The United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea is a prestigious and fully funded program jointly organized by the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) and The Nippon Foundation of Japan. Established in 2004, this fellowship aims to build the capacity of government officials and mid-level professionals from developing states to formulate comprehensive ocean governance frameworks in accordance with international law, particularly the United
Get the Youth Opportunities iOS App here for the fully-funded opportunities.
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The fellowship has a dual-phase structure: a three-month advanced academic research and training phase at DOALOS at UN Headquarters in New York, followed by a six-month research phase at a host institution chosen from a global network of academic and research centers specializing in ocean affairs and maritime law. This program offers fellows the opportunity to work closely with global experts, deepen their understanding of international ocean policy, and develop a research project directly relevant to their national or regional interests. Additionally, the program fosters long-term professional networks among fellows and institutions to promote sustainable and legally sound ocean governance worldwide. Administrative support for the fellowship is provided by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), ensuring
Youth Opportunities invites you to join your preferred channel to get the latest updates directly to your messenger inbox.
- Youth Opportunities: https://m.me/j/AbZTmgEzD1UchDte/
2. Fully Funded Conferences: https://m.me/j/AbZTfhFTiPCnXf2D/
3. Full Scholarships: https://m.me/j/AbbrjbkOMM6I68Cs/
4. Paid Internships/Jobs: https://m.me/j/AbaAskb6jFFnRser/
5. Circle: https://m.me/j/AbY0vVKSPJULUnE4/
smooth execution and coordination. Over the years, the program has trained hundreds of professionals who have gone on to become key policymakers, negotiators, and advocates for sustainable ocean management in their home countries. The fellowship reflects the shared commitment of the United Nations and The Nippon Foundation to strengthen the rule of law in ocean affairs, advance sustainable development goals, and empower developing nations to better manage and protect their marine resources. It continues to serve as a model for international cooperation and capacity-building in the maritime domain.
Benefits
Eligibilities
- Must be between the ages of 25 and 45;
- Must have successfully completed a first-level university degree or equivalent;
- Demonstrate an ability to undertake advanced academic research and studies;
- Be from a developing State;
- Be a mid-level government official or mid-level professional dealing directly with ocean affairs and/or the law of the sea such as, but not limited to, the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and related instruments, and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG-14, including in relation to the establishment of maritime zones and the delimitation of maritime boundaries, sustainable development of oceans and seas, national and/or regional ocean policy, coastal zone management, conservation and management of marine living resources, maritime transport and shipping, maritime security, the protection and preservation of the marine environment, and marine sciences.
- Must be free of all non-Fellowship obligations during this entire period unless otherwise authorized by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs.
Application Process
- Download the official application form and fill in all required details online
- Ensure the form includes either an electronic or handwritten signature
- Use the “Save” option to preserve your changes and save the file in Word or PDF format
- Email the completed and signed application form, along with a copy of your passport, to DOALOS at [email protected]
- Refer to the provided link for information about the participating Host Institutions during the second phase of the fellowship
- Applicants must commit to returning to their home country after completing the program to contribute to national capacity-building
- Final results will be announced in December 2025 on the official United Nations website
Application Deadline: September 14, 2025 (51 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
