, f you are a mid-level government official or professional from a developing country working in ocean affairs, marine science, or the law of the sea, the United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2027 could be the next step in your career. This fully funded nine-month fellowship is jointly organized by the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs – Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (OLA/DOALOS) and The Nippon Foundation. It combines advanced training at the United Nations Headquarters in New York with research at a leading academic institution. Along with world-class learning, you will receive a monthly stipend, international travel support, and health insurance throughout the programme.

What This Opportunity Offers

The United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship is to strengthen the knowledge and leadership skills of professionals working in ocean governance and marine policy. Over nine months, you will gain practical experience, conduct independent research, and build connections with international experts in ocean affairs. The fellowship begins with three months of specialized training at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, followed by six months of research at a participating academic host institution. Throughout the programme, fellows receive a monthly stipend to cover accommodation, meals, and daily living expenses, along with international travel and comprehensive health insurance. The training focuses on supporting the effective implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and promoting sustainable ocean governance worldwide.

The fellowship focuses on ocean affairs, the law of the sea, and related disciplines that contribute to sustainable marine governance. You may explore areas connected with the following according to your interests: 

• Ocean governance and international maritime law.
• Implementation of UNCLOS.
• Marine science and ocean policy.
• Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water).
• Marine resource management and environmental protection.

Who Can Apply for United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2027?

UNNF Fellowship 2027 is open to professionals who are actively contributing to ocean-related policy, management, or research in developing countries. Applicants must be between 25 and 45 years of age, hold at least a first university degree or equivalent, and demonstrate the ability to undertake advanced academic research. You must be a national of a developing State and currently work as a mid-level government official or professional in ocean affairs, marine science, or the law of the sea. As the programme is entirely in English, you should have strong written and spoken English skills. You should also be available to participate in person throughout the full fellowship period. Research topics may include ocean governance, international maritime law, implementation of UNCLOS, marine science, ocean policy, Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), marine resource management, and environmental protection.

How to Apply for United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2027?

You must submit applications online through Indico.UN platform. To begin, create or sign in to your Indico.UN account, complete the online fellowship application, and upload all required supporting documents before the closing date. The application deadline is 13 September 2026. Successful applicants will be informed individually, while the list of selected fellows and reserve candidates is expected to be published in mid-December 2026. The fellowship will run in two phases. Phase One takes place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 24 March to 30 June 2027, followed by Phase Two, where fellows undertake research at a participating academic host institution from 1 July to 17 December 2027. Preparing your research proposal and supporting documents early will help you submit a strong application.

Key Details at a Glance

Particular	Information
Fellowship	United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship
Organizers	UN Office of Legal Affairs (OLA/DOALOS) & The Nippon Foundation
Programme Duration	9 months
Phase One	United Nations Headquarters, New York (24 March–30 June 2027)
Phase Two	Academic Host Institution (1 July–17 December 2027)
Target Applicants	Mid-level government officials and professionals from developing States
Fields	Ocean Affairs, Law of the Sea, Marine Science
Financial Support	Monthly stipend, travel, and health insurance
Application Deadline	13 September 2026
Result Announcement	Mid-December 2026

If you are committed to advancing ocean governance, marine policy, or the law of the sea in your country, the United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2027 offers world-class training, international research opportunities, and comprehensive financial support. The application deadline is 13 September 2026, so begin preparing your application now. Visit the official fellowship page for complete details and application guidance.

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