Deadline: September 14, 2025
Description
The United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship is a prestigious and comprehensive 9-month programme designed to provide advanced training to government officials and mid-level professionals from developing States. The fellowship focuses on ocean affairs and the law of the sea, including related disciplines like marine science that support management frameworks. The programme is structured in two consecutive phases to offer a blend of practical training and deep academic research.
The first phase involves a 3-month research and training period at the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Here, fellows gain an in-depth understanding of the legal regime established by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), attend lectures by experts, observe intergovernmental meetings, and develop professional skills in negotiation, presentation, and report writing. The second phase is a 6-month period of advanced academic research undertaken at one of the programme’s renowned host institutions worldwide. Under the guidance of an academic supervisor, fellows conduct individualized research and produce a substantive written thesis of at least 100 pages on a topic of their choice that is relevant to their nation’s ocean policy needs.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this fellowship, candidates must meet all of the following criteria. They must be between the ages of 25 and 40. They must have successfully completed a first university degree and demonstrate a clear capacity to undertake independent advanced academic research and study. Crucially, applicants must be mid-level professionals from a national government organ of a developing State, or another governmental or non-governmental agency in such a State, which deals directly with ocean affairs issues. Their professional position must allow them to directly assist their nation in the formulation and/or implementation of policy in this area. The proposed research must contribute to this goal. Candidates must also be free of all non-fellowship obligations during the entire fellowship period. A nomination from a government official who can attest to the nature of the applicant’s work is required.
Benefits
The fellowship provides a comprehensive support package for the entire 9-month duration:
- A monthly stipend intended to cover accommodation, meals, and local essentials. The amount is based on established UN rates for the host country.
- Round-trip economy class air travel from the fellow’s home country to New York, from New York to the host institution, and back home.
- A book allowance of US$100 per month during the second academic phase (total $600).
- Medical insurance for the duration of the fellowship.
- A unique opportunity to receive training from UN experts, conduct research at a world-class institution, and become part of a global alumni network.
- The chance to contribute directly to home country policy by developing expertise in ocean governance and the law of the sea.
How to Apply
Applications are only accepted when a specific call for applications is officially open. All applications must be submitted through the online application system. The process requires candidates to complete the official application form and ensure that their Nominating Authority completes and submits the separate “Nomination and Recommendation Form.” It is the candidate’s sole responsibility to ensure that their nominating authority submits this form before the application deadline. Applicants should carefully prepare their research proposal, as it is a core component of the selection process. All instructions and necessary forms are available on the official fellowship application website during open calls.
For more information, visit the official website.
