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

Overview

The United Nations – Nippon Foundation Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea Fellowship (OALOS) provides an intensive nine-month program designed for government officials and mid-level professionals from developing States. This fellowship aims to equip participants with advanced knowledge and skills in ocean affairs, the law of the sea, and related disciplines, including marine science in support of management frameworks. The program focuses on international legal frameworks, key issues, and best practices in ocean governance, while also familiarizing Fellows with the work of the United Nations. Participants will engage in a structured learning experience that combines theoretical training with practical research. The fellowship is divided into two phases: a three-month training program at OLA/DOALOS, United Nations Headquarters in New York, followed by a six-month research placement at a specialized academic Host Institution. During the research phase, Fellows will conduct individual research under academic supervision and develop a written thesis on a topic of their choice. Upon successful completion of the fellowship, participants are expected to leverage their enhanced knowledge and experience to contribute significantly to ocean policy formulation in their home countries. This includes assisting in the implementation of the legal regime established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and related instruments, and designing, implementing, or evaluating specific improvement projects related to ocean affairs.

Prizes

Key dates

• Application DeadlineSeptember 13, 2026
• Phase One (Training at UN Headquarters, New York)March 24 to June 30, 2027
• Phase Two (Research placement at Host Institution)July 1 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 a mid-level government official or mid-level professional working directly on ocean affairs and/or the law of the sea. This includes work on topics such as the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and related instruments, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (particularly SDG 14), maritime zones and 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, and marine science and related fields. 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 may be available upon request. The research project can be undertaken in English or French if the Host Institution can provide supervision in that language.

How to enter

1. Download, complete, and sign the 2027 UNNF OALOS Application Form – Personal History and Proposed Research/Study Programme. Fill in all fields electronically and apply an electronic or handwritten signature, then save the changes.
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.
4. Upload all three completed documents (Personal History Form, Nomination Form, and passport copy) in either Word or PDF format to the Indico.UN online Personal History and Proposed Research/Study Programme Application Form.

Sponsors & partners

Resources

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