves with the work of the United Nations and enhance their professional skills through a structured program. A significant component of the fellowship involves conducting individual research under academic supervision, culminating in a written thesis on a self-selected topic. This research phase allows fellows to delve deeply into specific areas of interest within ocean affairs. Upon successful completion of the fellowship, participants are expected to return to their home countries. There, they will apply their in-depth knowledge and expanded experience to contribute to the formulation of comprehensive ocean policies and the implementation of the legal regime established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and related instruments. This includes designing, implementing, and/or evaluating specific improvement projects to address ocean-related challenges.

Prizes

Key dates

• Application DeadlineSeptember 13, 2026
• Phase One: Training Programme at OLA/DOALOS, UN Headquarters, New YorkMarch 24, 2027 to June 30, 2027
• Phase Two: Research Placement at Academic Host InstitutionJuly 1, 2027 to December 17, 2027

Eligibility

Applicants must be between 25 and 45 years of age and hold at least a first university degree or an equivalent qualification. They must demonstrate the ability to undertake advanced academic research and study. Eligible candidates must be nationals of a developing State and be mid-level government officials or mid-level professionals working directly on ocean affairs and/or the law of the sea. This includes work on implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (especially SDG 14), maritime zones and boundary delimitation, national/regional ocean policy, coastal zone management, conservation of marine living resources, maritime transport/shipping, maritime security, marine environment protection, and marine science. A strong command of spoken and written English is required, as all Fellowship activities are conducted in English and require in-person participation. Training materials in French and Spanish are available upon request, subject to availability. The research project may be undertaken in English or French, provided the Host Institution offers supervision in the chosen language.

How to enter

1. Download, complete, and sign the '2027 UNNF OALOS Application Form – Personal History and Proposed Research/Study Programme'. Ensure all fields are filled electronically and an electronic or handwritten signature is applied. Pay particular attention to sections 16, 17, and 18.
2. Complete the '2027 UNNF OALOS Fellowship Nomination Form', ensuring it is signed and stamped by the nominating authority.
3. Have a copy of your valid national passport ready for upload.
4. Access the Indico.UN online Personal History and Proposed Research/Study Programme Application Form.
5. Upload the completed Application Form, Nomination Form, and a copy of your national passport in either Word or PDF format to the Indico.UN Platform.

Sponsors & partners

Resources

• Indico.UN online Personal History and Proposed Research/Study Programme Application Form
• 2027 UNNF OALOS Application Form – Personal History and Proposed Research/Study Programme
• 2027 UNNF OALOS Fellowship Nomination Form
• UNNF OALOS Fellowship Official Page