UN DESA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF PORTUGAL
UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship
full · masters, phd
- Fully fundedTravel, stay, participation
- ~€3,000-€5,000 (est.)In-kind value per fellow
- 5-day programmeDuration
- Held in PortugalLocation
- SDG 14 focusLife Below Water
- Nomination onlyApplication route
At a glance
full
Funding
€5k
Max amount
Jul 15, 2026
Deadline
Developing countries
Country
UN DESA and the Government of Portugal
Provider
The UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship is a fully funded training programme jointly run by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the Government of Portugal. It is an intensive 5-day course, held in Portugal across roughly 20 to 24 October in the most recent cycle, with the equivalent dates expected in October 2026. The fellowship is built for senior officials and decision-makers from developing countries, including Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries, who work on ocean policy, marine governance, and blue-economy strategy. The curriculum covers sustainable ocean governance, marine conservation, international maritime law, continental-shelf regimes, and blue-economy strategy, delivered through expert-led sessions, policy simulations, and case studies. It supports Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) by building a network of ocean-governance leaders. Funding covers travel, accommodation, and all participation costs, an in-kind value estimated at roughly 3,000 to 5,000 EUR (est.) per fellow. Candidates cannot apply directly: nominations must come from UN Member States via an official Note Verbale plus a completed nomination form. The recent deadline fell on 15 July; the 2026 equivalent is expected in mid-July. Confirm the exact 2026 dates, eligibility, and nomination process on the official UN ocean-capacity page before applying.
What's covered
- Travel costs — Fully funded international travel to and from Portugal for selected fellows.
- Accommodation — Lodging in Portugal for the duration of the 5-day fellowship is covered by the organisers.
- Participation costs — All programme participation fees are covered, with the combined travel, accommodation, and participation package valued at roughly ~€3,000 to €5,000 (est.) per fellow.
- Expert-led training — High-level sessions led by global experts on ocean policy, maritime law, and the blue economy.
- Global network access — Membership of a worldwide network of Ocean Governance Fellows for ongoing collaboration.
- Career development — Exposure to real-world policy models and decision-making tools that advance careers in international marine policy.
How to apply
Nominations are submitted by UN Member States through their Permanent Missions to the United Nations, not by individuals.
- Secure a government nomination — Work with your country's Permanent Mission to the United Nations to be put forward as a national candidate.
- Prepare the Note Verbale — The Permanent Mission must issue an official Note Verbale nominating the candidate.
- Complete the nomination form — A completed nomination form must accompany the Note Verbale for each candidate.
- Submit the nomination — Send all materials to desa-ocean-fellowships@un.org, copying oceanfellowship@mne.pt, before the published deadline. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
Eligibility
PositionA senior decision-making role in ocean policy or marine governance, typically a head or deputy head of a national ocean agency, or an ambassador.
Track recordA proven record in ocean governance and related policymaking, with a commitment to continued public-sector service.
LanguageFull English proficiency, as the entire programme is delivered in English.
Country eligibilityDrawn from developing countries, with a focus on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Women and Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged. Individuals cannot self-nominate — only nominations submitted by UN Member States through official channels are considered.
Eligible countries
Developing countries, Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
Deadlines
2026 fellowship cohort~15 July 2026 (est.)
Selection
Candidates are evaluated on the seniority and relevance of their ocean-policy role, their track record in governance, and their commitment to continued public-sector service. Geographic representation across developing countries, SIDS, and LDCs is prioritised, and nominations of women and Indigenous candidates are particularly encouraged. Only complete nominations from UN Member States advance.
Verified sources
- UN Ocean Capacity — UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowshipun.orgofficial
- UN DESA Ocean Conference and SDG 14 resourcessdgs.un.orgofficial
About the provider
The UN-Portugal Ocean Fellowship is jointly organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the Government of Portugal to strengthen ocean-governance capacity in developing countries in support of Sustainable Development Goal 14.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who can apply for this fellowship?
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Senior government officials from developing countries — including SIDS and LDCs — who currently work in ocean-related policymaking or governance. They must be nominated by their government.
Is the programme conducted in English?
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Yes. The entire fellowship is delivered in English, so English proficiency is mandatory.
What does 'fully funded' mean here?
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All travel, accommodation, and participation costs are covered by the organisers — an in-kind package estimated at roughly 3,000 to 5,000 EUR (est.) per fellow.
Can individuals apply directly?
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No. Only nominations submitted by UN Member States through their Permanent Missions are considered.
Are women encouraged to apply?
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Yes. Nominations of women and Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to ensure inclusive representation.
When does the fellowship take place?
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It runs over five days in Portugal, with the recent cycle held around 20-24 October; the 2026 dates are expected in mid- to late October.
Where is the fellowship held?
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The training takes place in Portugal.
How long is the programme?
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It is an intensive 5-day fellowship.
What topics does the training cover?
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Sustainable ocean governance, marine conservation, the blue economy, and continental-shelf regimes and maritime law.
Which Sustainable Development Goal does it support?
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It supports SDG 14 (Life Below Water), aiming to protect ocean resources and build resilient marine economies.
What is the application deadline?
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The recent deadline was 15 July; the 2026 equivalent is expected in mid-July. Confirm the exact date on the official UN page.
Where do nominations get sent?
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Nominations go to desa-ocean-fellowships@un.org with a copy to oceanfellowship@mne.pt.