United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea 2027

Benefits & funding

• A monthly stipend is paid throughout both phases; the rate varies by location and follows applicable United Nations rates.
• Economy-class travel is provided from the Fellow’s home country to New York, onward to the second-phase host institution, and back home.
• Medical coverage is provided during the Fellowship, subject to the insurer’s terms and limits.
• A US$100 monthly book allowance is provided during the six-month second phase, for US$600 in total.
• Fellows arrange their own housing and visas; the stipend is intended to cover lodging, meals, visa fees, local transport, and other basic costs.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be 25 to 45 years old.
• Applicants must be nationals of developing States.
• Applicants must hold at least a first university degree or an equivalent qualification and be able to undertake advanced academic research.
• Applicants must be mid-level government officials or other mid-level professionals working directly on ocean affairs and/or the law of the sea, including relevant marine science and policy fields.
• The proposed research must directly support the applicant’s State in formulating or implementing ocean affairs and law of the sea policies or programmes.
• Applicants need a strong command of spoken and written English and must participate in person. Research may be completed in English or French when the host institution can supervise in French.
• Applicants must be free of non-Fellowship obligations for the full nine-month period unless the Division authorizes otherwise.

Application process

1. 1
   Create or use an Indico.UN account and open the 2027 UNNF OALOS registration form.
2. 2
   Complete and sign the Personal History and Proposed Research/Study Programme form.
3. 3
   Obtain a completed, signed, and officially stamped Nomination Form from the nominating authority.
4. 4
   Upload both forms and a copy of a valid national passport, complete every online section, and submit by 13 September 2026.

Program timeline

1. Application deadline

   Sep 13, 2026

2. Award results expected

   Mid-December 2026

3. Fellowship and Phase One begin at UN Headquarters in New York

   Mar 24, 2027

4. Phase One ends

   Jun 30, 2027

5. Phase Two research placement begins

   Jul 1, 2027

6. Fellowship ends

   Dec 17, 2027