Apply for the United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2027 in USA (Fully Funded) - a nine-month advanced training and research programme on ocean affairs and the law of the sea. Hosted by the UN Office of Legal Affairs / Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (OLA/DOALOS). Applications close on 13 September 2026.
The 2027 United Nations - Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UNNF OALOS) is built for mid-level government officials and professionals from developing States who work directly on ocean policy, UNCLOS implementation, or related marine-science and management frameworks.
Fellows spend three months at United Nations Headquarters in New York, then six months at a participating academic host institution. The programme combines funded training, supervised research, and professional skill-building - then expects Fellows to return home and apply that capacity to national ocean policy.
Quick Facts - UN Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme name | UNNF Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UNNF OALOS) |
| Host | UN OLA / DOALOS |
| Phase 1 location | United Nations Headquarters, New York, USA |
| Phase 2 location | Participating academic host institution |
| Duration | 9 months |
| Phase 1 dates | 24 March - 30 June 2027 |
| Phase 2 dates | 1 July - 17 December 2027 |
| Funding | Fully funded (stipend, travel, insurance, and related fellowship support) |
| Eligible applicants | Mid-level professionals from developing States (ages 25 - 45) |
| Language | English (research may be English or French if host allows) |
| Application deadline | 13 September 2026 |
| Apply via | Indico.UN |
Programme Structure
- Phase One (3 months): Research and training at DOALOS, UN Headquarters, New York (24 March - 30 June 2027).
- Phase Two (6 months): Advanced academic research at a host institution matched to your topic (1 July - 17 December 2027).
Core deliverables typically include a substantial written thesis, a research presentation, an ocean governance matrix, and curriculum assignments from Phase One.
What Fellows Gain
- Advanced training on UNCLOS and related ocean-affairs instruments
- Direct exposure to the work of the United Nations in New York
- Supervised research at a recognised host institution
- Professional skills for designing and evaluating ocean-policy projects
- Fully funded fellowship conditions (stipend, airfare, medical insurance, and related support - confirm current details on the official Fellowship Conditions page)
Who Can Apply
- Age 25 - 45
- First university degree completed, with capacity for independent advanced research
- Mid-level professional from a developing-State government or related governmental/non-governmental agency working directly on ocean affairs / law of the sea (including marine science and science - policy linkages)
- Proposed research must support national ocean-affairs or law-of-the-sea policy
- Able to be free of non-fellowship obligations for the full nine months (unless authorised)
- Strong spoken and written English
A Nomination and Recommendation Form from an official who can attest to your ocean-affairs role is required. Female candidates are strongly encouraged. The programme aims for gender balance and geographical diversity.
How to Apply
- Read the official call on un.org/oceancapacity (Apply Now).
- Create or log into an Indico.UN account.
- Complete the online application and upload required documents before 13 September 2026.
- Ensure your nominating authority completes the recommendation materials.
- Await confirmation email after submission. Award results are expected by mid-December 2026.
Application Tips
- Show a clear link between your current job and national ocean-policy impact.
- Propose a research topic that is specific, feasible in nine months, and useful at home.
- Confirm English readiness for in-person New York training.
- Submit early - incomplete nomination packages are a common weak point.
Official Links
Apply on Indico.UN - 2027 UNNF Fellowship
Programme overview: UNNF Fellowship (DOALOS)
Apply guidance: Apply Now - deadline 13 September 2026
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FAQs - United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2027
Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes. Fellows receive funded support covering key costs such as stipend, travel, and medical insurance. Always verify the latest Fellowship Conditions on the official UN page.
Where does the programme take place?
Phase One is at UN Headquarters in New York, USA. Phase Two is at a participating academic host institution selected for your research area.
How long is the fellowship?
Nine months in total: three months in New York and six months at the host institution (24 March - 17 December 2027 for the 2027 session).
Who is eligible?
Mid-level professionals aged 25 - 45 from developing States who work directly on ocean affairs or the law of the sea, with a first university degree and English proficiency.
