United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)

Are you passionate about ocean affairs, marine science, or the law of the sea? The United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for professionals from developing countries to deepen their knowledge and contribute to sustainable ocean governance. Over nine months, selected fellows will receive in-depth training at the UN Headquarters in New York and pursue academic research at a top university or institution abroad. This program is designed to empower future ocean leaders with the tools, expertise, and international network needed to protect our planet’s most vital resource.

Eligibility

• The applicant must be between the ages of 25 to 40.

• The following individuals can apply:

  • Who has completed their first university degree

  • Government officials

  • Mid-level professionals from government or non-government agencies.

• You must be a mid-level professional 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, and your professional position must allow you to directly assist your nation in the formulation and/or implementation of policy in this area. This includes marine sciences and the science-policy linkage. Your "Nomination and Recommendation Form" should be completed by a Government official or other official who can attest to the nature of your work with respect to the Government's ocean affairs and law of the sea related activities, and indicate how an Award would directly contribute to these activities;

• Your proposed research and study programme must contribute directly to your nation's formulation and/or implementation of ocean affairs and law of the sea policies and programmes; and

• You must be free of all non-Fellowship obligations during the entire Fellowship period unless otherwise authorized by the Division.

Program Date and Structure

• Deadline of Application: September 14, 2025

• Duration of Fellowship: 9 months

The 9-month Fellowship Programme is composed of two consecutive phases which provide Fellows with advanced and customized research and training opportunities in their chose fields:

• Phase One: 3-month Research and Training, which is normally undertaken between March/April and June at DOALOS at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

• Phase Two: 6-month Advanced Academic Research and Study, which is normally undertaken between July and December at one of the prestigious participating Host Institutions and under the guidance of subject matter expert(s) who have recognized in-depth expertise in the Fellows' chosen field of study.

More about the reporting requirements: https://www.un.org/oceancapacity/sites/www.un.org.oceancapacity/files/reporting_requirements.pdf 

List of host institutions: https://www.un.org/oceancapacity/content/host-institutions 

Program Benefits

• A monthly stipend is given to the fellows by the host organization.

• Local transport or mobility costs are covered.

• The stipend rates for each country are different and the UN stipend rates for each country.

• A return economy air ticket is given by the host organization.

• Medical insurance will be covered by the host organization.

• A book allowance of $100/month will be given to the fellows.

Deliverables of the UN Nippon Foundation Fellowship

These are the things you’ll be required to complete during the program:

1.  A 100-page written thesis
   – A detailed research paper on your chosen topic related to ocean affairs or law of the sea, developed during your 6-month academic phase.
2. A presentation of the research
   – You will give a formal presentation (likely at the UN or host institution) explaining your research findings, goals, and relevance.
3. An ocean governance matrix
   – A structured tool or chart that outlines how ocean-related governance works in your country or region (e.g., which institutions are involved, laws, responsibilities, etc.).
4. Additional assignments during Phase 1 (UNHQ, New York)
   – While you're in New York, you’ll complete smaller assignments or tasks as part of the structured training curriculum (e.g., policy analysis, short papers, exercises).

Application Process

• The applicants have to fill out the online application form.

• The application must be typewritten and or word-processed.

• The applicants must answer all the questions completely and clearly.

• Special attention must be paid to sections 18,19,20,21, and 23 of the application.

• The applicant must provide a correct personal history.

• A proposed research and study program plan must be given.

• The application form must be signed or attested by the nominating authority or officer in charge (a nomination and recommendation form from them).

• Submit the signed form through email directly at doalos@un.org