United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship offers a fully funded 9-month training and research opportunity in ocean affairs and the law of the sea. Designed for mid-level professionals and government officials from developing states, the fellowship provides advanced knowledge, research guidance, and exposure to United Nations systems, with the goal of empowering fellows to help shape ocean governance and policy in their home countries.
This highly competitive program includes intensive research and training phases held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and at leading academic institutions worldwide. Fellows also receive a generous stipend, travel support, and living arrangements to ensure full participation without financial barriers.
Fellowship Benefits
The United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded opportunity that provides comprehensive financial and academic support to all selected Fellows. Benefits include:
- Full financial coverage: This includes economy-class round-trip airfare between the Fellow’s home country, New York, and their chosen host institution.
- Monthly stipend: Fellows receive a monthly allowance throughout the 9-month fellowship to cover accommodation, meals, transport, and other living expenses.
- Medical insurance: Comprehensive health insurance is provided for the entire duration of the fellowship.
- Academic supervision and mentorship: Fellows benefit from close supervision by subject-matter experts during both the training phase at the UN Headquarters and the research phase at a host institution.
- Access to UN and academic resources: Participants receive full access to research materials, libraries, UN archives, and professional development tools.
- Conference and networking opportunities: Fellows engage with international experts, attend high-level events, and build a global professional network.
- Research output and recognition: Fellows will complete a minimum 100-page research thesis, present their work at the UN, and contribute to the development of ocean governance frameworks in their home countries.
Fellowship Structure
The Fellowship consists of two integrated phases over a 9-month period:
- Phase 1 (3 months): Research and training at the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS), United Nations Headquarters, New York.
- Phase 2 (6 months): Advanced academic research under the supervision of an expert at a host institution.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the UN – Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2026, applicants must:
- Be between 25 and 45 years of age
- Hold a first-level university degree or its equivalent
- Be a mid-level professional from a developing state government or institution dealing directly with ocean affairs, maritime law, or marine science
- Be able to undertake advanced academic research and demonstrate a clear connection between their work and the fellowship objectives
- Be available for full-time commitment throughout the entire 9-month period
- Submit a complete application with official nomination and recommendation
Application Process
To apply for the United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2026, candidates must complete the following steps:
- Download and complete the application form available on the official United Nations website for the Fellowship.
- Obtain official endorsement from a government entity, competent national authority, or relevant institution supporting the candidate’s participation and confirming their qualifications.
- Prepare a detailed research proposal that aligns with the programme’s thematic focus on ocean affairs and the law of the sea, particularly relating to the sustainable development of marine resources.
- Submit the completed application package (including all required documents) via email to doalos@un.org by the specified deadline.
- Await notification: All applications are reviewed by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS). Selected candidates will be contacted directly.
From Our Channel
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents as part of their application for the United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2026:
- Completed Application Form: Accurately filled out and signed by the applicant.
- Research Proposal: A clear and concise outline (maximum 1,000 words) detailing the proposed research topic, its relevance to ocean affairs and the law of the sea, and how it aligns with the sustainable development of marine resources.
- Personal Statement: Explaining the applicant’s background, career goals, and how the Fellowship will support their professional development.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including academic qualifications, professional experience, and publications (if any).
- Official Endorsement Letter: From the applicant’s government or nominating institution confirming support for the application and attesting to the applicant’s qualifications and commitment.
- Academic Transcripts and Diplomas: Certified copies of university-level education credentials.
- Proof of Language Proficiency: If English is not the applicant’s first language, a valid English language proficiency certificate may be required.
Selection Process
The selection process for the United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2026 involves the following key stages:
- Initial Screening: All submitted applications are reviewed to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and include all required documentation.
- Evaluation of Research Proposals: Proposals are assessed based on clarity, relevance to ocean affairs and the law of the sea, feasibility, and potential impact on sustainable marine governance.
- Assessment of Candidate Potential: The selection committee evaluates the academic background, professional experience, and motivation of each applicant to determine their potential for leadership and policy influence in the marine sector.
- Geographical and Gender Balance Consideration: The United Nations strives to maintain balanced representation across regions and genders in the selection of Fellows.
- Final Decision: Successful candidates are selected by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) in consultation with the Nippon Foundation. Finalists will be contacted directly by the UN Secretariat.
Fellowship Duration
The United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2026 runs for a total of nine months. It is divided into two distinct phases: a three-month research and training phase at the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, followed by a six-month advanced academic research phase hosted at one of the participating academic institutions around the world.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2026 is 15 September 2025.
