United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea 2026
A fully funded 9-month fellowship for mid-career professionals from developing countries, offering advanced training at UN Headquarters in New York and research at a global host institution to strengthen national capacity in ocean governance and UNCLOS implementation.
🔍 Quick Snapshot
- Provider: United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) & The Nippon Foundation
- Opportunity Type: Fully Funded Fellowship (Training + Research)
- Funding: Fully funded – airfare, stipend, insurance, and research support
- Deadline: 14 September 2025
- Eligibility: Citizens of developing States, including Malaysia
- Duration: 9 months (March – December 2026)
- Phases: 3 months in New York, 6 months at a host institution
🌍 About the Fellowship
The UN–Nippon Foundation Fellowship is a capacity-building program that equips mid-career professionals from developing countries with advanced knowledge in ocean affairs and the law of the sea. Fellows spend three months in intensive training at UN Headquarters, followed by six months of academic research at an internationally recognized host institution. The fellowship is designed to enhance participants’ ability to contribute to national and regional ocean policy, UNCLOS implementation, and SDG-14.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
- Age 25–45 at the start of the fellowship
- Citizen of a developing State (including Malaysia)
- Mid-level professional or government official directly involved in ocean affairs, maritime policy, or UNCLOS implementation
- At least a first university degree and capacity for advanced academic research
- No conflicting commitments during the 9-month program
🎁 Fellowship Benefits
- Fully funded travel, accommodation, and living expenses
- Monthly stipend based on UN rates in host country
- Medical insurance for the duration of the fellowship
- Book allowance (~USD 100/month)
- Advanced training at UN Headquarters and academic research under expert mentorship
- Networking with global experts in ocean governance
📝 How to Apply
- Visit the UN DOALOS Fellowship Application Page
- Download and complete the required forms (Personal History, Research Proposal, Nomination & Recommendation Form)
- Attach supporting documents including passport copy
- Submit application via email to doalos@un.org and complete the online form
- Ensure submission by 14 September 2025
- Await notification by December 2025
📅 Program Timeline
- Application Deadline: 14 September 2025
- Training Phase (New York): March – June 2026
- Research Phase (Host Institution): July – December 2026
- Award Notification: By December 2025
🌊 Ready to Advance Ocean Governance?
Apply for the UN–Nippon Foundation Fellowship and gain world-class training and research experience to shape the future of our oceans.
Apply via UN DOALOSQuestions? Email doalos@un.org
Curated by Growth Forum Malaysia — connecting professionals to global opportunities.
Source: un.org
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