Applications are now open for the 2027 session of the United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UNNF OALOS Fellowship).
The fellowship is offered by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs (OLA/DOALOS). It is designed for mid-level government officials and other mid-level professionals from developing States who work directly in ocean affairs, the law of the sea, marine science, or related areas.
The program provides funded advanced training designed to strengthen participants’ knowledge and skills in ocean affairs and the law of the sea. Fellows will also develop expertise that can support their countries in implementing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and related international instruments.
For the 2027 session, 14 fellowships will be offered. The application deadline is 13 September 2026.
UNNF OALOS Fellowship 2027 – Quick Details
About the UN Nippon Foundation Fellowship
The UNNF OALOS Fellowship provides advanced training to professionals whose work is directly connected to ocean affairs and/or the law of the sea.
The program is intended to help participants gain the knowledge and practical skills required to support their respective States in implementing the legal framework established by UNCLOS and other related instruments.
The fellowship also supports broader efforts to develop comprehensive ocean management regimes, including those connected to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Since 2004, the United Nations–Nippon Foundation Capacity-Building Programmes have trained more than 350 individuals, demonstrating the long-running nature of the capacity-building initiative.
Fellowship Structure
The UNNF OALOS Fellowship is a nine-month program divided into two phases.
Phase One – United Nations Headquarters, New York
The first phase is a three-month training program with OLA/DOALOS at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Dates: 24 March to 30 June 2027
During this phase, fellows undertake specialized training related to ocean affairs and the law of the sea.
Phase Two – Academic Host Institution
The second phase is a six-month research stay at an academic Host Institution participating in the UNNF Programmes.
Dates: 1 July to 17 December 2027
The Host Institution is selected according to its expertise in the fellow’s research area, allowing participants to undertake advanced research in their chosen field.
Areas of Work and Research
The fellowship is intended for professionals working directly in areas related to ocean affairs, the law of the sea, and marine science.
Relevant areas may include:
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the UNNF OALOS Fellowship 2027, applicants must meet the required eligibility conditions.
Applicants must:
The fellowship specifically targets professionals whose responsibilities are connected to areas such as UNCLOS implementation, maritime boundaries, ocean policy, marine resources, maritime security, marine environmental protection, and related fields.
English Language Requirement
A strong command of spoken and written English is required because the training activities are delivered in English.
Training materials in French and Spanish may be available upon request, subject to availability.
The thesis may be completed in English or French, provided that the selected Host Institution can provide supervision in the chosen language.
Is the Fellowship Online?
No.
The UNNF OALOS Fellowship is offered exclusively in person. Selected participants are expected to attend all fellowship activities on site.
This means applicants should be prepared to spend the required periods in New York and at the selected academic Host Institution.
Who Should Apply?
This fellowship is particularly suitable for professionals who already have experience and responsibilities in ocean-related fields.
Potential applicants include:
The fellowship is aimed at mid-level professionals, rather than applicants seeking their first professional experience.
Financial Support
The UNNF OALOS Fellowship provides funded support to selected participants. The official fellowship website contains the detailed fellowship conditions and financial support arrangements.
Applicants should review the official fellowship information carefully to understand the specific coverage and conditions applicable to the 2027 session.
Number of Fellowships Available
A total of 14 fellowships will be offered for the 2027 session.
The program also aims to promote gender balance and geographical diversity among participants.
Female applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply for the UNNF OALOS Fellowship 2027
Applications must be submitted electronically through the Indico.UN platform.
Step 1: Create an Indico.UN Account
Applicants must create an account on Indico.UN or log in if they already have an existing account.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
Fill out the fellowship application form with accurate personal, professional, academic, and research information.
Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents
Upload all required supporting documents through the online application platform.
Make sure the documents are complete and meet the application instructions.
Step 4: Review Your Application
Before submitting, carefully check that all required sections and documents have been completed.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
Only completed applications submitted through Indico.UN will be processed.
Applications or supporting documents sent by email will not be accepted.
Applicants are encouraged to submit early to avoid technical problems near the deadline.
Important Application Information
The application deadline is:
13 September 2026
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
After submitting the application, applicants should receive an automatic confirmation email through the system.
Successful applicants will be contacted individually. According to the provided information, a list of Awardees and Reserves will be posted on the fellowship website by mid-December 2026.
Why Apply for the UNNF OALOS Fellowship?
The fellowship provides an opportunity for experienced professionals from developing States to gain advanced knowledge in ocean affairs and the law of the sea.
Key advantages include:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UNNF OALOS Fellowship?
It is a United Nations–Nippon Foundation fellowship providing advanced training in ocean affairs, the law of the sea, and related disciplines for eligible professionals from developing States.
How long is the fellowship?
The fellowship lasts nine months and consists of a three-month training phase followed by a six-month research stay.
Where does the first phase take place?
Phase One takes place at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 24 March to 30 June 2027.
Where does Phase Two take place?
Phase Two takes place at an academic Host Institution participating in the UNNF Programmes from 1 July to 17 December 2027.
How many fellowships are available?
14 fellowships will be offered for the 2027 session.
What is the age requirement?
Applicants must be between 25 and 45 years old.
Can applicants from developed countries apply?
The eligibility criteria specify that applicants must be from a developing State.
Do I need a university degree?
Yes. Applicants must possess at least a first university degree or equivalent.
Is English required?
Yes. Applicants must have a strong command of spoken and written English because the training activities are conducted in English.
Can I complete the fellowship online?
No. The fellowship is offered exclusively in person, and participants are expected to attend activities on site.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline for the 2027 session is 13 September 2026.
Final Thoughts
The United Nations–Nippon Foundation Fellowship on Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea 2027 is a specialized opportunity for mid-level professionals from developing States working in ocean affairs, maritime issues, marine science, environmental protection, and the law of the sea.
The nine-month structure combines training at UN Headquarters in New York with an extended research period at an academic Host Institution. This makes the fellowship particularly relevant for professionals who want to strengthen their expertise in UNCLOS, ocean governance, marine policy, and sustainable ocean management.
With 14 fellowships available, eligible professionals should carefully review the official requirements and prepare their applications well before the 13 September 2026 deadline.
Official Fellowship Website
UNNF OALOS Fellowship – Official United Nations Website
Application Platform
Applications are submitted electronically through the Indico.UN platform as specified in the fellowship application instructions.
