The United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2026 is now accepting applications, and it is an excellent opportunity for mid-level professionals from developing nations who are interested in ocean affairs and maritime law.
This could be a turning point in your career if you work in maritime policy, maritime law, or environmental control.
Keep reading to learn more about the eligibility requirements, benefits and mode of application for the 2026 The United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship..
Quick Summary of 2026 The United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship
| Company/Host | United Nations |
| Category | Internships/Grant/Scholarship |
| Host Country: | United States of America |
| Eligible Country | Developing Countries |
| Benefits | Full Sponsorship | Monthly Stipend | Book Allowance | Air Ticket | Accommodation |
| Required documents | Completed application form | Research and study plan | Nomination and recommendation form | Copy of passport | Online form submission |
| End Date: | September 15, 2025 |
What is the United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship?
A fellowship that is fully sponsored for nine months and focuses on ocean affairs, marine research, and the law of the sea. It is intended for professionals at the mid-level, particularly government officials, who are affiliated with poor countries.
For the purpose of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14 and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the goal is to increase capability.
Objectives of the United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship
Through the United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship, government officials and other mid-level professionals from developing states are given the opportunity to receive advanced training in ocean affairs and the law of the sea, in addition to training in allied fields such as marine science, in order to enhance management frameworks.
As part of their fellowship, participants will acquire knowledge on international legal frameworks, significant issues, and best practices in maritime affairs. Additionally, they will become familiar with the activities of the United Nations and strengthen their professional abilities.
In addition, fellows will be responsible for conducting independent research while being supervised by academics and developing a written thesis on a subject that they have chosen.
After the Fellowship has been completed, it is expected that the Fellows will return to their home countries and use their extensive experience and in-depth knowledge to assist in the formulation of comprehensive ocean policy and in the implementation of the legal regime outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and related instruments.
This will include the responsibility of designing, developing, and implementing maritime policies.
Fellowship structure, curriculum and deliverables
The 9-month Fellowship Programme is divided into two consecutive periods that give Fellows with advanced and customised research and training opportunities in their chosen subjects.
- Phase One: Three months of research and training, usually between March/April and June at DOALOS at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
- Phase Two: 6-month Advanced Academic Research and Study, typically conducted between July and December at one of the prestigious participating Host Institutions and under the supervision of subject matter expert(s) with recognised in-depth competence in the Fellows’ selected field of study.
The Fellowship Programme’s deliverables are:
- A 100-page written thesis.
- A presentation on the research
- An Ocean Governance Matrix
In addition, a number of assignments will be done in conjunction with the training material taught throughout the program’s first phase.
Call for Applications
Application period now open; call issued 6 July 2025
Deadline: Documented as either 14 or 15 September 2025
Application process and eligibility criteria
- Candidates seeking to be considered for a Fellowship grant must meet all of the following criteria:
- You must be between the ages of 25 to 45.
- You must have successfully earned a first university degree and exhibit the capacity to conduct independent advanced academic research and study.
- You must be a mid-level professional from a developing State’s national government organ or another governmental or non-governmental agency dealing directly with ocean affairs issues, and your professional position must allow you to directly assist your country in the formulation and/or implementation of policy in this area. This comprises maritime sciences and the science-policy relationship. Your “Nomination and Recommendation Form” should be completed by a Government official or other official who can attest to the nature of your work in relation to the Government’s ocean affairs and law of the sea-related activities, and indicate how an Award would directly contribute to these activities.
- Your suggested research and study program must directly contribute to your country’s design and/or execution of ocean affairs and law of the sea policies and programs; and
- Unless otherwise specified by the Division, you must be free of any non-Fellowship obligations for the duration of the Fellowship.
Funding & Benefits
Fully covered, including:
- Round-trip airfare
- Monthly stipend
- Visa fees, medical insurance, and local transportation
- Accommodation
- Some sources mention a book allowance (~USD 100/month)
Required documents
- Completed application form
- Research and study plan
- Nomination and recommendation form
- Copy of passport
- Online form submission
How to Apply for the 2026 The United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship
Submit your application via the UN Ocean Capacity website by clicking on the application link below:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and final results will be posted by December 2025
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